Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County

Open Days Garden Tour - Isbell Garden

This garden features a series of rooms, separated by trees and shrubs that were planted in 1984 starting with 2 Spring rock gardens next to the house. The owner next experimented with a sand bed and a 'hot garden', inspired by Elizabeth Sheldon's garden in Lansing. The pond and waterfall replaced the old perennial garden in 2005, and a crevice garden was added next to the waterfall in 2006. In 2010, 3 more rooms were completed: another crevice garden called Apu Isbell, an outdoor study under the canopy of a gigantic weeping beech, and an Earth Mother altar.

Want to see photos of this garden?
When can I visit this garden?
Want to see other gardens open this same day?

Directions to Isbell Garden

From points north or west of Ithaca, follow signs for route 79 east. If you are coming from the west on route 13 (Meadow St.), turn left onto W. Green St. (route 79 east). Route 79 east becomes East State Street and then Slaterville Rd. Continue 5 miles from Ithaca and watch for a green highway sign for Brooktondale. Turn right onto Brooktondale Rd. and continue 2.4 miles. Brooktondale Rd. junctures with Valley Rd. at the Brookton Market (on left, across from the Brooktondale Post Office). DO NOT VEER LEFT. Continue straight onto Valley Rd. and watch for the Brooktondale Community Center on the right hand side of Valley Rd. The house and garden are next door (east), 534 Valley Rd. If you pass the white church on the right, you have gone too far. Please park in the church parking lot. Walk up the driveway, the garden is in the back of the house.

From points east of Ithaca, get on route 79 west and go through Slaterville Springs. A few miles further, you will see Brooktondale Rd. on the left. Follow directions above.

DATES

Saturday June 11, 2011: 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

FEE

$5 per person

LEARN MORE

http://ccetompkins.org/gardentour

LOCATION

Isbell Garden
534 Valley Rd.
Brooktondale, New York 14817