Spring and summer 2026 promise many moments rich with beauty in the garden, the oasis to which we escape, seeking solace, wonder, and peace. Here, our editor’s choice of garden-related events for the season ahead — from the edifying and educational to the purely pleasurable.
Hands-On Garden History
Friday, April 10, 1:30 p.m.
Southampton History Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane
R.S.V.P. required
southamptonhistory.org.
It’s spring break at Rogers Mansion — for kids of all ages. During this hands-on experience, children will learn about historical farming practices, discover medicinal plants commonly found in herb gardens in centuries past, and explore the history of the large mulberry tree located on the lawn of the Rogers Mansion.
Rose Planting and Pruning
Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m.
Rogers Memorial Library,
91 Cooper’s Farm Road, Southampton
Free; no registration required
southamptonrose.org
The Southampton Rose Society hosts a hands-in-bushes learning session in the rose garden. Peter Bertrand, rosarian, will discuss fertilization, soil management, and proper watering techniques — and happily answer any thorny questions.
Native Ferns and Wildflowers for Shade Gardens
Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m.
Bridgehampton Community House,
Main Street at School Street
Free for members, $10 for nonmembers
hahgarden.org
The Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons lecture series continues with a presentation by Leslie Duthie of the Ecological Landscape Alliance. Ms. Duthie, who has devoted decades to managing 75 acres of public trails, woods, and gardens in a wildlife sanctuary in central Massachusetts, will share her deep knowledge of native ferns and flowers to create interest in shady corners.
Spring Awakening at LongHouse
Saturday April 18, 12:30 to 5 p.m.
LongHouse Reserve,
133 Hand’s Creek Road, East Hampton
Free
longhouse.org
The season bursts to life with LongHouse’s Spring Awakening community day, featuring a Spring Colors walk at 2 p.m. The 16-acre garden and nature sanctuary boasts a new executive director this year, as well as new sculptures (including works by Renee Cox, William Kentridge, and Sean Scully). Deep snow this winter delayed the daffodils, which are expected to be in bloom in time for this event.
The Cutting Garden
Sunday, April 19, 2 p.m.
Marders, 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton
Free
marders.com
As part of the “Cookies, Coffee, and Conversations,” series, a Marders expert will delve into the selection and care of plants for cottage and cutting gardens — including dahlias. Another session in the convivial series will be held at 2 p.m. on April 26, on the topic of “Planning a Potager: Learn how to combine herbs, vegetables, and flowers in one beautiful garden.”
Organic Rose Care at Bridge Gardens
Saturday, April 25, 9:30 a.m.
36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
Free to members; $10, nonmembers
peconiclandtrust.org
In partnership with the Perfect Earth Project, Bridge Gardens hosts Paul Wagner of Greener Pastures Organics/SavATree in a workshop that will prove it is possible to grow beautiful roses organically. You’ll learn about early-season pruning techniques, organic fertilization, and soil conditioning, reservations required. Heavy rain cancels.
Pruning Workshop
Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.
LongHouse Reserve,
133 Hand’s Creek Road, East Hampton
$30, members; $40 nonmembers
longhouse.org
Matt Hartline, a master arborist and partner at Bill Miller Associates in Water Mill, will lead the workshop. Gloves and snippers are recommended. Participants will get to take home saplings.
Birdhouse Decorating
Saturday, April 25, drop-in from 1 to 4 p.m.
Bridge Gardens, 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
$10 per birdhouse
peconiclandtrust.org
The Shine Studio and Peconic Land Trust invite families and nature lovers to celebrate Earth Day with a creative afternoon, decorating premade birdhouses with upcycled and natural materials. Participants will be encouraged to hang their masterpiece in the garden’s Wisteria Walk. Registration required.
Garden Talk: Cannabis Culture
Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m.
Marders, 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton
Free
marders.com
A Marders expert will lead an informative conversation to answer pressing questions about how to “get growing.” All Marders workshops are free and open to the public on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Maximalist Garden
Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Bridgehampton Community House,
Main Street at School Street
Free for H.A.H. members, $10 for nonmembers
hahgarden.org
The Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons presents Teresa Woodard with a lecture inspired by her beautiful coffee-table book “Garden to the Max: Joyful, Visionary, Maximalist Design.”
Killer Lawns
Sunday, May 3, 4 p.m.
Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton
Ticketing information, perfectearthproject.org
The Perfect Earth Project’s “Grounded Conversations” series takes on the dangers inherent in the pursuit of the perfect suburban lawn. Ray Dorsey, Sarah Evans, Carl Safina, and Edwina von Gal will discuss common landscape chemicals and the health effects on people and their pets.
Madoo in Manhattan With Stephanie Mahon
Sunday, May 3, 6 p.m.
The University Club, 1 West 54th Street,
$125 to $500
The 12th annual “Madoo in Manhattan” garden lecture features the editor of Gardens Illustrated magazine speaking on the topic of her book “Gardens Illustrated: The New Beautiful: Inspiring Gardens for a Resilient Future,” which explores traditional English flower gardens and romantic country gardens.
Roses for Mother
Friday, May 8, 4 p.m.
Rogers Memorial Library,
91 Cooper’s Farm Road, Southampton
Free; registration required at 631-283-0774
southamptonrose.org
To foster an early love of the rose, the ever-popular annual children’s mini rose planting and art workshop hosted by the Southampton Rose Society will be held in the rose garden. Before and after the demonstration, children ages 5 to 13 will be invited to color garden sketches by Nancy Rollins or create their own rose-theme Mother’s Day cards or artwork. Materials will be provided.
Bonsai Workshop
Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.
LongHouse Reserve,
133 Hand’s Creek Road, East Hampton
longhouse.org
The husband-and-wife team of Jason and Diana Payne, who run a unique East End nursery called Holistic Bonsai — Under the Tiny Tree, will introduce participants to bonsai trees, both indoor and outdoor, and their care. Registration required.
Garden Talk: Mother’s Day Orchids
Sunday, May 10, 10 a.m.
Marders, 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton
Free
marders.com
The subject of the conversation is “keeping your Mother’s Day Orchid happy.” As ever, this session is open to the public on a first-come-first-served basis. Information on further month-of-May chats in the Garden Talks series (on soil improvement, houseplants, and biodynamic beekeeping) can be viewed on the Marders website.
Historic Gardens of East Hampton
Thursday, May 21, 5:30
East Hampton Library, 159 Main Street
Free
tomtwomeyseries.org
The Tom Twomey Lecture Series continues with a talk by Blue Carreon, author of “The Gardens of the Hamptons,” speaking on “Historic Gardens in East Hampton.” Attendees will learn the back story and current stewardship of some of our most fascinating outdoor spaces, from Grey Gardens to the Creeks. Registration required.
Garden Party and Silent Auction
Friday, May 22, 6 p.m.
Mulford Farm, 10 James Lane, East Hampton
Tickets from $75
Thank heavens, some things never change. One of our favorite traditions is to kick off Memorial Day weekend with the Garden Club of East Hampton’s annual fete. This is the club’s 51st annual evening cocktail party, offering guests early access to the plant-sale selection, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and good vibes.
Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m. to noon.
Mulford Farm, 10 James Lane, East Hampton
Free to enter
Proceeds from the Garden Club of East Hampton’s popular annual sale go toward maintenance of the Mary Nimmo Moran Garden, the Mimi Meehan Native Plant Garden, and the Pollinator Garden at East Hampton Town Hall, as well as high school internships and holiday arrangements to brighten December at the East Hampton Town Senior Citizens Center. Buy, buy, buy!
Weekend Utopia Revisited
Sunday, May 31, 3 p.m.
LongHouse Reserve,
133 Hand’s Creek Road, East Hampton
longhouse.org
Alastair Gordon, critic and expert on 20th-century architecture, illuminates the history of beachside Modernist houses. A revised edition of “Weekend Utopia: Modern Living in the Hamptons” has just been released, on the 25th anniversary of this landmark book.
Organic Rose Care
Sunday June 7, 2 p.m.
Marders, 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton
Free
marders.com
Today’s “Cookies, Coffee, and Conversations” topic with a Marders expert is how to choose, plant, prune, and enjoy roses. Later in the month, on June 21 at the same hour, participants will chew on cookies and how to fight the “the unending battle” — combating pests and fungus — the gentle way, with sugar, oil, and the introduction of beneficial insects.
Rose Day and Rose Show
Saturday, June 13, public viewing 1 to 4 p.m.
Rogers Memorial Library
91 Cooper’s Farm Road, Southampton
Free
southamptonrose.org
The Southampton Rose Society’s annual rose show will be held in the library’s Morris Room, with the trophy presentations at 3:30 in the afternoon. This date is also the fourth annual Rose Day celebration in Southampton Village. The rose was declared the official flower of Southampton Village in 2019. Business owners are encouraged to compete in a rose display competition, decorating their store windows or store fronts with a rose-inspired theme.
Garden Talk: : Medicine Making
Sunday, June 14 10 a.m.
Marders, 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton
Free
marders.com
This garden conversation is all about teas, tinctures, and tonics — providing attendees with information on using herbs and flowers for medicinal purposes.
“The Food-Forward Garden”
Sunday, June 14, 2 p.m.
Bridgehampton Community House,
Main Street at School Street
Free for H.A.H. members, $10 nonmembers
hahgarden.org
The Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons Lecture Series continues with Christian Douglas giving a talk titled “The Food-Forward Garden: Explore the Art and Science of Edible Landscape Design.” Mr. Douglas is an expert on integrating edible plants — vegetables, fruits, and herbs — into decorative landscapes. The H.A.H. lecture series will reach into fall, with events on Sept. 13 (Roy Diblik, “Growing Plants in Communities”); Oct. 18 (Eve Beaury, “Seeding Ecosystems of the Future”); Nov. 15 (Michael Gibson, “The Gibson Method: Reimagining Topiary as Living Art”), and Dec. 20 (Roman Roth, “How to Grow and Achieve World Class Vineyards Right Here on the East End”).
Beautopia at LongHouse
Saturday, June 27 6 to 11 p.m.
133 Hand’s Creek Road, East Hampton
Individual tickets, $200 to $1,500
longhouse.org
LongHouse’s annual summer benefit is a must for anyone wishing to see and be seen in the art and landscape worlds. This year, it honors Bruce Horten, a longtime builder of community at LongHouse, and Sean Scully, the abstract painter. Guests will explore the magical gardens, enjoy cocktails and live music, and bid on artwork by leading and emerging artists from near and far. The night culminates with dinner catered by Hamptons Aristocrat, then dancing under the stars.
Garden Conservancy Open Gardens Day
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Various locations
Free to members; $10 nonmembers
gardenconservancy.org
Your chance to peek behind the hedges. Hosts open their private gardens to the public for one day each year, to support the Garden Conservancy. Ticketing is done in advance, online. This year’s gems on the South Fork include an “art house” in East Hampton, a barn on Butter Lane, Bridgehampton, and six other locations east of the Shinnecock Canal.
Halsey House and Garden Gala
Friday, July 3, 5:30 p.m.
249 South Main Street, Southampton
Individual tickets, $150 (junior) to $350
southamptonhistory.org.
The annual fund-raiser for the Southampton History Museum is held on the grounds of the Thomas Halsey Homestead, one of the oldest English colonial dwellings in New York State. This year, the theme is red, white, and blue, in recognition of the semiquincentennial. Expect an elegant evening under the stars, with dancing to live music in the moonlight garden.
Green Burials: Returning to Earth
July 19, time T.B.D.
LongHouse Reserve, 133 Hand’s Creek Road, East Hampton
Ticketing information, perfectearthproject.org
The Perfect Earth Project’s “Grounded Conversations” series returns to LongHouse with a talk and information fair about green burials, answering the question, “What are your best options for returning to the earth?”
Southampton Rose Society Celebration
Saturday, August 8, time T.B.D.
Ticketing information, southamptonrose.org
Break out your flower-decked garden-party hat. The Southampton Rose Society will host its annual cocktail party and fund-raiser, with details available online in April. Typically, this annual event is held at a private residence and is one of the sweetest-smelling evenings of the season.