Proposed by: North Country Garden Club of Long Island, Zone III

Mary Stone Phipps served on the Board of Old Westbury Gardens since it first opened to the public in 1959, was President from 1978 to 1994, and Chairman from 1994 to 2012. Mary’s sensitive and vigilant stewardship has been a key element in preserving and maintaining one of this country’s most significant examples of a public garden that has never lost its original contours of horticultural excellence. Her involvement spans the transition of Westbury House from a private home to a public venue and listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Through solid strategic planning, Mary oversaw various stages of renovation and horticultural evolution that give Old Westbury Gardens its continued freshness and exuberance. Her actions can be counted as being of inestimable benefit for present and future generations who now enjoy Old Westbury Gardens as a publicly accessible house and landscape, a place to learn about gardening, plants, architecture and the decorative arts. In her role as Chairman, Mary has ensured that Old Westbury Gardens remains a strong and sustainable organization. Under her guidance, in just the last 10 years, some remarkable long-term projects have been accomplished. These include GIS mapping of the entire property with an inventory of all trees, the completion of a cultural landscape report, the creation of a stand-alone educational department and the formalizing of plans to convert a historic Quaker barn on the property into an education center. Of particular note is the role Mary has played in land acquisition. Working with NY State and Nassau County, development rights have been purchased and easements established over 100 additional acres, including an assemblage of historic buildings, which has also aided in the protection of ground water in an important aquifer recharge area. Mary’s leadership has been exemplified by good cheer and mutual collaboration. One of her legacies has been the building of an organization based on appreciation and respect.