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Vol. #1
April 2024
WELCOME TO Blooms & Beyond YOUR MEMBER NEWSLETTER
I am delighted to unveil this new com- munication channel exclusively tai- lored for you, our valued members. On behalf of EVERYONE at Old West- bury Gardens, we deeply value your support and loyalty, and we’re dedicated to providing you with meaningful experiences that bring added value to your membership. I grew up coming to Old Westbury Gardens and am about to celebrate my 10th year working here, so I understand the deep connection our members have with this cherished place. As your
Membership Manager, my goal is to keep you informed about exciting updates, exclusive events, and special offers meant only for you. Plus, you’ll read about personal member stories on why they love Old West- bury Gardens. It’s my hope that you’ll share yours in these pages, too.
May you find this newsletter to be both informative and en - joyable. Thank you for being part of our member community.
Read on!
Amy Marino Membership Manager
www.oldwestburygardens.org
“M y partner and I could really use some advice on the best strategy for pruning a Rhododendron. It’s many years old, and we are terrified of accidentally harming it. Over the last few years, it has grown very tall and almost appears to have two distinct zones, top and bottom. Ideally we would like to cut most of the top half off, but aren’t sure how to do this without shocking the tree or adversely affecting its health. Any recommendations you have would be very much appreciated.” Cristi & Mike, New Hyde Park Hi Cristi & Mike, Rhododendrons are very responsive to pruning. Rejuvenative pruning is often used to restore shrubs that have become too leggy. Many species and hybrids of Rhododendron can be cut back severely with no harm to the health of the plant. Most of the time, I would suggest making a small test cut to one of the branches to see how your plant responds. In cases where there is already a significant amount of new growth at the base, this isn’t necessary. I would suggest waiting until winter, if possible, to make any large cuts so that the plant is dormant. ~Maura Brush President & CEO Old Westbury Gardens Green Thumb Tips
If you have a gardening question you’d like us to answer, email it to greenthumb@oldwestburygardens.org
Hidden Gems
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ne of the less visi- ble items of the fine arts collection of the Phipps family on display in Westbury
House is the 5 1/2’ by 7’ paint- ing As You Like It (oil, 1789) by John Downman (English, 1750- 1824). It is located atop the stair- case on the third floor and vis - ible by looking up the staircase from the second-floor landing. The painting depicts Act I, Scene 2, 43–57, from Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It . In this scene, Rosalind, who has just fallen in love with Orlando at first sight, presents him with a Continued on next page.
As You Like It (oil, 1789) by John Downman (English, 1750-1824); Westbury House Collection
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Boydell (1719-1804). As The Fol- ger Library, which contains some of the Gallery’s paintings and first-edition engravings, notes: Boydell made his fortune by providing engraved prints from famous collections of art, then selling the prints in England and abroad. A savvy sales- man, successful politician, and well-known patron of the arts, Boydell was determined late in life to foster the improvement of British history painting. He commissioned artists like Sir Joshua Reynolds, Henri Fuseli, and Angelica Kauff- man to create works inspired by scenes in Shakespeare, and designed a gallery to display the paintings. He also pub- lished engravings of the paint- ings as illustrations for his edi- tion of Shakespeare’s plays. The Department of English of the University of Texas at Aus- tin has a fascinating digital ex- perience of the Gallery. Entitled What Jane Saw the site is inspired by Austin’s letters recounting preservation projects, ensuring the Gardens thrive for future gen- erations. From its inception, the Friends of Old Westbury Gardens has been more than just a membership level; it’s a passionate community bound by a shared love for histo- ry, culture, and natural beauty. Through their dedication, they safeguard the Gardens’ legacy and
her visit to the Gallery in 1796. For some reason, Downman’s As You Like It was not displayed that year but it was on view in the 1789 and 1790 editions, and during the Gallery’s later years. Yet, as popular as the Gallery was, the admission income could not make up for the lackluster sales of illustrated editions of Shakespeare and Boydell’s expenses far out- weighed the revenue. Ultimately, in 1804-05 the Gallery’s paintings were disbursed through a lottery. Nevertheless, the Gallery con- tinued a new life through its en- gravings as they were included in numerous illustrated Shakespeare editions throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. The engraving of Downman’s As You Like It was commonly used as the main im- age to illustrate As You Like It . ~Paul Hunchak Director of Visitor Services & Public Programs
Continued from page 2. necklace as a good luck symbol of the goddess Fortune following Orlando’s defeat of the wrestling champion Charles (who is being carried off in the background). The painting was owned by Hen- ry Phipps, Jr. and was displayed in his Fifth Avenue townhouse
The painting as it hung in the Henry Phipps, Jr. Fifth Avenue townhouse
It subsequently became ac- quired by Henry’s son Jay and installed in Westbury House. As You Like It was one of 167 paintings commissioned for and displayed at the Shakespeare Gal- lery (1789-1804)—an art exhibit and financial enterprise founded by the English businessman John T he Friends of Old Westbury Gardens, established in 1995, is a community dedi- cated to preserving and celebrating the Gardens and Westbury House. After a hiatus, they’re back with renewed ener- gy—planning exclusive programs and trips that offer behind-the- scenes access to historical sites. They also fundraise to support
The Friends’ Corner
foster con- nections among admirers. Whether you’re a long-time
member or a newcom- er, join in to contrib- ute and share in this rich heritage!
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Member Memoir W hether you have been a member for 30 years or 3 months, your connection to the Gardens matters greatly to us. From a casual stroll through the Woodland Walk, a picnic at our Sunday Afternoon concert series in July, to the end-of-year hol- iday celebration, the season is only made better by how our members interact with us. Denward W. Collins, Jr. has been a member of Old Westbury Gardens for over 40 years. Be- low is a letter written by Mr. Collins accompanied by a newspaper clipping from 1977 with a photo of Collins and his late wife, Ruth, enjoying a Picnic Pops concert.
Our sincerest thanks to Mr. Collins for sharing his story and being a lifelong champion of Old Westbury Gardens.
If you would like to share your personal connection to the Gardens as a Member Memoir, email it to membership@oldwestburygardens.org. We will consider it for a future issue.
Old Westbury Gardens,
Ruth and I were married Oct. 1958, the same time OWG opened to the public. My father enjoyed many polo games there in the early 1930s. Dad was so pleased to go back and find it as beautiful as he re - membered. Ruth and I attended regularly (and most Picnic Pops). We took our sons in the 1960s and grandchildren in the 1980s and 1990s. Many friends and visiting guests were taken to OWG. I knew this was worthwhile when our granddaughter’s friend came back after a tour by Mary Kate and relayed to us so much of the history which we had taught to our sons and grandchildren - OWG will continue!
Ruth died March 28, 2021. When I return now, I feel her presence. It had always been our “special” place.
The Nassau County Historical Society en- joyed two society programs at OWG. We had to limit seating in the ballroom to 90. We cut off reservations beyond that number. However, I was called and asked if Mrs. Peggie Boegner could attend with a guest. As president of the NCHS, I, of course, said yes. Later date, she spoke at our society as a featured guest. (We miss her).
Looking forward to many years at OWG.
Sincerely, Denward Collins Jr.
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Photo Frenzy
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n Thursday, April 11th, The Friends of Old Westbury Gardens hosted a lecture and book signing with Mosette Broderick, author of Fifth Avenue Architecture and Society: A His- tory of America’s Street of Dreams. The sold-out event saw guests mingle on the West Porch while enjoying specialty drinks and light bites before the presentation in the Red Ballroom.
Afterwards, guests gathered again on the West Porch to get their copies of the book signed by Ms. Broderick.
(Left to right) Connie Cincotta, Paul Mateyunas and OWG President Maura Brush
(Left to right) OWG Board of Trustees
Chairman Carol Large with Thomas and Mary Jane Poole
Author Mosette Broderick at the lectern.
Moments of Connection: Guests mixed and mingled in Westbury House before diving into an enriching and well-received presentation by Ms. Broderick in the Red Ballroom.
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Garden Views
Twenty-two-year OWG member James from Queens also chose to come to Old Westbury Gardens to get the best view of the eclipse!
Chasing Shadows: Mineola couple Steven & Elizabeth (OWG members for ten years), seen captivated by the eclipse on April 8, 2024 at the Gardens.
“During COVID, Old Westbury Gardens kept me sane – literally! I found peace there and was able to breathe. I love it!” ~Michelle S., Carle Place
Michelle, thank you for being a member since 2020!
Upcoming Events
DATE EVENT April 25
Welcome Back Members’ Reception Light refreshments in the Walled Garden to welcome members back for another season. 6:00pm, Walled Garden, R.S.V.P. here. June 6 The Friends of Old Westbury Gardens present Emily Evans Eerdmans and her book Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator – a Lecture and Book Signing 6:30pm, Red Ballroom, Register here.
www.oldwestburygardens.org
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