On Sunday, May 8, Sycamore Hill Gardens, located at 2130 Old Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus, will host a garden tour for the public in celebration of spring and Mother’s Day. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., families are invited to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll through nearly 40 acres of themed gardens.Proceeds from this event will benefit Baltimore Woods Nature Center and its mission to connect children to nature. This is the 16th consecutive year that George and Karen Hanford
Proceeds from this event will benefit Baltimore Woods Nature Center and its mission to connect children to nature. This is the 16th consecutive year that George and Karen Hanford have opened their glorious private gardens to benefit Baltimore Woods.
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. An acre large giant maze comprised of 2,200 Emerald Green Arborvitaes beckons visitors to wend their way to its core and discover what’s hidden within. 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.
These expansive gardens were created and carefully cultivated over the past 20 years by owners Karen and George Hanford. The over 10,000 trees and shrubs planted by the Hanfords has transformed the former dairy farm into one of New York State’s largest privately held bird sanctuaries. Sycamore Hill Gardens is only open to the public a few days each year, allowing Central New Yorkers a sweeping view of nature’s spring glory.
The Chicken Bandit Food Truck will be on-site for food purchases and garden tour guests will receive complimentary beverages from Byrne Dairy. Advance tickets are $6 through April 30. Visit baltimorewoods.org to purchase online tickets or for a list of off-site ticket locations. After April 30, tickets are $12 at all sale locations as well as at the gate. Admission is free for children 8 years old and under, and parking is free. The event will take place rain or shine. 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, visit www.sycamorehillgardens.com. Baltimore Woods Nature Center invites guests to share their Mother’s Day garden photos on Instagram this year (#MOTHERSDAY2016 and #BWNC).
Patrons who aren’t able to come to this year’s event but would like to support Baltimore Woods and its nature education programs can make an online donation at www.baltimorewoods.org.