First Fridays: Under Glass

First Fridays: Under Glass
Friday, Feb. 6 
10 – 11am 
$25 per person 
Location: The Camellia House  

Explore the beauty and remarkable history of the historic Camellia House at Planting Fields! 

Led by Sustainability Coordinator, Rebecca Slagle, and Michael D. Coe Archivist, Marie Penny, tour-goers will step into a living legacy, discovering the Coe family’s passion for horticulture through a historic collection of more than 200 blooming camellias. 

Designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers Firm, the Camellia House stands as one of the most treasured architectural and horticultural gems of the entire Northeast region of the country. Guests will learn about the English traditions of growing camellias under glass, uncover the fascinating design elements and evolution of the planthouse, and hear the story of the fire that once threatened this extraordinary collection, as well as the efforts that saved it. 

The experience ends outdoors with a look at the modern hardy camellias thriving in the surrounding landscape.

More about First Fridays
This monthly series dives into the various themes that make up Planting Fields, with exclusive behind-the-scenes walking tours and workshops led by Planting Fields Foundation and New York State Parks staff, who are experts in their respective fields. From wellness and Olmsted landscape features to the life-stories of Coe family members and their unchallenged spectacular horticultural, historic and personal collections, participants of this series will see this site with a new lens. Each month a new theme is explored with at least one staff expert serving as your guide. This series will take place on the first Friday of each month.

Additional Information & Accessibility
For any additional information, including accessibility inquiries, and other questions, please contact Kayla Cheshire, Communications and Marketing Manager at kcheshire@plantingfields.org

All ticket sales final. Outside tours will continue in the case of light rain. Should weather become inclement, tour participants will be notified and the tour will be rescheduled.

48 Hour Cancellation Policy: Should you need to cancel; you will be credited the amount towards a future 2026 First Friday event.

By registering for this event, you consent to Planting Fields Foundation photographing and filming during the event. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, on our website, newsletters, grant requests, reports. As it may not be feasible to identify individuals who may wish to opt out, your registration implies your consent to be photographed. If you have any concerns, please contact us at kcheshire@plantingfields.org