Led by the expert New York State Parks team at Planting Fields, this special walking tour offers a rare opportunity to explore one of our most celebrated living collections: rhododendrons! Since the Coe family purchased the estate in 1913, rhododendrons have been a defining feature of the landscape. The Coes delighted in collecting and cultivating some of the most beautiful hybrids of the era, creating a collection that has captivated visitors for more than a century.

Today, the legacy continues. The Planting Fields team and their collaboration with rhododendron experts has led to the restoration, propagation and expansion of this remarkable collection, bringing back historic estate-era varieties and introducing hundreds of stunning new hybrids developed by world-class plant breeders. On this tour, you’ll get an inside look at the work behind the blooms – from rare plants to innovative propagation projects – and learn how these spectacular rhododendrons are cared for and preserved for future generations. The walk begins in the North Rhododendron Park, just east of the Main House, and continues along the north border of the site, where some of the most exciting and colorful displays are currently taking shape.

More about First Fridays
This monthly series dives into the various themes that make up Planting Fields, with exclusive behind-the-scenes walking tours and workshops led by Planting Fields Foundation and New York State Parks staff, who are experts in their respective fields. From wellness and Olmsted landscape features to the life-stories of Coe family members and their unchallenged spectacular horticultural, historic and personal collections, participants of this series will see this site with a new lens. Each month a new theme is explored with at least one staff expert serving as your guide. This series will take place on the first Friday of each month.

For any additional information and questions, please contact Kayla Cheshire, Communications and Marketing Manager at kcheshire@plantingfields.org

All ticket sales final. Outside tours will continue in the case of light rain. Should weather become inclement, tour participants will be notified and the tour will be rescheduled.

48 Hour Cancellation Policy: Should you need to cancel; you will be credited the amount towards a future 2026 First Friday event.

By registering for this event, you consent to Planting Fields Foundation photographing and filming during the event. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, on our website, newsletters, grant requests, reports. As it may not be feasible to identify individuals who may wish to opt out, your registration implies your consent to be photographed. By registering for this event, you are also you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation. If you have any concerns, please contact Kayla at kcheshire@plantingfields.org