Join Leslie for a tour of Linwood Gardens
This will be an easy, relaxing day in the outdoors surrounded by history, beauty, and an incredible view of the Genesee River Valley. Linwood Gardens is a private garden open to the public during the three weekends of the annual Tree Peony Festival. We will be visiting on the first of the three weekends, so the tree peonies may just be starting to bloom; however, there are many more flowers to enjoy: lilacs, redbuds, heirloom roses, irises, etc.
The original garden landscape, designed around 1900, includes an Arts and Crafts style summer house, walled gardens, pools, fountains and the remains of miniature houses. A former tennis court now houses a labyrinth you can walk. I have been going to the Peony Festival since 1996, usually at least twice a year. In 2018, I began assisting the family with giving tours.
The gardens are completely maintained by two women in the family, a 34 year old and her grandmother, along with volunteers. They suggest a donation of $10 ($15 with guided tour). The money is to help maintain the gardens. Since COVID, there is an online reservation system in place so that the gardens don’s get too crowded.
Advance Reservations are required!
Use this link to register. https://www.linwoodgardens.org/festival. Select the General Admission option. There are currently 65 spots left for the 12 pm timed entry (but you could sign up for 10 AM and come earlier, perhaps purchase a snack, and then join me for around 12:30 - see below). NOTE: Payment accepted upon arrival, cash and personal checks only - no credit cards.
Don't select the Guided tour option as the scheduled guided tours are sold out, and I will be doing a private tour for you.
I will lead an informal tour for Women Outdoors, giving you a history of the family and the gardens from around 12:30 – 1:30. Meet at the entrance where you check-in.
If you prefer to wander on your own, that’s fine. It is a wonderful place to photograph. You may want to take some time before or after to walk the labyrinth.
There are often concerts (recorders, bagpipes, alpine horns are examples) at 1:00 PM outside, but I don’t yet know if there is that day.
Bring:
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Don’t bring dogs. Kids are fine (and are free).
- Cash or check to pay on-site
- Water
You may wish to bring water. There will be a caterer, Sweet Arts Bakery, selling simple food such as quiche, homemade soup, pastries, tea, lemonade, etc. It is nice to sit and eat outside admiring the view. It is not appropriate to bring your own picnic unless you wish to tailgate.
We will go rain or shine. It can get a bit muddy in the rain. The terrain is mostly level, not paved. The tree peonies are world famous. It is a favorite place of mine, and I love introducing it to others.
Please refrain from attending if you have recently been ill or have COVID-like symptoms.
Address: 1912 York Road West, Linwood, NY 14486
Directions:
Linwood Gardens is 35 miles southwest of Rochester. It is near Geneseo and Pavilion. From downtown Rochester it takes about 45 minutes Note: sometimes the entrance is a little tricky to see. It really helps to clock the 2.9 miles from the intersection of 36 and York Road.
From Rochester:
- Take 390 south to Exit 10, Avon.
- Turn right on Routes 5 & 20 West, through Avon.
- Turn left on Route 36 South to the town of York.
- Turn right on York Road West. Go 2.9 miles.
- At the top of the hill, turn left at the stone pillars—1912 York Road (there will be a sign)
From the Northwest:
- Take Route 63 South from Batavia to Pavilion. Continue through Pavilion
- Turn left at the top of the hill (opposite school) onto York Road. Go 3.8 miles.
- Turn right at the stone pillars—1912 York Road.
From the South:
- Take Route 390 North to Exit 6 for NY-36 North towards Mt. Morris
- Go 13 miles to the town of York
- Turn left on York Road West
- At the top of the hill, turn left at the stone pillars—1912 York Road.
From the Northeast and East:
- Take 90 West to exit 46, 390 South (towards Corning).
- Then follow the Rochester directions.
- It should take about 1 hour and 45 minutes from downtown Syracuse, 2 hours and 45 minutes from Watertown, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Waterloo.
The automatic confirmation email is the only email you will receive about this event. Be sure and save it or print it out.
COVID-19 Message
WO Trip Leaders can exercise discretion in terms of safety and preparedness for the events they lead, including requiring compliance with vaccine, testing, and/or masking requirements.
*** RSVP and Cancellations – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ ***
Please respect the trip leader and other members and update your RSVP if you sign-up but then are unable to attend. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances. If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader (see your registration confirmation for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting. Be sure to copy down the address, directions, and trip leader contact information to bring with you as there might not be good cell service at the event location.
To Cancel: Go to your Registration List
- Click on this event in your list
- Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
- At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.
- Ignore the link to contact the administrator
