Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is a New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation-operated park located in Oyster Bay, New York, United States. The park was established in 1913 by William Robertson Coe and his wife, Mai Rogers Coe, who were inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the New York Botanical Garden. The Coes were avid collectors of rare plants and worked with notable landscape architects, including Guy Lowell and Beatrix Farrand, to design the park's gardens and grounds. The park is also home to the Coe Hall, a Tudor Revival-style mansion that was designed by Guy Lowell and features English Renaissance-style gardens.

● History

The history of the park dates back to 1913, when William Robertson Coe and his wife, Mai Rogers Coe, purchased the Planting Fields estate from William Farrington, a member of the Farrington family, who were descendants of Thomas Jefferson. The Coes were influenced by the Arboretum National des Barres in France and the Huntington Library in California, and they worked with landscape architects such as Beatrix Farrand and Guy Lowell to create a unique and diverse collection of plant species. The park's design was also influenced by the Garden City movement, which was popularized by Ebenezer Howard and Frederick Law Olmsted. In 1949, the Coes donated the estate to the State of New York, which established the park as a New York State Historic Site.

● Geography

The park is situated on a glacial moraine in Oyster Bay, New York, and features a diverse range of geological formations, including outcroppings of bedrock and glacial erratics. The park's terrain is characterized by rolling hills, wooded valleys, and meadows, which provide a unique and varied landscape for the park's gardens and collections. The park is also home to several water features, including ponds, lakes, and streams, which are fed by groundwater and surface water from the surrounding area. The park's geography is similar to that of the Adirondack Park and the Catskill Mountains, which are also located in New York State.

● Gardens and Collections

The park features a wide range of gardens and collections, including the Sensory Garden, the Heather Garden, and the Dahlia Garden, which were designed by landscape architects such as Beatrix Farrand and Guy Lowell. The park is also home to a diverse collection of plant species, including trees, shrubs, and perennials, which are representative of the flora of North America and the flora of Europe. The park's collections are similar to those found at the New York Botanical Garden and the United States National Arboretum, which are also dedicated to the conservation and study of plant species. The park's gardens and collections are also influenced by the Royal Horticultural Society and the American Horticultural Society.

● Historic Mansions and Buildings

The park is home to several historic mansions and buildings, including Coe Hall, which was designed by Guy Lowell in the Tudor Revival style. The mansion features English Renaissance-style gardens and a collection of antique furniture and artwork. The park is also home to the Main Greenhouse, which was designed by Lord & Burnham and features a collection of tropical plants and orchids. The park's historic buildings are similar to those found at the Biltmore Estate and the Hearst Castle, which are also examples of historic house museums.

● Recreation and Activities

The park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking, which can be enjoyed on the park's trails and in its meadows and woodlands. The park also features several playgrounds and sports fields, which are available for use by the public. The park's recreational activities are similar to those found at the Central Park and the Prospect Park, which are also located in New York City. The park also hosts several events and programs throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and educational programs, which are sponsored by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Friends of Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park.

● Conservation and Management

The park is managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which is responsible for the conservation and management of the park's natural and cultural resources. The park is also home to a nursery and a greenhouse, which are used to propagate and cultivate plant species for use in the park's gardens and collections. The park's conservation efforts are similar to those found at the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service, which are also dedicated to the conservation and management of natural resources. The park is also a member of the American Public Gardens Association and the International Council on Monuments and Sites, which are organizations dedicated to the conservation and management of cultural heritage and natural resources.