Vivian and Ed Merrin
Cortlandt Manor, NY
Water feature, Fruit/vegetables, Rare plants/plant collection, Garden structure/sculpture
The Merrin garden has been featured in several books and magazines; most recently Larry Lederman's Garden Portraits: Experiences of Natural Beauty published in 2020.
In Spring, thousands of Spanish bluebells line the road which is designed to a naturalistic woodland setting. Hundreds of azaleas and mountain laurels line the road and peek in and out of the rest of the gardens. Mixed borders flow in and out of the six- or seven-acre garden, containing native plants as well as many Asian species. These include hundreds of Primula, hundreds of hellebores, magnolias, a beautifully designed succulent garden installed each year, and the Stumpery (what a wonder to come out of Hurricane Sandy). On display around the houses is a collection of tropical plants, all of which are on display during the summer months and kept in four greenhouse structures during winter months. Rare tropical plants, all of which are on display during the summer months, are kept in four greenhouse structures. A dramatic lookout made of glass and wood allows visitors to survey the property and its lake. Lastly, don't forget to stop down in the vegetable garden which becomes more productive every year.
Open Days 2024: Saturday, May 11
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- This garden allows photography