Visiting Garden – Moments from Whethersfield

September 2021

 

 

Nestled in 1,000 acres of beautiful rolling hills in Dutchess County, NY, Wethersfield is the living expression of everything that its founder, Chauncey Devereux Stillman (1907–1989), cherished and believed in. Mr. Stillman was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut and has a long and in depth family history that began there. His grandfather founded what eventually would become Citibank. Mr. Stillman named his estate
“Wethersfield” as a tribute to Wethersfield, Connecticut, where his family first settled in 1705.
With a bit of luck and a leap of faith, 12 Sasqua garden club ladies traveled the 1 hour and 45 minutes up the Taconic State Parkway through Millbrook, to Amenia NY.  Here situated at the top of the mountain, 1200 ft above sea level, sits Wetherfield.  It’s perch provided panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains to the west and the Berkshires to the north.  
After a tour of the house, we entered the gardens with Toshi Yano, the head horticulturist on the estate. He walked us through the immense gardens, pools, allés of evergreens, water fountains and secret niches and doorways throughout.
We ended the afternoon with a picnic lunch from Gruel Brittania, taking in the spectacular views and breathing gentle breezes of the mountains.    ~ Maggie Rotanz