In the Dutchess County Spotlight

TOP TEN: GARDENS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

The first recognized woman landscape architect, Beatrix Farrand, first created these enclosed formal gardens in 1912. The garden is well known for its perfectly composed borders of pink, white, blush, cream, gray, mauve and purple colors, and is set off by vine-traced walls and clipped hemlock hedges. Walk through the arched wooden door with wrought iron hinge into s through the Open everyday from dawn until dusk. Located at the National Park Service headquarters on Rt. 9, Hyde Park. (845) 229-9115, ext. 26. beatrixfarrandgarden.org

A 150-acre public garden in which the ancient art of Chinese landscape design has been reinterpreted to create. Visitors enjoy the many streams, waterfalls, terraces, retaining walls, rocks, and plants. The 40-acre lake is glacial, most of the plant material is native, and the rocks have come from the immediate forest. Open May-Oct. 20, Wed.-Fri., 10am-4pm; Sat.-Sun., 11am-5pm. Located on 362 Tyrrel Rd., Millbrook. (845) 677-8000. www.InnisfreeGarden.org

The Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association was formed in 1984 with a mission to restore the Italian Gardens as closely as possible to their appearance in the 1930s. More than 100 volunteers have put in over 100,000 hours to restore the gardens. Beautifully characterized by reflecting pool, terraces, pergola and loggia, with 3 levels of annuals, perennials and roses. 9am-dusk. Located on Rt 9, Hyde Park. (845) 229-6432. www.vanderbiltgarden.org/

Managed by an escaped slave for 40 years in the 1800's, and is now restored. A gift of yuccas, roses, and peonies, all descending from the original 1804 plants, was made to Mount Gulian Historic Site. When visiting, be sure to sit on the stone bench near the pergola draped with Catawba and Isabella grapes. Located at 145 Sterling St., Beacon. (845) 831-8172. www.mountgulian.org/garden.html

Garden features annuals and 28 different varieties of fragrant, colorful roses. Burial site of FDR & Eleanor Roosevelt and their faithful dogs. Open from dawn until dusk. Located on Rt. 9, Hyde Park. (845) 229-9115. www.NPS.gov/hofr

Ten acres of formal gardens are modeled after 17-century Italian villas. Stroll the cutting garden, arborvitae allee and naiad (nymph) fountain, peacock walk, rose garden and a number of water gardens. Sweeping views of the Clove Valley. Open June-Sept., Wed., Fri., Sat., noon-5pm, house and stables by appt. only. Located on 214 Pugsley Hill Road, Amenia. (845) 373-8037. www.vintagehudsonvalley.com

Victorian-style garden and an heirloom vegetable garden. Located on 2683 South Rd., Poughkeepsie. (845) 454-4500. www.morsehistoricsite.org

A restored Dutch garden around a 1709 home. Located on 50 Van Nydeck Ave., Beacon. (845) 831-6533. www.cityofbeacon.org

In 1916, the Shakespeare Garden was planted to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. The garden includes many of the plants mentioned in his works. Garden features statuary, knot, rose, heather, and heath beds. Located on 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie. (845) 437-5686. www.vassar.edu

Garden includes children’s playground. Located on Franklin Ave., Millbrook. (845) 677-0642