- from the June tour of Hillwood Estates
We then walked into the wooded area to see the tulip poplar that had fallen in the derecho. They lost a total of 25 trees in the storm. It was decided to leave the large fallen base and plant into it. On the way to the Putting Green Brian pointed out a Loropetalum with is related to the witch-hazel. It blooms in late April or early May with a purple bloom that looks very much like a witch-hazel. The Putting Green is covered in bent grass which was very walkable and Brian turned on the large fan nearby which is used to keep the grass in good shape in hot humid weather.
We moved onto the Japanese-style garden which was designed by Shogo Myaida and restored recently by Zen Associates. We walked throughout the garden’s meandering path and waterfalls and pools. It is a very picturesque area and the children there were enjoying the water as well.
Our tour then took us to the enormous cutting garden which is still used today to create the beautiful floral arrangements on display in the Visitor Center and the house. Finally Brian directed us to the Adirondack Building which has been turned into a museum display area and held a wonderful collection of Mrs. Post's dresses she had worn throughout the years.