Innisfree Garden Video
Dutchess County Gem Brings Art and Nature Together
Innisfree Garden in Millbrook NY Brings Peace and Tranquility
Getting out of my car after heading through Poughkeepsie, Pleasant Valley and Salt Point on Route 44, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As I winded down the road leading into Innisfree Garden in Millbrook NY, I was aware that my path into the woods had really begun. Given mental images of beautiful landscapes and far eastern landscape design, a friend of mine recently told me, “There is this beautiful place that would be perfect for one of your Relaxin’ segments.” He was right! Innisfree Garden has been recognized as one of the world’s ten best gardens, and today I was going to gaze upon … well, I wasn’t sure but was soon to find out.
Given mental images of beautiful landscapes and far eastern landscape design, a friend of mine recently told me, “There is this beautiful place that would be perfect for one of your Relaxin’ segments.” He was right!
Getting Started With the Tour
Begin the walk from the visitor location, where you pay your admission fee of $10 for the General Public ($5 for seniors, and children 4-12). Just a note, Innisfree Garden is open five days a week starting in May, Wednesday through Sunday, and holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. Guests are asked to exit by closing time, and expect to take about 90 minutes to tour the location, and even longer (like myself) if you keep diving into the many sights to behold. It is an outdoor hike, so I brought the proper footwear, and though there are paths, they aren’t paved and exploring the Garden can require some additional physical exertion. For up to date details on hours, times and special events, visit the Innisfree Garden Visitor Info Page
Innisfree Highlights:
History:
Walter and Marion Beck enjoyed a country residence in Millbrook, NY in the early 1920s, and Walter, who was heavily influenced by Asian art, wanted to give that esthetic to his garden area. Continuing to find inspiration in that design, they were joined by Lester Collins in the late 1930s to collaborate on transforming the initial garden design into a new interpretation from 1,000-year-old Japanese gardening books. Innisfree Garden found its current foundation, a testament to its designers, which has allowed it to flourish and inspire generations today. Learn more of the history of Innisfree Garden and its founders on their website here: Innisfree Garden History
Eastern Design:
Fair warning, my depth of knowledge of Asian artists hasn’t intersected with gardens and paintings, more like animation, movies, and music. This experience, though with Ramblin’ Hudson Valley is allowing me to change that as well. I’ve read about the various garden types and how the designs at times created feelings of being transported by the art and nature to another place. How the balances of not just land and water, but also the sun can transform a single view into a new work of art. The design has allowed the growth to continue, but not at the expense of the balance of nature or its beauty. I have come to appreciate and respect this art form.
The Walk:
I headed toward the sight of Tyrrel Lake and began at the entrance of the Bog Garden, following along as I passed by beautiful Lip Rock Waterfall and the East Rock Garden. Going up the Stones Steps was just one of the deviations I could take, and many of them I did. I could give you every inch of my walk by the Lotus Pool, Tiptoe Rock or even The Point, but instead, check out the video and pictures for just a taste of what you will see. (Psst. And the views from the Channel Crossing and Overlook are gorgeous, too).
Check out the brochure with the site map here: Innisfree Garden Brochure
WOW Factor:
As I get older, I find that my appreciation not just for beautiful things, but also the work and effort that goes into making them becomes much more profound. Innisfree Garden is a place where you can walk and appreciate the artistry, but also can absorb yourself into the landscape. You could enjoy a day on an Adirondack chair, bring a book, or a sketch pad, and become immersed and inspired.
In Closing...
Special thank you to Innisfree Garden for granting me permission to film this episode onsite. Thanks to my friend Bryan for telling me about Innisfree Garden in Millbrook NY in the first place. I strongly recommend anyone who hasn’t been here before and is intrigued by the sights and sounds of what I’ve described, to check it out. For more information visit their website at: Innisfree Garden
