Located in the Hudson Valley, in Millbrook, New York, Innisfree Garden is regarded as one out of ten of the best gardens throughout the world. Innisfree Garden is truly an icon of twentieth century horticulture and architecture.

  • Who created Innisfree Garden?

    • During the late 1920s, Walter and Marion Beck began working on their Millbrook, New York residence, known as Innisfree.

    • Walter had a passion for Asian art, which was reflected among his art collection and the garden ideas he and his wife created together.

  • What inspired the design of Innisfree Garden?

    • It wasn’t until the 1930s that Walter discovered Wang Wei, an acclaimed Chinese poet, painter, and gardener of the 8th century.

    • Walter dubbed Wei’s attention to detail and unique placing technique as “cup gardens”. This cup garden design strongly influenced what Walter’s Innisfree Garden would eventually look like.

  • Who collaborated with Walter and Marion Beck on Innisfree Garden?

    • In 1938, Walter and Marion met Lester Collins, a Harvard undergraduate student.

    • Collins traveled to Asia in 1939 with John O. Simonds, another landscape architect. After returning, he earned a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Harvard and later became Dean of the landscape architecture department.

  • What influenced the final design of Innisfree Garden?

    • In the mid-1950s, Collins traveled to Japan and studied the Sakuteiki, which promotes studying nature and gardens to build a garden that has an essence of others, rather than being a carbon copy.

    • This idea became the prominent design principle behind the garden the Becks and Collins wanted to create at Innisfree.

  • What challenges did Innisfree Garden face?

    • The Becks initially planned to create an endowment to preserve Innisfree as a place for studying garden art. However, Marion’s illness consumed these funds, and after her passing in 1959, the nonprofit foundation had to raise money to secure ownership and settle the Becks' debt.

  • How did Collins contribute to Innisfree Garden?

    • Despite limited financial resources, Collins managed to create a world-renowned garden by following the original vision he formed with the Becks.

    • Collins worked on Innisfree Garden until he passed away in 1993.

  • How large is Innisfree Garden?

    • The Innisfree Garden spans 150 acres.

    • Minimal information is available online to create an element of surprise and to keep its true beauty accessible only by visiting.

  • What are some of the known features of Innisfree Garden?

    • Some known elements include:

      • Channel Bridge that connects to the Island
      • Mist
      • Water Sculpture
      • Air Spring
      • Fountain Jet
      • Entrance Drive
      • Front Lawn
      • Tiptoe Rock
      • Japanese Primroses
  • What educational opportunities are available at Innisfree Garden?

    • The only educational program is the guided tour, where groups are led by specially trained employees.

    • The tour includes stories about the creation of Innisfree, biographies of its creators, and insights into how the nonprofit foundation helped preserve it.

    • Guides also answer questions about the wildlife that grows and thrives in the garden.

  • Is there an admission fee for visiting Innisfree Garden?

    • There is an admission fee for regular visitors and tour groups.

    • School field trips receive free admission, with the only cost being transportation.

    • Schools may be eligible for reduced or free transportation based on their needs.

  • How can visitors learn more about guided tours and field trips?

    • For more information about guided tours and field trip opportunities, visit the Innisfree Garden website or contact them during their hours of operation.

  • Does Innisfree Garden host public and private events?

    • Innisfree Garden hosts both public and private events throughout the year.

    • The events calendar is regularly updated online with details about upcoming public events.

    • There are also designated areas for hosting private events.

  • Where is Innisfree Garden located?

    • 362 Tyrrel Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545, Phone: 845-677-8000

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