Year-round greenery and red berries in winter make it ideal for ornamental and festive planting.
Native to the region, this small tree produces vibrant pink flowers in early spring. It’s often used in parks and residential landscapes.
Grown for its lush foliage and ability to thrive in low light, hostas are a favorite in city gardens.
A shade-loving, hardy fern that thrives in forested and shaded city park areas.
Appalachian Mountain Mint, Pycnanthemum flexuosum
Aromatic perennial with clusters of tiny white to lavender flowers, highly attractive to pollinators and tolerant of a range of garden conditions.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Aromatic aster ‘Raydon’s Favorite’, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘Raydon’s Favorite’
Upright perennial with powder-blue daisies and yellow centers, blooming late summer into fall and attracting butterflies.
Bloom Period: September to November
Native Range: Eastern North America
Astilbe 'Hennie Graafland', Astilbe 'Hennie Graafland'
Compact, shade-loving perennial with feathery, deep pink flower plumes above dark green foliage.
Bloom Period: July to August
Native Range: Japan
Atlas Fescue, Festuca mairei
Dense clumps of arching, evergreen blue-green blades; reliable structure and movement in naturalistic gardens.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Atlas Mountains, North Africa
Autumn stonecrop, Hylotelephium 'Matrona'
A succulent perennial with blue-gray leaves and tall stems topped with clusters of pinkish-purple flowers. Blooms in late summer and attracts pollinators.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: Europe and Asia
Avens 'Tales of Hex', Geum 'Tales of Hex'
Compact perennial with warm orange flowers held above tidy green foliage; blooms heavily in late spring.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Eurasia and parts of North America
Barrenwort 'Pink Champagne', Epimedium 'Pink Champagne'
A shade-loving groundcover with mottled spring foliage and sprays of pink-and-white starry flowers.
Bloom Period: April to May
Native Range: East Asia
Betony, Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'
A compact perennial with soft, fuzzy green leaves and tall spikes of deep magenta-purple flowers. Blooms in early to mid-summer and attracts bees and butterflies.
Bloom Period: June to September
Native Range: Europe and Asia
Big Bluestem 'Dancing Wind', Andropogon gerardii 'Dancing Wind'
A graceful ornamental grass with fine, blue-green leaves and airy flower plumes that shimmer in the breeze. Blooms in late summer to fall, adding movement and color.
Bloom Period: August to November
Native Range: North America
Big-Leaf Aster ‘Twilight’, Eurybia X herveyi ‘Twilight'
A compact, bushy perennial with dark green leaves. It blooms in late summer to fall with abundant, small purple flowers that have yellow centers.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: North America
Black-eyed Susan 'Viette’s Little Suzy', Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Viette’s Little Suzy’
Compact black-eyed Susan with bright golden petals and dark centers; long-blooming and easy to grow.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Eastern North America
Blazing Star, Liatris spicata
A perennial with tall, rigid stalks topped by fluffy, deep purple flower spikes. Blooms in late summer and attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and songbirds.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Eastern North America
Bluestar, Amsonia 'Blue Ice'
A clump-forming perennial with narrow leaves and clusters of star-shaped blue flowers. It blooms in spring and attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Southeast Europe, Turkey, Japan, and Central and Northeast United States.
Bottle Gentian, Gentiana andrewsii
Upright perennial with unique, closed, deep blue flowers that never open fully but are prized by bumblebees.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: Eastern and central North America
Bowman's Root, Gillenia trifoliata
Airy perennial with starry white flowers and reddish stems, creating a cloud-like effect in late spring.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Eastern North America
Bristleleaf Sedge, Carex eburnea
Delicate, tufted sedge with thread-like foliage, ideal for dry shade and rocky soils.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: North America
Burnet 'Wake Up', Sanguisorba menziesii ‘Wake Up’
Early-blooming burnet with rosy-red bottlebrush flowers; airy, elegant presence in summer borders.
Bloom Period: June to July
Native Range: Northwestern North America
Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa
Bright, orange-flowered perennial with narrow green leaves; drought-tolerant and beloved by butterflies.
Bloom Period: June to August
Native Range: Eastern and central North America
Chinese Astilbe, Astilbe chinensis ‘Vision in Pink’
A sturdy perennial with large, fern-like deep green leaves. It produces tall, feathery pink flower spikes in mid to late summer.
Bloom Period: June to July
Native Range: East Asia
Cranesbill, Geranium wlassovianum
A perennial with dusky violet flowers marked by deep violet veins and a small white center. It blooms from late spring to early summer and is native to damp grasslands in eastern Asia.
Bloom Period: June to September
Native Range: Northeastern Asia (China, Mongolia, Russia)
Cranesbill 'Dragon Heart', Geranium ‘Dragon Heart’
Striking dark red foliage with small purple-pink blooms; excellent groundcover and foliage accent.
Bloom Period: June to September
Native Range: Asia
Cranesbill 'Philippe Vapelle', Geranium ‘Philippe Vapelle’
Velvety gray-green leaves with soft violet-blue flowers; mounded habit and long-lasting blooms.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Caucasus and Western Asia
Culver's Root 'Challenger', Veronicastrum virginicum 'Challenger'
A tall, elegant perennial with upright spikes of pale pink to soft lavender flowers held above whorled green leaves.
Bloom Period: July to August
Native Range: Eastern and Central United States
Culver’s Root 'Manhattan Skyline', Veronicastrum sibiricum var. yezoense ‘Manhattan Skyline’
A towering perennial with striking deep blue flower spikes rising from lance-shaped foliage. Offers strong architectural form, summer bloom drama, winter interest, and is bird- and pollinator-friendly.
Bloom Period: June to August
Native Range: East Asia
Dense Blazing Star 'Floristan White', Liatris spicata ‘Floristan White’
Tall spikes of feathery, pure white flowers rise above grassy foliage, attracting butterflies and adding strong vertical accents to summer gardens.
Bloom Period: July to August
Native Range: Eastern North America
Downy skullcap, Scutellaria incana
A native perennial with gray-green, hairy leaves and spikes of tubular, pale blue flowers. Blooms in mid to late summer and attracts bees and butterflies.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Eastern and central United States
Eastern Beebalm, Monarda bradburiana
Early-blooming beebalm with pale pink to lavender flowers spotted with purple, held above aromatic foliage that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Central and southern United States
English lavender 'Hidcote', Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
A compact, aromatic shrub with silvery-green foliage and deep purple flower spikes. Known for its strong fragrance and tidy form, it blooms in mid-summer and attracts pollinators.
Bloom Period: June to August
Native Range: the Mediterranean
False Indigo 'Lunar Eclipse', Baptisia 'Lunar Eclipse'
A bushy perennial with soft green foliage and unique bicolor blooms that open creamy white and age to deep lavender.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: North America
Fern-lead yarrow 'Parker's Variety', Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety'
Compact perennial with dense clusters of soft pink flowers above fern-like foliage; hardy, long-blooming, and pollinator-friendly.
Bloom Period: June to September
Native Range: Central and southwestern Asia
Foamflower ' Spring Symphony', Tiarella ‘Spring Symphony’
Compact mound with frothy pink-tinted white flower spikes; attractive patterned foliage adds season-long interest.
Bloom Period: May to July
Native Range: Eastern North America
Globe thistle ‘Arctic Glow’, Echinops sphaerocephalus ‘Arctic Glow’
Striking perennial with spiky, globe-shaped white flower heads above silvery-green foliage, adding bold texture and attracting bees.
Bloom Period: June to September
Native Range: Europe to western Asia
Globe Thistle 'Platinum Blue', Echinops ritro 'Platinum Blue'
Compact, clump-forming perennial with metallic silver-blue, globe-shaped flower heads on sturdy stems; loved by bees and butterflies.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Europe and Western Asia
Great Burnet ‘Blackthorn’, Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Blackthorn’
Tall, graceful perennial with slender stems topped by soft pink catkin-like blooms that sway beautifully in summer.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: Europe and temperate Asia, parts of western & northern North America.
Hairy Alumroot, Heuchera villosa
A low-growing perennial with hairy, rounded leaves and clusters of small, bell-shaped pink to white flowers.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Eastern United States
Penstemon hirsutus, Penstemon hirsutus
Description:
Hardy perennial with spikes of tubular, pale lavender to pink flowers above softly hairy stems and leaves, loved by bees and hummingbirds.
Bloom Period: May to July
Native Range: Eastern North America
Hardy geranium, Geranium sanguineum 'Album'
A low-growing perennial with clear white, five-petaled flowers and deeply lobed dark green leaves. Blooms in late spring to early summer.
Bloom Period: May to July
Native Range: Europe and western Asia
Hoary Mountain Mint, Pycnanthemum incanum
A native perennial with silvery, mint-scented foliage and clusters of small, pale flowers. Offers a soft, textured look and thrives in dry, open areas.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Eastern and central North America
Hybrid Phlox 'Fashionably Early Crystal', Phlox 'Fashionably Early Crystal’
Early-flowering perennial with large clusters of pure white, fragrant blooms held on sturdy stems, prized for its long season and mildew resistance.
Bloom Period: June to August (often reblooming in September)
Native Range: Eastern and central North America
Italian Aster 'Mira', Aster amellus 'Mira'
An upright, bushy perennial with dark green, lance-shaped leaves. It blooms in late summer with loose clusters of deep violet flowers that have bright yellow centers.
Bloom Period: July to October
Native Range: Europe to western Asia
Italian Aster ‘Rosa Erfüllung’, Aster amellus 'Rosa Erfüllung'
Compact perennial with abundant rose-pink, yellow-centered daisies that brighten late-summer gardens and attract butterflies.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: Native to Europe and western Asia
Japanese Forest Grass, Hakonechloa macra
Graceful, arching grass with flowing green leaves that add movement and texture in shade; foliage may turn golden in fall.
Bloom Period: July to August
Native Range: Japan
Leadplant, Amorpha canescens
Low, shrubby perennial with narrow gray-green leaves and spikes of small purple flowers, attracting bees and butterflies.
Bloom Period: June to July
Native Range: North American prairies
Lesser Calamint, Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta
A hardy perennial with aromatic, gray-green leaves. It produces small, pale lavender flowers from June to October, attracting bees and butterflies.
Bloom Period: July to October
Native Range: Mediterranean Europe to Western Asia
Lilyturf 'Moneymaker', Liriope muscari ‘Moneymaker’
Glossy evergreen grass-like leaves with dense spikes of deep violet flowers followed by dark berries.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: East Asia
Little Bluestem ‘Ha Ha Tonka’, Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Ha Ha Tonka’
Upright, fine-textured native grass with blue-green summer foliage that shifts to coppery-red in fall.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: North America
Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven', Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnBlueA’
Tall, upright grass with blue-green summer foliage that turns burgundy, purple, and orange in fall.
Bloom Period: August to September
Native Range: North America
Little Bluestem 'Standing Ovation', Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’
Strongly upright bluestem with blue-green leaves edged in purple; standout fall color of red, orange, and burgundy.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: North American
Meadow Blazing Star, Liatris ligulistylis
Tall spikes of fluffy purple flowers, highly attractive to monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Bloom Period: August to September
Native Range: North America
Meadow Sage 'Crystal Blue', Salvia nemorosa 'Crystal Blue'
A compact perennial with soft green foliage and spikes of clear, pale blue flowers. Adds cool color to the garden from late spring through summer.
Bloom Period: May to July
Native Range: Europe and western Asia
Meadow Sage 'May Night', Salvia nemorosa 'May night'
Hardy, clump-forming perennial with dense spikes of deep violet-purple flowers.
Bloom Period: May to July
Native Range: Europe and Western Asia
Mediterranean sea holly, Eryngium bourgatii
A striking perennial with stiff, upright stems and spiky, cone-shaped blue flower heads. Its thistle-like blooms appear in summer and are attractive to pollinators.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Mountains of Spain, France and Morocco
Michaelmas daisy 'Little Carlow', Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow'
Dwarf perennial with soft lavender daisy-like flowers, ideal for late-summer borders and pollinator gardens.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: North America
Mohr's Rosinweed, Silphium mohrii
A rare, clump-forming native with coarse green leaves and tall stems topped with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Mrs. Magenta Betony, Stachys officinalis 'Mrs. Magenta'
Clump-forming perennial with glossy, heart-shaped green foliage topped by upright spikes of deep–pink to magenta, two-lipped flowers.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Europe to western Asia and northern Africa
Northern Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum pedatum
Graceful woodland fern with fan-shaped fronds; airy texture brightens shady borders and moist woodland settings.
Bloom Period: Non-flowering
Native Range: Eastern North America
Oriental Poppy 'Royal Wedding', Papaver orientale 'Royal Wedding'
Large, pure white poppies with striking black centers; bold early-summer blooms followed by attractive seedpods.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Central Asia
Ornamental Allium 'Summer Beauty', Allium lusitanicum 'Summer Beauty'
Clump-forming ornamental onion with glossy green foliage and spherical clusters of soft lavender-pink flowers that attract pollinators and resist deer.
Bloom Period: July to August
Native Range: Europe and western Asia
Pale Purple Coneflower 'Hula Dancer', Echinacea pallida 'Hula Dancer'
Tall coneflower with elegant white, reflexed petals that sway like a skirt, adding movement and drama to summer borders.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Central United States
Pasque Flower 'Rose Bells', Pulsatilla vulgaris ‘Rose Bells’
Bell-shaped rose-pink blooms in early spring with soft, ferny foliage; followed by silky, ornamental seed heads.
Bloom Period: April to May
Native Range: Europe and southwestern Asia
Pink speedwell, Veronica longifolia 'Pink Eveline'
A compact perennial with spikes of soft pink flowers above dark green foliage. Blooms in late spring to early summer and attracts pollinators.
Bloom Period: June to August
Native Range: Europe and Asia
Prairie Aster, Solidago ptarmicoides
Late-blooming perennial with flat-topped clusters of small, white, daisy-like flowers that brighten prairies and rocky slopes well into autumn.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: Central North America
Prairie Dropseed, Sporobolus heterolepis 'Northern Dropseed'
Fine-textured ornamental grass forming graceful mounds with airy, fragrant seed heads in late summer, providing year-round movement and fall color.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Central North America
Prairie Smoke, Geum triflorum
Low perennial with nodding pink blooms that turn into feathery, smoky seed heads, giving lasting ornamental value.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: North American prairies
Purple Lovegrass, Eragostis spectabilis
A delicate, native ornamental grass with fine green foliage and airy, purple-pink flower plumes that shimmer in the sunlight. Blooms in late summer and adds soft texture.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: Eastern and Central United States
Purple Milkweed, Asclepias purpurascens
Clump-forming perennial with fragrant deep pink-purple flower clusters, a host for monarch butterflies and pollinator-friendly.
Bloom Period: June to July
Native Range: Eastern North America
Purple Moor Grass, Molinia caerulea 'Edith Dudszus'
A graceful, clump-forming grass with upright green leaves and tall, airy purple flower spikes that turn golden in fall.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Europe, western Asia and North Africa
Purple Prairie Clover, Dalea purpurea
A native prairie perennial with slender stems and cylindrical spikes of vibrant purple flowers.
Bloom Period: June to August
Native Range: Central North America
Russian Sage 'Little Spire', Salvia yangii ‘Little Spire’
Compact form of Russian sage with silver stems and clouds of lavender-blue flowers; drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Central Asia
Sea Holly 'Big Blue', Eryngium x olivieranum 'Big Blue'
A striking perennial with spiky, steel-blue flower heads and stiff, spiny leaves. Blooms in mid to late summer and attracts pollinators.
Bloom Period: June to August
Native Range: Europe and Asia
Sea lavender, Limonium platyphyllum
Graceful perennial with airy sprays of tiny lavender-blue flowers above broad green leaves, valued for fresh and dried arrangements.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Coastal regions of Europe and western Asia
Siberian Bugloss, Brunnera macrophylla
Heart-shaped leaves with sprays of tiny, forget-me-not–blue flowers in spring; valued for shade gardens and season-long foliage.
Bloom Period: April to May
Native Range: Eastern Europe, western Asia
Siberian iris 'Perry's Blue', Iris sibirica 'Perry's Blue'
A graceful iris with soft blue flowers and slender, sword-like green leaves. Blooms in early summer and adds elegant color to garden borders.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Europe to Central Asia/Siberia
Siberian Iris 'Caesar's Brother, Iris sibirica 'Caesar's Brother'
A tall, elegant iris with deep purple blooms that appear in late spring. Flowers rise on sturdy stems above narrow, arching, grass-like leaves.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Central and eastern Europe and northern Asia
Sneezeweed, Helenium autumnale
A tall, upright perennial with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and rounded yellow center disks. Blooms in late summer and attracts pollinators.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: North America
Sneezeweed 'Moerheim Beauty', Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty'
A bold perennial with daisy-like, deep red to orange-red flowers and prominent golden-brown centers.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: North America
Solomon’s Seal, Polygonatum × hybridum ‘Weihenstephan’
Graceful arching stems with dangling white, bell-shaped flowers; handsome foliage turns golden in fall.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Europe and Asia
Southern succisella, Succisella inflexa 'Frosted Pearls'
Elegant perennial with slender stems carrying clusters of tiny, pearl-like white flowers that create a delicate, airy effect in summer borders.
Bloom Period: July to September
Native Range: Europe
Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata
A tall, native perennial with clusters of fragrant pink flowers atop slender stems. Blooms in summer and is a vital nectar source for bees and butterflies—especially monarchs.
Bloom Period: June to August
Native Range: North America
Threadleaf Bluestar, Amsonia hubrichtii
Graceful perennial with fine, thread-like foliage and clusters of pale blue starry flowers, followed by brilliant golden autumn color. It’s loved by pollinators and adds delicate texture to the garden.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Arkansas and Oklahoma, USA
Toad Lily 'Hatatogisa', Tricyrtis formosana ‘Seiryu’
Late-blooming shade perennial with orchid-like, white-and-purple-spotted flowers; adds drama to autumn gardens.
Bloom Period: August to October
Native Range: Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands
Tuberous Jerusalem Sage 'Prima Donna', Phlomis tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’
Tall stems with whorls of pinkish-purple flowers; adds bold vertical structure and architectural seedheads.
Bloom Period: May to July
Native Range: Europe to Central Asia
White Mountain Fleeceflower, Bistorta amplexicaulis ‘Alba’
Vigorous perennial with slender, upright spikes of pure white flowers that bloom for months above lush green foliage, attracting bees and butterflies.
Bloom Period: July to October
Native Range: The Himalayas
White-tinged Sedge, Carex albicans
Fine-textured native sedge forming graceful clumps, often used in naturalistic plantings and woodland gardens.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Central and eastern North America
Wild quinine, Parthenium integrifolium
A clump-forming native perennial with simple green leaves. It thrives in dry soils of prairies and rocky woods and blooms in summer with small white flowers.
Bloom Period: June to August
Native Range: Central and eastern United States
Willowlead Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana var salicifolia
Upright perennial with star-shaped, pale blue flowers in late spring and narrow green leaves that turn golden in fall.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Central and southeastern North America
Wood sage 'Rhapsody in Blue', Salvia x sylvestris 'Rhapsody in Blue'
A robust perennial with aromatic, dark green leaves and tall spikes of vibrant violet-blue flowers. Blooms from early summer to early fall and attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Europe and western Asia
Woodland Phlox 'Blue Moon ', Phlox divaricata ‘Blue Moon’
Fragrant clusters of deep blue-violet flowers in spring; excellent groundcover for shady woodland gardens.
Bloom Period: April to May
Native Range: Eastern North America
Yarrow 'Moonshine', Achillea 'Moonshine'
Upright perennial with clusters of bright, lemon-yellow flowers above silvery, fern-like foliage; beloved for its long bloom season and drought tolerance.
Bloom Period: June to September
Native Range: Asia, Europe and North America
Yellow Wax Bells, Kirengeshoma palmata
A shade-loving perennial with maple-like leaves and nodding, waxy yellow bell-shaped flowers that brighten late summer woodland gardens.
Bloom Period: August to September
Native Range: Japan to Korea
Tufted Hair Grass 'Goldtau', Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'
A graceful, mound-forming grass with mid-green leaves. It produces delicate silver and reddish-brown flower spikes from early summer that mature to golden yellow by late summer.
Bloom Period: June to September
Native Range: Europe, Asia and North America
Turkish Sage, phlomis russeliana
A robust perennial with large, woolly green leaves and layered whorls of pale yellow, tubular flowers. Blooms in early to mid-summer and attracts bees.
Bloom Period: June to September
Native Range: Turkey and Syria
White False Indigo, Baptisia alba
Stately perennial with creamy-white pea-like flowers on tall stems and blue-green foliage, providing spring structure and pollinator support.
Bloom Period: May to June
Native Range: Eastern North America
Can’t travel to Planting Fields? Bring the wonders of Planting Fields directly into your classroom!
Students will explore plant life, local ecology, and the history of Planting Fields through hands-on, curriculum-aligned activities tailored for grades 1–8 and is adaptable to any age or ability level. From building mini greenhouses to investigating plant life cycles and local ecosystems, each activity is designed to spark curiosity, strengthen scientific thinking, and foster creativity.
This outreach program is offered every Tuesday, with three time slots available per day. Each session runs for approximately 1.5 hours and can accommodate up to 30 students. Please choose your preferred date and start time from the available options.
The total cost for an In-Center Field Trip is $200.00, which includes a non-refundable $50 deposit required to secure your date. The remaining $150 is due on the day of your program. Please note that an additional travel fee may apply for locations more than 10 miles from Planting Fields.
Once your deposit is received, we will confirm your date and time via email and send a finalized invoice with all program details.
For questions about booking or program details, please contact us at education@plantingfields.org. We look forward to bringing Planting Fields to you!
Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
Sessions from 10am – 1pm and 1 – 4pm each day
Location: The Camellia Greenhouse and Main House
All tickets are final sale. This event is snow or shine.
Step into a vibrant winter festival and experience the season’s most enchanting sight: over 200 camellia varieties in full bloom! Long celebrated for their elegance and color, these stunning flowers offer the perfect escape from the winter blues.
This multi-sensory festival spans both the Main House and Camellia Greenhouse, with something for every visitor! Check this webpage for the full line-up.
By registering for this event, you consent to receive emails from Planting Fields Foundation and also 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. If you have any concerns, please contact us at lmcgurk@plantingfields.org.
Cancellation Policy: This event is snow or shine. In the case of inclement weather, you will be notified by Planting Fields Foundation prior to the event. Please check the event website, here, for the most updated information.
Branches in Bloom: A Spring Festival Celebrating Arbor Day
Spring is one of the most magical times at Planting Fields, when the landscape comes alive with color and fragrance. Sweeping groves of magnolias, flowering cherries, and other spring-blooming trees transform the grounds into clouds of white, pink, and soft yellow, creating a breathtaking seasonal display.
This year, visitors are invited to experience Branches in Bloom, a new spring festival taking root at Planting Fields. Centered on the spectacular collections of magnolias and flowering cherries near the expansive lawn west of the Main House, the festival showcases hundreds of trees at the height of their bloom: an unforgettable celebration of spring in full flower!
Guests can enjoy educational displays and demonstrations, guided tours of the historic grounds, live performances, music, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. It’s a chance to slow down, explore, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape as it awakens for the season.
For nearly four decades, Planting Fields has proudly celebrated Arbor Day and the vital role trees play in our environment. Branches in Bloom honors that long-standing tradition while embracing a new way to experience spring at Planting Fields.
Step into a multisensory exploration of the plants that shape global cuisine and the cultural stories they carry!
Led by Exhibitions and Collections Manager, Emily Leger, and Sustainability Coordinator, Rebecca Slagle, this guided tour weaves through the gardens, greenhouses, and exhibition spaces of Planting Fields, connecting the living history of our gardens with the 2025 Catalyst installation, Sam Van Aken’s The Planting Fields Stand, a grove of four multi-grafted fruit trees. Drawing on the estate’s agricultural history from Indigenous stewardship to present day, the tour traces how food has been grown, shared, and celebrated here for generations. In the Main House, visitors discover Van Aken’s artworks as an invitation to consider biodiversity, memory, and imagination in the face of climate change and shifting food systems.
Blending horticulture, history, and contemporary art, this tour invites guests to reflect on the fruits, both literal and cultural, that nourish us.
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
Ignite your child’s imagination this summer with our August Art Series! This four-class program invites young artists to explore a variety of creative techniques while celebrating nature and self-expression. Each session introduces a new medium and theme, inspiring children to experiment, imagine, and bring their artistic visions to life. Every participant will have the chance to display their creations in a gallery at our upcoming Great Nature Play Day!
Sign up for three classes and get the fourth one free! After registering for three classes, email Erin Fitzpatrick, Education Manager, at efitzpatrick@plantingfields.org to claim your free class.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation.
Planting Fields is for everyone!
Join us for a week of free inclusive fun and exploration as we celebrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month! Registration is not required but appreciated! To pick another day of the week, please see "other dates..."
Each day from April 6 – 10, a new scavenger hunt challenge will be available at the Education Center, offering a fun and engaging way to connect with nature and explore the beauty of Planting Fields.
Stop by anytime throughout the week to collect a scavenger hunt and enjoy a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to explore at their own pace. We look forward to seeing you there for a week of discovery, joy, and community!
We welcome all visitors, including community groups, families with neurodivergent children and with special needs, and individuals to participate in our self-guided scavenger hunts.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation.
Explore the extensive collection of medieval and renaissance stained glass at Planting Fields!
During this walk and workshop for adults, participants will discover the travels and stories of a few of the over forty stained-glass panes that illuminate the historic house-museum, the Main House. Guests will be guided by Emily Leger, Planting Fields Foundation’s Collections and Exhibitions Manager, and will not only dive into the Corpus Vitrearum, an International scholarly compilation of historic glass windows, but also make their very own faux stained-glass to bring home and enjoy!
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: All tickets are final sale. Should you need to cancel; you will be credited the amount towards a future 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. If you have any concerns, please contact us at kcheshire@plantingfields.org
- IF PAYING BY CHECK: Please email efitzpatrick@plantingfields.org your name, phone number, and email address, so we know who's spot is being saved. When your check is received, your child's spot will be saved and you will be contacted with confirmation of payment and a registration link to input your information. Please make checks out to "Planting Fields Foundation" with "Summer Camp" in the memo. Please send all checks to: Planting Fields Foundation, P.O. Box 660, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay NY, 11771.
This monthly series of children’s workshops engages students ages 5 - 12 to explore the great outdoors of Planting Fields, and immerses them in the ecology, history, art, and more of this site. This series will take place once a month on a Wednesday evening from 4 – 6pm, unless otherwise noted.
Join us every other Friday morning from 10–11 AM (unless otherwise noted) for a fun, hands-on adventure designed for children ages 2–5 and their grown-ups. Each session focuses on a new theme, featuring a nature story, a creative craft, and plenty of time for outdoor play and exploration. Only one adult is allowed per registered child.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation.
Explore the beauty and remarkable history of the historic Camellia House at Planting Fields!
Led by Sustainability Coordinator, Rebecca Slagle, and Michael D. Coe Archivist, Marie Penny, tour-goers will step into a living legacy, discovering the Coe family’s passion for horticulture through a historic collection of more than 200 blooming camellias.
Designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers Firm, the Camellia House stands as one of the most treasured architectural and horticultural gems of the entire Northeast region of the country. Guests will learn about the English traditions of growing camellias under glass, uncover the fascinating design elements and evolution of the planthouse, and hear the story of the fire that once threatened this extraordinary collection, as well as the efforts that saved it.
The experience ends outdoors with a look at the modern hardy camellias thriving in the surrounding landscape.
Welcome to the Diplomat Tour at the Main House at Planting Fields! In early 2025, Planting Fields partnered with Netflix as they researched, prepared, and created an authentic representation of Chequers in The Diplomat Season 3, Episode 8—the season finale. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at that collaboration, highlighting how Netflix and the Planting Fields Foundation staff worked together to craft a convincing on-screen representation of Chequers while carefully preserving the character and integrity of the Main House.
Welcome to the Diplomat Tour at the Main House at Planting Fields! In early 2025, Planting Fields partnered with Netflix as they researched, prepared, and created an authentic representation of Chequers in The Diplomat Season 3, Episode 8—the season finale. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at that collaboration, highlighting how Netflix and the Planting Fields Foundation staff worked together to craft a convincing on-screen representation of Chequers while carefully preserving the character and integrity of the Main House.
String Masterworks: Tchaikovsky, Dvořák and Borodin
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 7 to 8:30pm
PROGRAM:
Borodin: Sextet in D minor
Dvořák’s String Sextet in A major
Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
Join us for the thrilling season opener of “Notes in Nature,” featuring three thrilling Romantic-era string masterworks for string sextet. Borodin’s lively Sextet in D minor sets the stage with irresistible charm, followed by Dvořák’s glowing String Sextet in A Major, filled with folk-inspired warmth and lyricism. The program culminates in Tchaikovsky’s legendary Souvenir de Florence, a dazzling showcase of virtuosity, elegance, and heartfelt emotion.
String Quartets in the Cloister Garden
Saturday, May 30th, 2026, 7 to 8:30pm
PROGRAM:
Excerpts from Wood Works by Danish String Quartet
Joseph Haydn: “The Lark” String Quartet in D Major, Op. 64, No. 5
George Walker: Molto Adagio
Fanny Mendelssohn: String Quartet in E-flat Major
Celebrate the coming of summer under the open sky at Coe Hall’s Cloister Garden with a captivating evening of string quartets inspired by nature and romance. This enchanting evening invites you to experience the vocal and virtuosic essence of the string quartet set against the picturesque backdrop of Planting Fields. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the Main House’s beautiful Great Hall.
The program opens with selections from Wood Works arranged by the Danish String Quartet, whose folk-inspired pieces carry playful charm and dance-like energy. Haydn’s The Lark soars with elegant lyricism and sparkling birdsong motifs, showcasing the players’ mastery on their instruments.
The second half turns introspective and lush. George Walker’s Molto Adagio offers a contemplative pause, a quiet moment of reflection among the greenery. Fanny Mendelssohn’s joyous String Quartet rounds out the program with a rich tapestry of emotion and textures, celebrating the beauty of the Romantic era.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation.
Summer Symphonies
Saturday, August 29th, 2026, 5:30 to 7:00pm
PROGRAM:
Grieg: Praeludium from The Holberg Suite, Op. 40
Holst: St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29 No. 2
Price: Andante Cantabile
Corelli: “La Follia” Concerto Grosso in D minor arr. Geminiani
Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings
Join us for the start of a new summer tradition as Long Island Chamber Music and Planting Fields come together for their first summer festival concert! Featuring 9 world-class string players performing iconic string orchestra works, this concert will celebrate orchestral masterworks through a conductorless, chamber-music format. This outdoor concert is rain or shine!
The program opens with Grieg’s Praeludium from The Holberg Suite, a vibrant burst of Baroque-inspired brilliance. Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite follows with its blend of folk tunes and lively dances.
The mood turns tender and expressive with Florence Price’s Andante Cantabile, a graceful, singing work that offers a moment of calm reflection at the heart of the program. Geminiani’s arrangement of Corelli’s La Follia brings a return of spirited virtuosity featuring variations rooted in one of the Baroque era’s most iconic themes.
The evening closes with Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, a lush and heartfelt masterpiece whose sweeping melodies and emotional depth create a radiant finale, celebrating the full expressive power of the string orchestra.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation.
Serenade & Celebration
Saturday, October 10th, 2026, 7 to 8:30pm
PROGRAM:
Ibert: 3 Pièces brèves
Mozart: Serenade in C minor, K. 388 arr. Rechtman
Coleman: Tzigane
Nielsen: Wind Quintet Op. 43
This woodwind quintet program moves between refined elegance and lively celebration, each instrument shining with its own irresistible personality.
It opens with Jacques Ibert’s Trois Pièces brèves, a set of sparkling miniatures that showcases the ensemble at its most playful. The energy deepens with Mozart’s Serenade in C minor, heard here in a brilliant wind quintet arrangement by Mordechai Rechtman. One of Mozart’s most dramatic chamber works, the serenade brims with stormy intensity and an operatic sense of dialogue.
Valerie Coleman’s Tzigane brings a burst of rhythmic fire and folk-inspired flair. Drawing on Eastern European dance traditions, the piece whirls with virtuosity and bold character. The program closes with Carl Nielsen’s beloved Wind Quintet, a work that celebrates the individuality of each instrument while reveling in the warmth of their collective sound. The final chorale and variations gather the ensemble and the audience into a moment of shared celebration, closing the program with a sense of unity, generosity, and sheer joy in music-making.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation.