A world-class, four-and-a-half-acre garden showplace — opened to the public in 2021.
The garden was started in 1992 on treeless Mattituck farmland by Dennis Schrader and Bill Smith. By its public debut three decades later, it was an arboreal museum of horticulture and garden design, and the founder-designers were beginning a transition to public ownership as a 501(c)(3), with a mission to educate, inspire, and promote excellence in horticulture. The garden is open two days a week for browsing, exploring, and guided tours. Its workshops are technically sophisticated, unusual, and fun, ranging from grafting and wattling fences to making floral headdresses and living walls. Cultural programming brings dance, music, yoga, and plein-air painting to take inspiration from the exquisite, green space. Children’s programs include entomology and raptor visits. Prominent guest lecturers speak on gardening and garden floral design.
Side by Side has supported a mentoring program for professional gardeners and a gardener’s salary, and made a capital campaign gift for the conversion of a greenhouse to a conservatory. For three summers, Side by Side has supported the workshops and cultural programming.