The Humes Japanese stroll garden is just north of the Planting Fields Arboretum off of Chicken Valley Road & Dogwood Lane in Locust Valley. It is designed on a very sloping 4-acre site of deeply wooded land adjacent to a wild life sanctuary. The garden was begun in 1960 upon the return of Ambassador and Mrs. Humes from Japan. They became interested in Japanese gardens, and over the following four years, engaged the services of a Japanese garden designer and his wife. The garden was given to the Wild Life Sanctuary in 1980 by Ambassador Humes, and his Foundation was started for the purposes of maintenance and preservation. Upon his death, Ambassador Humes left the garden to the Foundation and the garden opened to the public in 1987. The Garden Conservancy assumed care, management and preservation in 1993. The local Long Island Community has been providing volunteers to assist in maintenance, visitor services and special events. The garden is one of few northeast examples of traditional Japanese garden design.

The garden is open to the public and offers guided tours with a tea ceremony twice a month through October. I would like to plan a trip for October 7th (saturday) for the tour & tea ceremony. The fee is $12 (as per the automated phone message) and you need to make reservations in advance. Once I get an idea of the number of people attending, I will make the reservation.

As noted on their web site- the garden is quite hilly so you should be prepared and dress accordingly.

Attached below is the website which provides more background information.

http://www.locustvalley.com/japanese stroll garden.html

Please let me know if you would like to attend.

Your gardening friend.
-Candace