Photo/Article by Barbara Arnstein
Linwood Gardens is a classically, picturesque private estate, in the midst of a beautiful vista, that allows visitors on Open Garden Days. It is well worth visiting because of the large gardens, the meadow, the gates and the buildings on the grounds. The elegance and the serenity to be found there seem to turn visits into trips back to a more gracious and leisurely time and place. This summer, the Open Garden days will be on Saturday, June 29th; Wednesday, July 10th; Saturday, July 27th; Saturday, August 10th; Wednesday, September 11th and possibly an Autumn date. Reservations are required, but once you arrive for your reservation, you may stay as long as you like. Donations of $20 (cash or check) per adult are requested, but no donation is requested for children. No food is sold on the grounds, but you are free to bring your own picnic (without alcohol). Also, no pets are allowed.
On Sunday, July 21st, from 3-4:30pm, the gardens will host a fun performance of Shakespeare’s exciting historical play “Henry the Fifth”, presented by Shake on the Lake. Five actors will perform it, doubling and tripling in roles. In case of bad weather, the show will be moved to a different location. To reserve (free) tickets, go to eventbrite.com/e/henry-v/linwood-gardens-tickets. One of the group’s many other ninety-minute performances of the play this summer will be in Springville on Friday, July 18th, from 6:30-8pm, on Depot Street. All the shows will begin with live, pre-show music. If you go, bring a lawn chair or a blanket. In case of rain in Springville, the play will be moved to the Springville Center for the Arts at 37 North Buffalo Street.
Every year, in the Spring, Linwood Gardens has a Tree Peony festival, when its many peonies are in bloom. The curled petals and the multitude of colors of the peonies make them an incredible sight to see. This year the festival (which also featured live dulcimer music, and caterers who were selling cupcakes and cookies) was held on five days in May, and two in June.
Linwood Gardens is located at 1912 York Road in West Linwood, NY. Linwood, NY is northeast of Warsaw and Wyoming County, NY. For Villager readers, the drive there is well over an hour, but the splendor of its gardens is well worth the trip. For more information, go to linwoodgardens.org/open-garden-days.