What you’ll see & experience:
- Deeply wooded areas with native understory plantings (ferns, trilliums, native orchids) alongside stone walls and natural stone features. The property lists “hundreds of varieties of perennials including native orchids, trilliums and ferns”.
- Meandering paths through forested zones, giving a sense of stepping away from the open field and into a more intimate, shaded garden.
- Natural hardscape (stone walls, boulders) used to transition between zones and anchor the plantings.
- Broad open fields or meadows, helpful for gatherings, ceremony setups, or simply enjoying expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The “107+ acres … open pasture, woodlands, streams and ponds” are spectacular!
- Edges where the meadow meets woods — creating a layering effect (open space → treeline → distant hill/mountain) which adds depth to photos and experience.
- Distant mountain or hill views (being in the Western Catskills region) that frame the site and give a sense of place.
Why this matters:
This section provides a contrast to the bright open meadows — it adds depth, texture and a sense of retreat. For photography or simply walking, you get lush green foliage, filtered light, and a quieter atmosphere.
1. Expansive and scenic property
- The estate covers 107 acres in the Western Catskills region.
- It includes a mix of woodlands, open pasture, streams, ponds and rolling hillsides.
- The mountain‐backdrop adds to the aesthetic: you’ve got nature in all directions.
2. Richly landscaped gardens and water features
- There are landscaped ponds with large Koi, babbling brooks, and waterfalls.
- Big plant diversity: “planted with thousands of varieties of perennials including native orchids, trilliums and ferns.”
- Features such as bridges, rock walls, a gazebo enhance the visual appeal.
- The combination of formal garden elements with wild natural scenery gives a unique fusion of cultivated and pristine.
3. Versatile venue & immersive experience
- It works as more than just a garden: the site is a “working four‐season farm”.
- It offers indoor and outdoor event spaces (barns, chalets) in addition to the gardens.
- The owners are hands-on and personable, making it feel less “commercial venue” and more “private estate”.
- Because of its secluded, natural environment (for example limited mobile / WiFi service noted in a review) you get a kind of “disconnect from the city” feel.
4. Seasonal appeal
- Whether it’s lush greenery, spring blooms, or fall foliage, the site is clearly tailored to highlight natural beauty in different seasons. For example: “tree‐lines would be perfect for our fall wedding, complete with yellow, orange, and red foliage.”
- The woodland + pond + mountain setting means changing light, reflections in water, and natural textures add to the aesthetic across seasons.
5. Location & accessibility
- While the site is remote enough to feel private and immersed in nature, it’s still reachable (for example about three hours from Manhattan).
- Being in East Meredith puts it in the Catskills region, which offers a natural retreat vibe away from the bustle.
Why this matters (for you)
If you’re looking for a venue or place that:
- Offers both natural wild beauty and landscaped elegance,
- Provides a range of settings (garden, pond, woodland, barn),
- Gives a sense of privacy and immersion in nature,
then Natural Gardens is a strong candidate.
Its character is more “estate in nature” than “typical event hall in a garden”.