If you love Peonies, are a photographer, or a painter then you might want to consider putting Linwood Gardens in New York State on your go-to list of destinations.  Linwood Gardens is located in Pavilion, New York, 35 miles southwest of Rochester in the farmlands of the Genesee Valley.   The gardens include a distinguished collection of Japanese and American tree peonies that are featured each spring at the Tree Peony Festival of Flowers.  During the summer months, Linwood Gardens offers a peaceful garden sanctuary for workshops,  open garden days, wedding ceremonies, and guided tours.

A little history from the website, “William Henry Gratwick II, from Buffalo New York, created Linwood Gardens as a country home in the years between 1901 and 1910.”  Architect Thomas Fox designed portions of the Summer House with an Arts and Crafts style, as well as the original garden areas that include walled gardens with pools and fountains, ornamental trees, and a view of the valley beyond.  More information on the history behind this incredible property can be found at http://www.linwoodgardens.org/history/.

This year Linwood Gardens is celebrating their 20th Anniversary of “A Festival of Peonies” that runs May through June, check here for details Linwood Gardens – A Festival of Peonies.

Perhaps Linwood Gardens will be your next destination for inspiration ~ I’ll be off for the next week spending time with some dear friends.