Peony Garden at Rockefeller State Park Preserve: Not-To-Be-Missed
May 11, 2026 Update
The peonies are in bloom at Rockefeller State Park but I may have just missed their peak. I spoke to one of the volunteer gardeners who assured me that they would last at least another week. They are busy pruning dead blossoms and new buds are still opening.
April 18, 2026
The peony display at Rockefeller State Park is so spectacular that many nature and flower loves wait with bated breath of their arrival.
There is never any “date certain” for their appearance because the timing varies between late April and early May.
However, the announcement of the next Peony Celebration fundraiser is scheduled for May 14, 2026 at 6-9PM, so the peonies should be in bloom pretty soon!
I hope the photos below of prior years will inspire you to visit the park during this spectacular season.
May 11, 2025
The peonies must have known that this was Mother’s Day because they were still in their splendor, some the size of dinner plates. I guess it speaks to the unpredictability of when they will bloom and when they will wither. The park was filled with visitors, and even the bees were attracted to the blossoms’ vibrant colors and sweet fragrance.
Before you leave the park, don’t miss the small art gallery at Rockefeller State Park Preserve, at the same main entrance to the Peony Garden. It features rotating exhibitions by local artists. The current show is called “Timeless Blooms,” in keeping with the timing of spring. The exhibition runs from May 1 to June 30, and the proceeds of sales support the gallery.
May 8, 2025
I fear that we came a day too late to see the peonies. Some were still in full bloom but others were past their prime.
But there were still an abundance of amateur and professional photographers trying to capture their beauty.
Some buds still hadn’t bloomed, although the weather forecast predicts rain for the next two days.
I’m still hopeful that when the sun comes out over the weekend, there will be a few more blossoms to see.
April 22, 2025 Update
It’s almost time! Rockefeller State Park’s peony blooming season typically occurs in late April or early May, but this can vary due to weather conditions. While I will monitor and provide updates on this year’s blossoms, predicting the exact timing is difficult, even for experts.
One date certain this spring is that of the Peony Celebration, a cocktail reception, silent auction and fine art exhibition sponsored by the non-profit Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. The event will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in a tented space on the courtyard. Tickets for the Peony Celebration can be purchased online.
Visiting the park while the peonies are in bloom is a wonderful way to connect with nature’s beauty. If you scroll below, you can get a glimpse of what you will see and learn about the history of this rare treasure in Westchester County, New York.
May 09, 2024 Peony Watch Update
When I visited this morning, the peonies were in full bloom, but with rain predicted, I fear they may not last much longer. It seems like they knew about the peony celebration planned for this evening.
Here are a few of the photos that capture their beauty:
A new addition this year was the five oversized floral needlework tapestries on display by artist Kris Campbell. They looked extraordinary in this natural setting.
March 31, 2024 Update
Too early for the peonies but some buds are beginning to appear.
May 15, 2023 Update
Although many peonies are beginning to shed their petals, the remaining ones are still spectacular to see. We suspect that there aren’t too many more days before they’ll be gone.
May 08, 2023 Update
The peonies appeared to be in full bloom this morning, a little earlier than last year, and everything else at the park seems to also have come alive. This year’s Peony Celebration at Rockefeller State Park in Pleasantville, New York will take place on May 11th.
I’ve posted a few new photos below this note.
Buds about to blossom at the entrance to the Peony Garden at Rockefeller State Park Preserve (May 9, 2022)
May 11, 2022 Update
Today just a couple of bushes were in bloom but others were budding. Seeing the goslings by the lake was a special treat!
May 17, 2022 Update
As you can see, after the rains yesterday, a number of petals are on the ground. There are still some vibrant peonies but many are past their prime. Still worth a look, which will whet your appetite for a visit next year.
Original Post 5/15/2021
It might be their brilliant colors, impressive size, or beautiful fragrance but like bees, I’m drawn to peonies in spring.
At the Peony Garden at Rockefeller State Park Preserve, the huge blossoms of these magnificent perennials generally burst out between the end of April and the beginning of June. They happen to be in full bloom right now, and we feel blessed that they are just a few miles from our home in Pleasantville (Westchester County), New York.
Hundreds of these woody shrubs (actually called tree peonies)are covered with vibrant shades of pink, fuchsia, lavender, red and white. They welcome visitors at the gatehouse entrance to the Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
A little history about this gift from Japan
The peonies were a unique gift to America.
After 9/11, the Shimane Prefecture in Japan wanted to find a way to express their solidarity with the United States. In 2002, they sent 500 peonies, considered Japan’s most noble of flowers, from a tiny town (Yatsuka Cho) in the prefecture as a show of healing and compassion.
As part of the Gateway Preserve Project, the nonprofit Friends of Rockefeller State Park Preserve initiated the groundwork and digging necessary to house the generous gift. The prefecture even sent Japanese gardeners to New York to train the park staff on how to plant and care for the precious shrubs.
The commemorative plaque at the entrance to the Peony Garden reads in part:
We have been raising peonies in our town since the eighteenth century and it is now the representative flower of Shimane Prefecture. These flowers bring us happiness and comfort in times of trouble. We hope that these peonies, carefully raised by the producers in our town, can also be loved by and bring peace of mind to the people of the United States.
The additional costs of the effort have been underwritten by the Friends’ Board of Directors, the Rockefeller Family, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, and individual donors.
Peter Iskendarian, the Preserve Manager, has been involved with the Peony Garden since 2004. “The work really starts before the leaves even appear,” he says. Pruning, fertilizing, mulching and special care for each individual peony almost ensures a spectacular display.”
What you’ll see at the Peony Garden
As the season approaches, large buds begin to emerge from the plants with just a tinge of the intense colors to come. Blink: and you might miss the time-limited appearance of the flowers.
Although the peony garden and its promise of spring are always lovely, the serene garden feels especially healing and meaningful this year, with more shots in arms and infection rates declining.
There’s enough space in the Gateway Garden to wander around the blossoms and view them up close. Few can resist photographing (and sharing) the treasured memories.
Like the rest of the park, the outdoor peony garden feels like a safe place, even amidst a pandemic. Face coverings are required, social distancing measures are adhered to, and a maximum of 20 people are permitted to enter the garden at one time. As a courtesy, guests are asked to limit their visit to 15 minutes.
While you’re at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, take the 1.2-mile walk on the historic carriage roads around Swan Lake or explore other trails on the 1700+ acre grounds. The trees are in full bloom, wildflowers are popping up, and the turtles are hatching. You might even spot a heron or waterfowl.
Those who want to learn more about these fantastic peonies and their history can participate in the Peony Celebration, an annual fundraiser that will be held on Zoom this year on May 20, 2021, when the blossoms are at their peak.
- Read about different types of peonies and peony blossoms.
- More information about Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
IF YOU GO
Rockefeller State Park Preserve is:
- Dog-friendly (with a leash)
- No bikes, alcohol or picnicking
- Fishing with license
- Parking for a fee (waived for seniors on weekdays)
- Free trail maps available on site
The entrance to the preserve is off Route 117 (Phelps Way) and is located about 30 miles north of Manhattan.
When Can You Visit The Peony Garden?
Park Hours:
| Thursday | 9AM–4:30PM |
| Friday | 9AM–4:30PM |
| Saturday | 9AM–4:30PM |
| Sunday | 9AM–4:30PM |
| Monday | 9AM–4:30PM |
| Tuesday | 9AM–4:30PM |
| Wednesday | 9AM–4:30PM |
All photo credits: Irene & Jerome Levine
SAVE TO PINTEREST!!
I adore peonies and enjoyed, especially, the wonderful images in your story.
I love them too, as you can see:-) Glad you enjoyed the post!
Hi Irene. Thx for the great post about the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. The Peony Project looks most impressive, and I loved seeing the photo of the turtle family on Swan Lake. So serene.