STEPPING OUT

Love sweet as a flower celebrating Mom on her special day

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Those special ladies in our lives deserve a memorable day. Yes, a bouquet of flowers, cards,  even that special breakfast, are all certainly welcome. But what could be better than surrounding her with blooms? Old Westbury Gardens is just the place to do that on Sunday, aka Mother’s Day.

Stroll the 200 glorious acres of wooded walks and those amazing gardens that are displaying vibrant spring color. Explore Westbury House, the estate’s grand Charles II-style mansion, which is filled with art and furnishings. Pack some lunch for a delightful picnic among spring’s many blooms. Or enjoy a bite at the Café in the Woods.

Some time surrounded by the season’s colors and scents is always uplifting — not just for mom, but for everyone. Perhaps more so than at any time of the year, Mother’s Day — for most people — is all about the flowers when visiting this grand estate.

“We’re really ramping up to almost peak season now,” says horticulture director — and interim director — Maura Brush. “With those warm days in early April, everything just burst forth. The lilacs, the wisteria, all are in full bloom.”

Of course, the tulips are always a favorite. Seeing the tulips here, by the many hundreds, in the Walled Garden and Thatched Cottage Garden — and elsewhere — in myriad varieties and in a rainbow of colors, is almost overwhelming. The colors, the arrangements, are all carefully and creatively designed for maximum appeal.

“So much time is spent curating our bulb display,” Brush says. “Anyone can go anywhere and see a row of tulips. We’re so excited about our display. You won’t see it elsewhere.”

The array of colors and blooms extends throughout the landscape. Among the highlights are the Walled Garden and the Primose Path.

“The display in the Walled Garden is really high impact now,” Brush enthuses. There’s plenty to take in there, especially the Allium and tree peonies.

“The tree peonies are just not to be missed,” she says. “They are really quite stunning. The blooms can be eight inches across 40 blossoms in size. They look like crushed tissue. The texture and color are outstanding. Also the Primose Path is looking spectacular, and the Cottage Garden is filled with showy perennials and biannuals.”

  Guided tours are available throughout the day (no registration required). Take in the delights of Westbury House, the former home of financier John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps and their four children, at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Also examine those glorious blossoms on a garden highlights tour at 2 p.m., meeting at West Porch Beech next to Westbury House.

And as an added treat, while supplies last, every woman 18 and older gets to take home a free lavender plant. Make sure to stop by the Plant Shop to obtain your plant.

“It’s such a pleasant way to spend Mother’s Day.” Brush says. “Come join us.”