(Marcellus, NY – May 2013) On Sunday, May 12 Sycamore Hill Gardens, located at 2130 Old Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus, will open its gates to the public in celebration of spring and Mother’s Day.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. individuals and families are invited to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll through 30 acres of themed gardens. This private garden is open to the public on Mother’s Day as a benefit for Baltimore Woods Nature Center and its mission to connect children to nature.
With 500,000 flowering bulbs, 700 varieties of trees, thousands of perennials, a bell garden, and ponds filled with colorful Japanese Koi fish, visitors can linger all day in this lovely natural setting. A giant maze comprised of 2,200 Emerald Green Arborvitaes beckons visitors to wend their way to its core and discover what’s hidden within. New this year and a fantastic sight to behold is George Hanford ‘s spectacular, gigantic green dragon. A living sculpture comprised of 38 Pendulous Blue Spruce, it was planted to resemble a life-sized dragon complete with rock toes.
An exhibit and sale of fine art takes place in the greenhouse. On display will be work by talented area artists in a variety of media including watercolor, pastel, photography, jewelry, fiber art and scarfs. Participating artists include Chris Baker, Nancy Bales, Karen Burns, Barbara Delmonico, Polly Ann Henry, Kate Humiston, Rachel Harms, Jason Cooper King, Deborah Laun, Kim McGraw, Jill Newton and Thérèse Verley Strodel.
A special preview Art Reception on Saturday, May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sycamore Hill Gardens is open to members of Baltimore Woods with garden tour tickets and to all of the participating artists. The reception will feature appetizers by Stephen Landon, Farm-To-Table Chef and Baltimore Woods Board Member.
Young Adult Fantasy writer, Summer Hanford, will be available Sunday to sign copies of her book, Gift of the Aluien. Plank Road Magazine and Byrne Dairy are sponsors of this event, and Byrne Dairy will provide free beverages at the garden tour.
Advance tickets are $5 through May 4. Purchase tickets at The Woods, or visit baltimorewoods.org for a list of ticket locations and online reservations. After May 4 tickets are $10 at all sale locations and at the gate. Admission is free for children under eight years old, and parking is free. The event will take place rain or shine. The gardens are handicapped accessible. Guests are asked to leave their pets at home. Call 315-673-1350 for more information. For a glimpse of the gardens and for directions, go to www.sycamorehillgardens.com.
Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108.