Ande and Peter Rooney's Garden at Twin Brook Farm

Twin Brook Farm, named after two streams that feed cascading ponds, covers 200 acres. Originally used as grazing land it is now a series of perennial gardens with thirty acres fenced for a herd of North American bison. The natural bones of the landscape are fields, forest, rock ledges, ponds, springs and water-falls. The natural sounds are water, wind, and birdsong—perfect settings for gardens—which began evolving with the pond borders in spring 2000. Continuing to morph as studies in color, form, and texture, the color palette and plant choices are limited, and repeated, to strengthen the impact of the design and structure. Shrubs, trees, mass plantings of perennials and grasses, sculpture, and seating terraces punctuate each garden area. We consider ourselves caretakers of this magnificent property where new gardens and new hardscape are always works in progress…a garden never stands still, nor is it ever finished! You can also read an interview with Ande Rooney before attending her Open Day!

Directions: From I-87 in Kingston, take Exit 19 and follow circle to Washington Avenue. Go to Greenkill Avenue and turn left at 4-way blinking light. Go to Wilbur Avenue/Route 213 and turn right. Continue until Wilbur and Route 213 merge. Bear right, continue on Route 213, and cross bridge. Look for park on left at Union Center Road. Turn left and go 0.1 mile. There is an old stone house on right and red Twin Brook Farm barn with large American flag on left. Enter through stone pillars.

From I-87 in New Paltz, take Exit 18. Turn right onto Route 299 East. Go to red light and turn left onto North Ohioville Road. Go 5.7 miles to Route 213 and bear right. Go 4.6 miles to Union Center Road on right. Turn right and go 0.1 mile. Proceed as directed above.

Open Days 2015: May 30.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to this garden is $10.