Stepping Out

Spring has sprung

Catch a glimpse of the season around the area

Posted

Despite the lingering chill that Mother Nature insists on sending our way, the signs are everywhere. Welcome the season — and Earth month — at some of the region’s favorite spots, and savor those early spring blooms.

Old Westbury Gardens
Spring has arrived at Old Westbury Gardens, which welcomes visitors this month, weekends only, for that first look at some seasonal color. The renowned estate embarks on another year with a busy schedule of programs and activities, ready to delight everyone with the glorious gardens and related events.
The first signs of the season are beginning to burst forth. “It appears that the warmer weather may be finally arriving,” says said Old Westbury Gardens’ spokesman Vincent Kish.

“It’s time to stretch those legs with a long, healthy walk on our 200 acres of wooded trails and wide open spaces.”
Kish encourages visitors not wait until summer to explore the Gardens, noting that the April to early June period has much to offer. “It’s especially beautiful in mid to late spring when there are so many things blooming,” he says.”
“Clearly, visitors like to come here in mid-spring when the temps really start to warm up and more and more gardens are in bloom. But there is actually quite a bit going on here in April. Snowdrops, chionodoxa, and other wildflowers that began to pop up in February still cover different areas of the grounds. And best of all there is the Walled Garden, in which there is always a lot going on. Our horticulture staff planted over 8,000 bulbs last November, and the results of that labor will soon be evident as 26 flower beds begin to bloom with hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, fritillaria, and alliums.
Mid-April through mid-May is one of the prettiest times of the year at Old Westbury Gardens, according to Kish. “Wildflowers and tulips give way to wisteria and lilacs. There are unique views and vistas available through the branches of deciduous trees that are not yet full of leaves.”
The cherry blossoms will appear shortly, along with fruit trees and other trees and shrubs that will bloom in an array of delicate colors. Visitors can enjoy it all by themselves or on a guided tour.
As has been the case for many years, Old Westbury Gardens kicks off the season with Spring Dog Weekend, April 16-17, culminating with Sunday’s Spring Dog Festival. Visitors and their leashed four-legged friends can stroll the grounds — in designated areas, of course — both days. It’s a chance visit with other dogs and their owners, during a lively weekend devoted to man’s best friend. Animal welfare and rescue groups also participate, providing information and pet handling tips, along with vendors offering a variety of pet products.
“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 says. “Dog days are always well attended. It’s obviously fun for dog owners to meet fellow dog lovers in this beautiful environment. Both days, dogs are welcome on the property, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After the long winter and cold start to spring, this is a perfect opportunity, for four legged and two legged creatures alike, to get outside.”
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes the season with a new leader at the helm. Nancy Costopulos was appointed president and CEO in November, succeeding John Norbeck, who retired in July 2015 after nine years as president.
“Old Westbury Gardens is truly a national treasure to be preserved and shared,” says Costopulos. “The opportunity to lead this organization into its next great chapter is a privilege.”
She brings to the post 24 years of non-profit leadership experience, most recently as chief marketing officer of Chicago, Ill.-based American Marketing Association. She also served as director of membership and annual giving for the Los Angeles Zoo Association and director of membership marketing at the Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the country’s leading public gardens and horticultural science institutions.
“I first arrived at Old Westbury Gardens in December just in time for the wonderful holiday events,” Costopulos says. “During the last few months, our off season, all of the staff has been very busy, planning new programs, getting the house ready for our informative tours, and grooming the gardens for the beautiful blooming spring now upon us. Even though it has been a bit chilly, the grounds will soon be spectacular, and I hope all our regular visitors and new visitors alike will join us to experience one of the best times of the year at the Gardens.”
“Along with the welcome sight of so many spring flowers, I’ve especially been looking forward to Dog Weekend. Strolling this enchanting venue, having the opportunity to chat with fellow dog lovers, the event promises to be a special experience. And I’m sure Max, my Rottweiler, will agree. If you see us, please do stop by and say hello. I am always interested in visitor feedback. Or if we don’t run into you then, feel free to drop in at my office in Westbury House. And welcome to spring!”
Looking ahead, another staple of springtime at the Gardens, its annual spring plant sale, is offered April 29 through May 1. Purchase annuals and perennials, many of which are the Gardens’ signature varieties. The Gardens’ horticulture staff and master gardeners from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County will be on hand to answer questions, help visitors select plants and provide testing of dry soil samples from home gardens.
Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury. For more information, contact (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.

Earth Day salute at Tackapausha Museum and Preserve
Enjoy a spring trip to the fascinating Tackapausha Preserve in Seaford, which offers varied activities for the family as part of its Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 23, 1-4 p.m. The county-operated nature preserve, adjoining Tackapausha Museum, offers an interactive family program to encourage everyone to honor and respect our Earth.
Families can take a guided trail walk through the popular site, which is maintained in its natural state as a wildlife sanctuary. There is plenty to take in and examine during this walk through the preserve, which consists of wet, deciduous woods, swamps, streams and ponds, and a small well-drained grassy area reminiscent of the Hempstead Plains. It includes the largest remaining stand (grouping of trees) of Atlantic White Cedar in Nassau County,. Visitors may also be able to observe some mall mammals, such as raccoons and muskrats, along with over 40 species of birds that breed there, among other inhabitants.
The program also features a live animal presentation, along with Earth Day-themed crafts.
Tackapausha Museum and Preserve, 2225 Washington Ave., Seaford. For more information, contact (516) 571-7433.