Destination for Garden Lovers

The Planting Fields Arboretum is the ideal location for horticulturalist, gardeners, and those who love exploring the outdoors. It is located in Oyster Bay and is a former Gold Coast estate. There are 409 acres of gardens, lawns, paths, and plant collections. The original building included 65 rooms and was in the Tudor Revival style. Visitors are welcome to tour the mansion, Coe Hall, through spring, summer and fall. As one of the premier arboretum's in New York, Planting Fields features an interesting history. The location is considered an ideal destination for wedding photography, outdoor concerts, and various events.

The estate is the former home of William Robertson Coe and Standard Oil heiress Mai Rogers Coe. Coe Hall is still filled with many of the original furnishings and artwork from the Coe Family. The mansion features a fully restored Louis XVI Reception Room. There is a $6 fee to park on the grounds of Planting Fields from May through October, as well as on the weekends during the other months. There are numerous tour options available including a self-guided Coe Hall tour. Visitors can access the first floor only on the self-guided tour. The cost is $3.50 for non-members, and a discount for children under 12 and members of Planting Fields. The Upstairs and Downstairs Tours of Coe Hall are offered daily during the spring and summer months, twice a day. The fee is $3.50 for non-members. Groups are welcome to tour the house and gardens by appointment. Tours also include the Main Greenhouse where blooming orchids, palms, cacti, begonias, ferns, and hibiscus will excite plant lovers. The Camellia Greenhouse features the largest collection of camellias located in the northeastern part of the country. These bloom from December through March. The Visitors Center is open daily during the spring and summer seasons.

The Garden Library is one of the locations most popular attractions. It is situated next to the Hay Barn complex and it serves as a resource to those who study or have an interest in horticulture. There are educational programs as well, and they are offered to the public for children and families, or to school groups. Programs include Tremendous Trees, Playing with Plants, Sensational Seeds, Falling into Leaves Garden Walk and Radiant Rainforests.

The Garden Gift Shop features a variety of gifts and items to commemorate your visit to the arboretum. You can purchase jewelry, books, decorative items, toys and garden accessories. The Garden Cafy is open during the spring and summer seasons and is located inside of the Hay Barn. Food is catered by Periwinkles and features salads, soups, sandwiches and a variety of homemade treats.

There are numerous events held throughout the year at Planting Fields including family breakfast events, lectures, seminars, a concert series, wedding shows and demonstrations, and storytelling. More than just a place to look at and learn about plants, the arboretum has managed to grow a strong social and cultural calendar.

For a delightful afternoon in the garden or a colorful, fun way to welcome spring, visit the Planting Field Arboretum State Historic Park. This Oyster Bay destination is filled with history and nature.