When we visualize a locale for an ideal cultural experience, the images that
come to mind may be the grand interior spaces of an art museum, or a velvet
seat in a darkened concert hall. While both lovely, these images do not mesh
well with the thought of a glorious, breezy spring day. Spring is the time of year
we long to get out, to enjoy the sunlight and breathe the air. Fortunately for arts
lovers, Westchester offers a number of ways to take in some culture and not miss
a single moment of spring- so slather on some sunscreen and join us on a tour of
Westchester’s many spectacular gardens.

 Visitors to the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah are often
astounded by the unique gardens to be found at this world-famous music venue.
The Caramoor estate sprawls over 90 lovely acres that were designed to be a
jewel-like setting for musical events, as well as a place for pleasurable strolling.
Unlike other gardens in the area, Caramoor's were planned to enhance the site's
Renaissance sensibility. Visitors can explore eight distinct gardens, - the Sunken
Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Sense Circle for the vision-impaired, the Cloister
Garden, the Woodland Garden, the Cedar Walk, the Iris and Peony Garden and
the Medieval Mount. Round out your day with a picnic and take in one of the
outdoor concerts, offered all summer long. For more information and schedules
see www.caramoor.org or call 914-232-1253.

Lovers of 20th Century Art should not miss the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture
Garden at PepsiCo’s world headquarters. This perfectly manicured property of
more than 160 acres is home to gardens that harmonize with 45 major
contemporary sculptures by Moore, Nevelson, Rodin and other 20th-century
artists. Maps for a free self-guided tour may be picked up at the information
center. A pathway leads a circular route past all the pieces, although shortcuts
may be taken. There are large — some gargantuan — pieces in open spaces,
and smaller works in neat little enclaves near the building. There is a no-touch
policy; nevertheless, this is a great place to take children. The Donald M. Kendall
Sculpture Garden at PepsiCo Headquarters is off Anderson Hill Road, Purchase,
N.Y. For additional information, call 914-253-2000.

Set off upon a journey to the East at the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll
Garden in North Salem. The four-acre garden on the museum grounds features a
pond, waterfall, Zen garden, and many species of trees and flowers, including
cherry, katsura, quince, azalea, peony and iris. A Stroll Garden does not reveal
itself all at once- rather, paths are meant to lead from a view of the pond to a view
of a distant landscape. The design of a path directs one's progression through the
garden: large stepping stones slow the walk, encouraging contemplation of the
view, while row after row of smaller, more uniform stones create a feeling of
excitement or anticipation for an approaching feature. The "journey" through a
Stroll Garden is meant to be a highly orchestrated voyage to a deeper
understanding of nature. After your stroll, relax and contemplate your experience
on the tree-lined terrace of the cafe. For hours and info see
www.hammondmuseum.org or call 914-669-5033.

A walk through the gardens at Lyndhurst, the grand historic Gothic Revival estate
located in Tarrytown, offers the visitor a delightful glimpse into the past. The
expansive grounds are an outstanding example of the 19th-century landscape
design. The Rose Garden includes 100 varieties of roses designed in a circular
pattern, with trellises, arbors, and a filigreed center gazebo, and the Fern Garden
includes 50 varieties of ferns, bordered by rock garden. The steel structure of a
conservatory greenhouse remains on site with outdoor plants. Built in 1870 by Lord
& Burnham, it was one the largest private greenhouses in the world at the time. For
info and tour schedules please call 914-631-4481.

And these are just our favorite picks. Westchester offers many more lovely gardens
to explore- for additional listings we recommend a visit to the website of the
Westchester Office of Tourism at www.westchestertourism.com.
Enjoy your spring, and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!
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