A Self-Taught Horticulturalist Gift in Locust Valley, NY - Bailey Arboretum

Born in 1865, Frank Bailey was the son of a physician from Chatham, NY, and an amateur botanist. He attended Union College, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and began his career at the Title Guarantee Trust Company in Brooklyn, NY, doing clerical work. He worked his way up to president and acquired significant real estate holdings in Brooklyn, particularly in Brownsville, Bensonhurst, and Borough Park. During the Great Depression, he successfully led the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, using the connections he made to acquire specimens for his personal collection.

A self-taught horticulturist, experimental scientist, and philanthropist, Bailey purchased his summer retreat between 1911 and 1912 from Joseph R. Clark, a former president of the Board of Aldermen of Brooklyn. He named the then 100-year-old farmhouse "Munnysunk" and began selecting trees and shrubs for the property. Bailey hired gardeners, directing them where to plant and assisting with trimming and pruning. In doing so, he created one of America’s first private garden museums.

Frank and Marie Louise Lambert Bailey lived at Munnysunk, where they both passed away—Frank in 1953 at the age of 88 and Marie in 1964 at 87.

In 1968, the Baileys’ heirs donated the house and its 42-acre property to Nassau County. Local garden clubs contributed plants for the perennial and rose gardens, and the property opened to the public in 1969. Since 2006, it has been maintained by the Friends of Bailey Arboretum.

The Arboretum includes a specialized sensory garden, which opened in 1990. This garden is designed to engage all five senses and is particularly accessible to the sight- and mobility-impaired. It is maintained by the Locust Valley Garden Club. Additionally, the Arboretum is home to New York State’s first accredited outdoor classroom, the Children’s Habitat.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The Sadie E Scudder Greehouse

The Visitors Cottage in the former gatehouse.

Besides the farmhouse, other buildings on the property include an educational center, workshops, garages and storage sheds.

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"Munnysunk", a 200-year-old manor house used for education, fundraising and rentals.

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The front screen door with spider and web design.

Bailey Arboretum features seven acres of landscaped gardens, ponds, woodland pathways, and peaceful surroundings.

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Three hiking trails cover a large part of the property. There a trail that circles around the Great Lawn and the Wide Loop and the Evergreen Arbor Trails cover 30 acres.

The view of the lower pond.

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The walkway between the upper and lower ponds.

What you should know:

• There are walking trails.

• Restrooms are available when the property is fully open.

• Picnicking is allowed.

• No fishing, climbing trees, picking or destroying property allowed.

• The grounds are open year-round. Check website for days and hours or operation and any special events.

Location: 194 Bayville Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560

For more information: Bailey Arboretum

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