Allyson Levy and Scott Serrano’s love for unique fruits led them to create a botanical garden that is now open to the public. What started as a small passion project in their backyard has blossomed into the Hortus Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, a 21-acre oasis in Stone Ridge, N.Y. With 11 acres dedicated to cultivation, the couple has amassed over 240 plant genera in their collection over the past 25 years.
Levy and Serrano, both visual artists, initially moved to Ulster County from San Francisco without a grand plan in mind. They simply started by bringing home interesting plants from local nurseries and creating space for them in their backyard. This humble beginning eventually evolved into a full-fledged arboretum that showcases a wide variety of flora, including the honeyberry, a unique honeysuckle relative with early ripening blue fruit.
Their arboretum is described as “an aesthetically arranged experiment station to test interesting and useful plants,” reflecting their ongoing curiosity and dedication to expanding their botanical knowledge. Visitors to the Hortus Arboretum & Botanical Gardens can explore the diverse plant collection and learn about different species while enjoying the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Levy and Serrano’s journey serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to cultivate their own garden or embark on a similar botanical adventure. Their story highlights the transformative power of passion and dedication, showing how a small seed of interest can grow into a flourishing garden that brings joy and beauty to both the creators and visitors alike.