Garden Spotlight: Clark Botanical Garden

Website: ​https://www.clarkbotanic.org
​Directions: ​193 I U Willets Rd, Albertson, NY 11507

Clark Botanical Garden is an oasis tucked away in Long Island. It's easy to miss, but once you're there you'll wished you had visited sooner. The property was owned by the Clark family, prominently the wife and husband duo Fanny Dwight Clark and Grenville Clark, during the early 1920s. Mrs. Clark contributed to the essence of the gardens, acting as landscape designer and horticulturalist. What we see today at the garden is largely her undertaking. 

In 1966, Mr. Clark had given up some acreage to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in memory of his wife in which the property was to be used as a sanctuary. It wouldn't be until 1989, however, that the garden would be turned over to the Town of North Hempstead where its possession still lies. The garden serves the public as a park and as an educational center. 

Upon entering the garden you are met with this elaborate floral bordered walkway. Colors splash everywhere, like paint splattered across a canvas. During my visit, the borders were lined with bright pops of pink, orange, and red. 

The clash of textures in the foliage and flowers entice the eye.

These flame-like flowers catch your attention instantly.

Similar to the orange flowers, but slightly more subdued.

Throughout the garden, there are playful floral arrangements that surprise you. One moment you're walking down a seemingly barren path and then all of a sudden you are led to this magical world of colors and textures. 

I was pleasantly surprised by this elaborate display of flowers near the gift shop. Notice the layering of purple and pink flowers.

Rose Garden

Although the lilacs weren't in bloom, I visited the garden early in the spring and I can vouch that the scent of the lilacs are heavenly as you walk into the rose garden. The variety of roses are so wonderful, and the tea roses especially have such a beautiful scent. 

“Roses do not bloom hurriedly; for beauty, like any masterpiece, takes time to blossom.” - ​Matshona Dhliwayo

At the center of the rose garden is this center piece with overflowing flowers, which adds to the romantic atmosphere.

Rock Garden

The rock garden is reminiscent of traditional Japanese or Chinese rock gardens, with an emphasis on foliage and greenery rather than colorful flowers. There is also a pond for contemplation, filled with frogs, turtles, and koi fish. The sound of the water rushing through the rocks evokes a feeling of calm and mindfulness. 

What I also appreciate is that as you walk towards the rock garden, you are already met with some expectation of the calm that you are headed towards as symbolized by the bell that is placed along the path, as if to say, “peace is on the way."

Notice the meticulous placement of the rocks in contrast to the moving water.

Coniferous, ever-green trees played a significant role in the feeling of eternity in this space. It doesn't matter what time of year it is; the rock garden will always stay green.

The Old Days

There are some remnants of history still lingering around the Clark House. If you go around the house, you will find these two stone statues reminiscent of the early 1900s. They look timeless, as if they'd been standing there for eternity.  The lion head fountain is iconic to the property, but I particularly love the statue of the young girl. She's hidden behind some leaves, almost as if she's timid to make her presence known. When I had visited the garden earlier in the year, I had found visitors leaving her alms in the form of roses. She looks so at peace with herself.