Located in the scenic Hudson Valley, Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, New York, is widely recognized as one of the top ten gardens in the world. An icon of 20th-century landscape architecture, this 150-acre public garden blends Chinese design principles with natural American landscapes for a tranquil and immersive experience unlike any other.
Recommended For
Innisfree Garden is ideal for:
- Garden enthusiasts interested in global horticultural styles and design history.
- Nature lovers seeking peaceful walks and unique botanical beauty.
- History and art buffs drawn to cultural landscapes and design philosophies.
- Schools and educators looking for immersive field trip opportunities tied to art, history, and science.
History and Design
- Created by Walter and Marion Beck in the late 1920s, inspired by Walter’s love for Asian art.
- Design influenced by Chinese poet and gardener Wang Wei and his concept of “cup gardens”—small, scenic landscape vignettes.
- Harvard-trained landscape architect Lester Collins collaborated with the Becks starting in 1938, contributing to the garden's unique aesthetic.
- Collins studied the ancient Japanese Sakuteiki in the 1950s, guiding the philosophy of creating a garden that captures the essence of nature.
Challenges and Preservation
- Originally planned to be preserved through an endowment, but funds were depleted due to Marion Beck’s illness.
- After Marion's death in 1959, a nonprofit foundation raised funds to purchase and maintain the garden.
- Despite financial limitations, Lester Collins completed a world-renowned garden before his passing in 1993.
What to See at Innisfree Garden
- 150 acres of landscape designed to evoke discovery, with minimal online imagery to preserve surprise and wonder.
- Known features include:
- Channel Bridge
- Mist and Water Sculpture
- Air Spring and Fountain Jet
- Tiptoe Rock
- Front Lawn and Entrance Drive
- Japanese Primroses
Educational Opportunities
- Guided tours available by reservation, led by specially trained staff.
- Tours include history of the garden, biographies of its creators, and insights into its design philosophy.
- Guides also discuss the flora and fauna that flourish in the garden.
Admission & Field Trips
- General admission fees apply to all visitors and group tours.
- School field trips are free of charge, with transportation assistance available for eligible institutions.
Events
- Hosts a range of public and private events throughout the year.
- Public events are listed on the online events calendar.
- Designated areas within the garden are available for private event bookings.
Planning Your Visit
- Location: 362 Tyrrel Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545
- Phone: 845-677-8000
- Website: innisfreegarden.org
- Tip: Contact in advance for guided tours, field trip info, or private event reservations.
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