Manitoga, Garrison, NY
Garden Dialogues

Garden Dialogues 2017: NY - Manitoga

Garrison, NY

Manitoga is a Shangri-La created from an abandoned quarry.  Author, landscape designer, and stone aficionado Jan Johnsen will provide her unique insights into how mid-century designer Russel Wright transformed the raw material of this site into his home and studio, which today is a National Historic Landmark.

As natural outcrops or consciously placed, stone is integral to Wright's overall site design concept in both landscape and architecture. In a stroke of genius Wright used a quarry ledge as the floor of the living and dining area, creating a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor space.

Wright and his wife/business partner Mary purchased the 75-acre site in 1942. Over the course of 34 years, he transformed it into a landscape of stream crossed woodlands and steep ravines, profusions of ferns and moss, and various trees and shrub species of the region. Built into the quarry ledge is Dragon Rock, Wright's experimental house and studio.

Exploring this site formed out of close observation over time, Johnsen will identify the passages of Wright’s relationship with the land, connecting it to themes in her most recent publication, The Spirit of Stone - 101 Practical and Creative Stonescaping Ideas for Your Garden. The walk will culminate on the stone terraces of Dragon Rock, overlooking the Quarry Pool.


2.0 LA CES™ Professional development hours will be available to attendees.

Thanks to the generosity of our hosts and sponsors, tickets for Garden Dialogues are tax deductible and proceeds benefit the educational programs of The Cultural Landscape Foundation.


Refund Policy:

Cancellations and Refunds will be granted according to the following schedule:
Up to two (2) weeks in advance: 90% (Deduction represents administrative processing fees)
Less than two (2) weeks in advance but up to seven (7) days prior: 70%
No refunds will be made for cancellations seven (7) days prior to event
No refunds will be made for “No Shows” (a person who registers for a program but who does not cancel registration or attend the program).
Refunds will be processed as they are received or after the conclusion of the program, depending on the program date and when cancellation occurs. Refunds may take five (5) to seven (7) business days to process.