Walking Guide for Untermyer Gardens
Welcome to Untermyer Gardens – the rare public garden that is free to the public. If you enjoy your tour, please feel free to donate any amount in one of the collection receptacles you will find along the way, or through Venmo. This guide is meant to be a companion to the map and brochure that is available at the entrances. The numbers in this guide refer to the numbers on the map. Please take time to read the informational signs throughout the garden as you wander throughout the gardens. Most of our plants and trees are not labeled, but you can download two apps ‘PictureThis’ and ‘iNaturalist’ that will help you identify some of them.
Walled Garden
Enter the Walled Garden (1) by following the gravel path to the entrance. Just before you go through the gates, take note of the relief of the goddess Artemis above the entrance. As you enter, you will see the two monumental European weeping beech trees that frame the canal and side walkways. Stroll along the paths and make sure to look for the goldfish in the canals. Continue walking north towards the columns topped by sphinxes and visit the pool with beautiful aquatic plants and amphitheater with its intricate mosaic work. Finally, head back to the Temple of the Sky (the large rotunda in the middle of the west wall) and view another mosaic which features the goddess Medusa gazing up towards the sky.
Lower Walled Terrace/Vista/Ruin Garden
On the either side of the Temple of the Sky you will see two stairways that descend to the Lower Terrace. The Persian Pool (2) (newly restored in 2023) can be viewed from the bottom of the stairs and look for sea creatures embedded in the mosaics. Once on the lower terrace you can go to the south to see the wellhead. Then travel north, admire the mixed hydrangea border, and you will see a set of seven steps. Proceed up those steps and then turn to your left and prepare to be surprised – you’ve reached the top of the Vista (4) with its incredible view of the Vista itself, the Hudson River and Palisades. Proceed down the Vista, looking right to see the Color Garden remnants (5). At the Vista Overlook, take special note of the 2,000 year-old ancient Roman columns. From the Vista overlook, make a right and proceed through the Ornamental Vegetable Garden , pergola, and Orchard (6). At the far left, proceed down the steps to the Rhododendron Walk (7) and on to the Ruin Garden, with its colorful plantings amidst the equally colorful grafitti (8). There is a grotto with a fountain in the alley behind. Walk further down to the gate to see the lion and unicorn that flank the lower entrance to the garden.
Carriage Trail/Future Stumpery
Continue slowly uphill on the carriage trail (10), noting the massive rock outcroppings and view of the Old Croton Aqueduct and Hudson River. Soon you will arrive at the site of the future Stumpery (11) (the Stumpery Fountain is on the map), where there is a restored circular fountain and many upturned tree stumps along the carriage trail. Take the wood chip path uphill heading east where it rejoins the carriage trail. Follow along a stone wall and turn right at the tree trunk steps which will lead you to the bottom of the Temple of Love (12).
Temple of Love/Rock and Stream Garden
See the dramatic waterfalls and plantings of the Temple of Love cascade beds. Make your way up to the domed temple itself. Finally, follow your way over to the adjacent Rock and Stream Garden (13) and exit through the deer fence gate (you will see the gate painted yellow).
Finally…
We hope you have enjoyed your walk through this hidden gem of architecture and horticulture. If you would like a more detailed experience, please sign up for one of our tours. And finally, sign up for our informative newsletter to keep informed about all upcoming events. Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you again very soon. Tell your friends about us!!! The garden is always free. Operating days and hours can be found here.
Walled Garden
Enter the Walled Garden (1) by following the gravel path to the entrance. Just before you go through the gates, take note of the relief of the goddess Artemis above the entrance. As you enter, you will see the two monumental European weeping beech trees that frame the canal and side walkways. Stroll along the paths and make sure to look for the goldfish in the canals. Continue walking north towards the columns topped by sphinxes and visit the pool with beautiful aquatic plants and amphitheater with its intricate mosaic work. Finally, head back to the Temple of the Sky (the large rotunda in the middle of the west wall) and view another mosaic which features the goddess Medusa gazing up towards the sky.
Lower Walled Terrace/Vista/Ruin Garden
On the either side of the Temple of the Sky you will see two stairways that descend to the Lower Terrace. The Persian Pool (2) (newly restored in 2023) can be viewed from the bottom of the stairs and look for sea creatures embedded in the mosaics. Once on the lower terrace you can go to the south to see the wellhead. Then travel north, admire the mixed hydrangea border, and you will see a set of seven steps. Proceed up those steps and then turn to your left and prepare to be surprised – you’ve reached the top of the Vista (4) with its incredible view of the Vista itself, the Hudson River and Palisades. Proceed down the Vista, looking right to see the Color Garden remnants (5). At the Vista Overlook, take special note of the 2,000 year-old ancient Roman columns. From the Vista overlook, make a right and proceed through the Ornamental Vegetable Garden , pergola, and Orchard (6). At the far left, proceed down the steps to the Rhododendron Walk (7) and on to the Ruin Garden, with its colorful plantings amidst the equally colorful grafitti (8). There is a grotto with a fountain in the alley behind. Walk further down to the gate to see the lion and unicorn that flank the lower entrance to the garden.
Carriage Trail/Future Stumpery
Continue slowly uphill on the carriage trail (10), noting the massive rock outcroppings and view of the Old Croton Aqueduct and Hudson River. Soon you will arrive at the site of the future Stumpery (11) (the Stumpery Fountain is on the map), where there is a restored circular fountain and many upturned tree stumps along the carriage trail. Take the wood chip path uphill heading east where it rejoins the carriage trail. Follow along a stone wall and turn right at the tree trunk steps which will lead you to the bottom of the Temple of Love (12).
Temple of Love/Rock and Stream Garden
See the dramatic waterfalls and plantings of the Temple of Love cascade beds. Make your way up to the domed temple itself. Finally, follow your way over to the adjacent Rock and Stream Garden (13) and exit through the deer fence gate (you will see the gate painted yellow).
Finally…
We hope you have enjoyed your walk through this hidden gem of architecture and horticulture. If you would like a more detailed experience, please sign up for one of our tours. And finally, sign up for our informative newsletter to keep informed about all upcoming events. Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you again very soon. Tell your friends about us!!! The garden is always free. Operating days and hours can be found here.
