KATONAH, N.Y. - One of Westchester’s go-to spots for garden lovers is undergoing a metamorphosis – at least as far as its name goes.
Lasdon Park, Arboretum, & Veterans Memorial in Katonah will now be known as Lasdon Public Gardens and Veterans Memorial, the county announced at a ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Its mission – to maintain plants for the public’s education and enjoyment, not to mention for scientific research and conservation – remains the same.
The 234-acre nature spot has 30 gardens and collections, including but not limited to, the Veterans Museum, Trail of Honor, Memorial Garden, lilac collections, and a conservatory.
“Lasdon has long been a place of learning, reflection and beauty,” said County Executive Ken Jenkins, noting that by renaming the park, the county is “better aligning its identity with its mission.”
:This change places Lasdon among the region’s distinguished public gardens, a destination for education, horticulture and peaceful enjoyment,” he said, thanking those “whose hard work and dedication made this transition possible.”
“Their efforts ensure Lasdon will continue to flourish for generations to come,” Jenkins added.
The decision to change Lasdon’s name was made by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, the Lasdon family, and the Friends of Lasdon Park & Arboretum.
The Lasdon family, specifically William and Mildred Lasdon, purchased the property in 1939 and used it was their country retreat.
In 1976, William Lasdon donated the land for the Mildred D. Lasdon Bird and Nature Sanctuary to Westchester County.
Lasdon died in 1986. The county purchased the rest of his estate for $4.2 million in order to preserve the land as open space.
The estate was originally called Cobbling Rock Farm, and it was the Lasdons' love of horticulture and world travel that led them to import and plant many of the trees that now make up the arboretum.
The Lasdons’ great granddaughter, Michele Metsch, represents the Lasdon Family Foundation.
It is, she said, excited about the “reinvigoration of our family home as Lasdon Public Gardens.”
Her great grandparents would be “so proud of the preservation of open space and the vast array of programs for the community,” Metsch said, adding that the foundation is “so thrilled that the property will continue to be enjoyed now and in the future as a shining gem in the county parks system.”
Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor agreed.
“Lasdon boasts designed landscapes, educational programs and provides a respite for visitors to connect with nature in a meaningful way through its gardens and exhibits,” she said, noting that the new name “reflects that purpose and highlights Lasdon’s role as one of Westchester’s most treasured destinations.”
Lasdon is more than just a horticultural haven.
“Interwoven into the heart of every path, planting, and program is a living memorial honoring Westchester County’s veterans,” said Laura Blau, president of Friends of Lasdon, adding: “Lasdon Public Gardens is everyone’s garden.”
The rebranding comes at a time when significant County Capital Project funding recently restored Lasdon’s main house.
Pathways and facilities are also being upgraded.
Lasdon is an institutional member of the American Public Gardens Association, the headquarters for the 9th District Federated Garden Clubs of NYS.
It’s also involved with the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Garden Network, the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, Metro Hort Group, and the New York State Turf and Landscape Association.
As partners of Lasdon’s public horticultural center, Friends of Lasdon and the Lasdon Family will collaborate with it in the rebranding effort through education and by continuing to raise funds to support programs and capital projects such as a proposed welcome and education center.
GOOD TO KNOW
Lasdon Public Gardens is located at 2610 Route 35.
Park hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving.
The Veterans Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
For more information, visit www.lasdonpark.org.
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