Guild Hall's Garden as Art program returns on Saturday with a morning talk and self-guided garden tours in the afternoon. Patron ticket purchasers will also be invited to a "cocktail prolonge" from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
The day begins with Vincent Simeone's talk at 10 a.m. on the great gardens of the world. Mr. Simeone, the director of Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, is a lecturer, instructor, and horticultural consultant with expertise in woody plant identification, culture, and the use and selection of superior varieties. He has led garden tours throughout the world and gives some 50 lectures a year.
Following the talk at noon, four private gardens in East Hampton with impeccable designer pedigrees will open their gates for inspection.
One, Linden Hill, was configured by Hollander Design Landscape Architects and has built elements by Kligerman Architecture and Design, two New York City firms. The property is distinguished by ancient trees such as copper beech, fern leaf beech, lindens, and Japanese cypress. A remnant dune is a prominent feature, while the trees are focal points, highlighted by the architecture of the site, which is organized around them.
Another, Pondside, on a long and narrow lot, was also designed by Hollander with built elements by Peter Pennoyer Architects of New York City. It has outdoor "rooms" that offer surprise and a sense of adventure, according to the organizers. A circuitous drive passes by two massive plane trees and groves of others that flower in summer and turn shades of yellow and orange in the fall. A crepe myrtle allee is embellished with hydrangeas and astilbes as it guides visitors down to the water. Bluestone terraces offer a comfortable respite.
Designed by Harmonia Inc. of Bridgehampton, a garden on West End Road is set on Georgica Pond. A stone path passes by three islands of mature crepe myrtles with lace cap hydrangeas at their bases. A handmade six-foot-tall brick wall with a bell cap separates the pool and gardens from the driveway entrance. An adjoining parcel has a commissioned 23-foot-high sculpture by Bernar Venet as well as many mature specimen trees.
Last, a garden on Egypt Lane was designed by Frederico Azevedo and Unlimited Earth Care of Bridgehampton. It is marked by meadows and adaptive plants. The designer aimed to bring movement into the landscape and a sense of the impromptu, while still imposing careful use of texture and color with plants that support the environment and pollinators.
The talk and tours are $200, or $150 for Guild Hall members. Those buying patron-level tickets at $500 and all levels above that can attend an extended cocktail reception hosted by Cornelia and Ralph Heins in their garden with a performance by the Beatbox House, a collective of five world-champion beatboxers: Gene Shinozaki, Kenny Urban, NaPoM, Amit, and Chris Celiz. Tickets and further details are available on the Guild Hall website.
