September 2024
By Christabel Vartanian
The Garden Conservancy’s fellows and board members arrived by ferry on September 11, a beautiful September day. They were on a Garden-Study Tour of Watch Hill and Fishers Island and came from over 12 states, including several from California.
Since 1989, the mission of The Garden Conservancy has been to support and champion the preservation, education, and advocacy of private and public gardens throughout the country. They are nationwide and creator of an amazing program: Open Days, Celebrating and sharing America’s gardens. They publish an extraordinary 300-page book of information, organizing scheduled visits in each state to private gardens open to the public on certain days. This Open Days program is only one of many educational forums and events sponsored by the Conservancy; there are many hands-on workshops, preservation work, and Garden Futures Grants, to name a few.
When the 24 Fellows arrived early in the morning, they were whisked away in two vans to visit the Parade Grounds Restoration, a very important environmental project on Fishers Island.
Greeting the visitors was Tom Sargent, President of the Fishers Island Conservancy. He spoke about the process of restoring this large property — managed and funded by the Fishers Island Conservancy for the Town of Southold and the Ferry District — to its original native habitat. He explained the involvement of Doug Tallamy, the nationally known expert in this field. Tom then took the group for a hike through some of the well-mowed paths and pointed out the insects, wildlife, native plant species, and birds that have all increased in numbers and are thriving. The group was enthralled with Tom’s passion and enthusiasm as he answered all their many questions.
The next stop was Wilderness Point, the property of the Dewey family. Chris Dewey opened his home and garden to the group for lovely refreshments and a tour of the property. It was another glimpse of the island’s ocean side and the surrounding landscape’s wildness.
The group was then transported to the furthest point on the east end of the island to view the dramatic views and windswept property of Hanley’s home, “White Caps.” From the castle’s interior and outdoor terraces, the surrounding landscape perfectly syncs with the breathtaking view. The gardens are tucked away throughout the property and are interesting to explore.
Following a luncheon at the Fishers Island Club, the group continued down the island to the Brim’s iconic home, the former Whitney residence. Built in 1948 overlooking Fishers Island Sound, it was designed by “Matty” Matthiessen, whose family has been connected to Fishers for decades. Elena Brim graciously opened their home to help guide the group through the property. The multiple gardens include ornamental pear trees, late-blooming roses, an oriental hosta garden, vegetable gardens, and a charming sandy beach below the residence.
Many on the Garden Conservancy board had never had the opportunity to visit the Armstrong garden. Tom Armstrong was one of the founders of the Garden Conservancy and served as one of its first presidents. The garden was founded on his artistic vision and love of plants and design. His incredible Head Gardener, Michael Simoncini, has worked maintaining the garden for over 40 years. The Armstrong family has generously kept the property open to the island community and gardening groups. Needless to say, the garden was a thrill for this group to visit.
The final visit to the Vartanian property ended the day with walks around the dunes, vistas of Isabella Beach, and a hidden dahlia garden in full bloom. Special thanks go to Paul Tombari for his dalia expertise, George Rivera for his creative work on the property, and Ricardo Hernandez for his ongoing help. At this time, the beginning of the fall season, the landscape of Fishers becomes more serene, softer, and quieter with less color while revealing the infrastructure of the different plantings, rocky terrain, calm seas (or not), and beautiful evening skies. We ended the day with drinks and Fishers Island Oysters.
Many thanks to all the hosts, the assistance of wonderful, knowledgeable friends, and the Fishers Island Ferry crew. We had an exhausting but successful day. Many heartfelt thank you letters have followed from this wonderful group of visiting gardeners.
If you would like more information about The Garden Conservancy based in Garrison, New York, please visit the website Garden Conservancy.org
