Escape the Outside World: Innisfree Gardens
September 29, 2018 by mmaguire
Innisfree Garden, located in Millbrook, NY is part of the scenic hudson valley. It was originally the residence of Marion and Walter Beck. The Becks began the garden designs in the late 1920s and later collaborated with landscape artist Lester Collins from Harvard University. This nonprofit foundation opened to the public in the year 1960 with the intention that it would be a place for the “study of garden art at Innisfree”. The trustees remind the public that it is a garden and not a park, and that it should be treated as such.
Information board at the entrance to the gardens
Innisfree Garden is a place where one can truly leave civilization and be surrounded by nature. When pulling into the driveway, you become aware of how separated you are from the industrialized world because the road appears to be never ending. Admission is $6 on weekdays, and $8 on weekends. The gardens are open to the public wednesday-fridays from 10-4, and saturday/sunday from 11-5. The garden is 185 acres and embodies Chinese design. It includes the renowned “cup garden” architecture.
A “cup garden” at Innisfree
“Cup gardens” are special because they highlight one object, so that it can be “enjoyed without distraction”. This enables a person to see the beauty of a simple item in nature. There are many cup gardens on the property and many routes around Tyrrel lake, with the intention that visitors enjoy the journey. You can spend hours here, taking a nice walk around the lake while observing Collins various designs.
Besides for public enjoyment, Innisfree can also be rented for private events with a minimum property rental fee of $7,000 (for a group of 50 or less). Larger groups are also permitted at a higher rental rate. They also offer “Private and Commercial Photography and Film Shoots” (must contact for price) and groups tours (ranging from 12-50 persons) for $15 per person.
If you are looking to escape the noise and commotion of the outside world, Innisfree is a great way to be surrounded by nature and explore the Chinese “cup garden” design.