Planting Fields Foundation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are pleased to announce the upcoming Camellia Festival taking place at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, in Oyster Bay on Sunday, March 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Activities will take place in the Camellia House and Coe Hall.
Built in 1917 by architects Guy Lowell and Andrew Sargent and expanded in 1922 by the Olmsted Brothers, the Camellia House contains the largest collections of camellias under a single roof in the northeast, with a peak blooming season from late January to early March. The Festival is a collaborative effort between the Planting Fields Foundation and the state Parks Department.
The Quatrain Barbershop Quartet will perform live in the Camellia House throughout the day as visitors stroll through the stunning collection of over 200 camellia shrubs and trees. Guided tours will be offered at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Entrance to the Park, Camellia House, Main Greenhouse, and Hay Barn is free.
Admission to Coe Hall is $10 and free to members and kids under 12. Visitors are invited to join a Tea, Talk, and Tasting at noon, hosted by Ron and Pam Phipps. The talk will begin with a short introduction to the most famous member of the Camellia genus, Camellia sinensis, and continue with an overview of the botanical history of tea, its diversity and charm, its role in the world and American history, and its ecological significance and health benefits.
Kids can enjoy crafts in Coe Hall and a magic show with Robert Austin at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Seating for each show is first come, first serve.
Submitted by the Planting Fields Foundation
