On Saturday, June 27th, the Historical Society of Islip Hamlet held its third "Secret Gardens of Islip - Garden Walk".  The day was a mixed bag of sun, clouds and a light rain.  But it didn't stop our ticket holders from coming out and having a great time.

The Atwood Garden had its front borders replanted in an informal and natural style after is was flooded by Hurricane Sandy.  The flower garden in the back was designed and constructed by the owners 30 years ago.  Included in the garden are two single peonies, Japanese iris, a fragrant mini lilac and a Japanese maple.

The Kreutzer Garden
"Twifere", have some of the original pines, maples, myrtle and large holly trees.  Unfortunately, the dogwoods and weeping beech trees were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.  The cottage is surrounded by a variety of hydrangea.  They also hosted a bonsai exhibit on the property.

The Mackey Garden is an informal style cottage garden, planted with the homeowners favorites.  An arbor was added for their daughters backyard wedding.  A gravestone in the garden, possibly of a horse, has a circle of hosta around it.  An in-ground pool was replaced and a new garden was landscaped around it.

The LaSpina Garden is planted with zoysia grass and its plump, dense surface covers most of the back and front yard.  Many potted plants and flowers adorn the rear deck.  A smaller garden with a gazing ball and many flowers are behind a tall boxwood hedge.

The Skolnick Garden has a Lace Leaf Weeping Red Maple, boxwoods, golden Euonymus, hostas, Bearded Blue Iris, Stella D'ora daylillies and others in the front yard.  The back of the property is home to different hostas, hydrangea bushes, Lily of the Valley, red azaleas and a variety of annuals to bring more color to the yard.
The Gardens
The society would like to thank the homeowners, Garden Walk guides, Carolines Flower Shoppe and our ticket holders in making this walk a success.
Susan Hantz-West
Est. 1992 Historical Society of Islip Hamlet