Spring pleasures around Long Island

(Page 2 of 4)
“Visiting the Gardens in April is a special experience,” said Kish. “The weather is still a little brisk and invigorating during long walks on our many trails. You’ll be able to see the last of the wildflowers and tulips are getting ready to open. “We’re more than happy to welcome everyone here to our many acres of gardens. It’s the perfect venue in which to stretch your legs and take the opportunity to smell the flowers.”
The cherry blossoms will be visible shortly, along with other trees and shrubs that will soon bloom in an array of delicate colors. Visitors can enjoy it all quietly by themselves or on a guided tour. “I think people are itching to get out of the house,” Kish said. “Even though we lost hundreds of trees, all the main areas have been cleaned up.”
For dog lovers, this weekend has a special appeal. The Gardens’ always-popular Dog Days, held Saturday and Sunday, April 13-14, are a time to explore the grounds on an invigorating spring walk, along with your faithful companions. It’s an opportunity visit with other dogs and their owners, during a lively weekend devoted to man’s best friend. The main day, on Saturday, features demonstrations and games. You – and your dog– can watch many adorable dogs and puppies vie for prizes at the Big Apple Sporting Society (BASS) match show for sporting breed dogs. BASS will also be administering AKC Canine Good Citizen tests for which visitors can sign up dogs on-site, and they will offer training tips. Animal welfare and rescue groups also take part, with information and pet-handling advice,
“Take advantage of the fact that except for these special weekends in the fall and spring, dogs aren’t normally permitted on the property,” Kish said. “It’s obviously fun for dog owners to meet fellow dog lovers in a beautiful environment. Even for someone like me, who is not a dog owner, it’s great to see so many two-legged and four-legged visitors having so much fun. And by the following weekend, April 20-21, you should be able to see the tulips and other traditional spring flowers.”
Page 2 / 4