RUTH ST JOHN & JOHN DUNHAM WEST

West of the lake gardens was established by john and ruth west as their private residence in 1934. Over the next fifty years mrs. West developed the estate's six acres to include numerous display gardens and manicured lawns. The gardens received national acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s. Beginning in 1957 the gardens were opened to the public each summer and included an annual garden walk and garden tea, which is no longer done. Currently west of the lake gardens is open daily from mid-may (weather permitting) until the area's first frost. Limited parking is available on the grounds. According to ruth west's wishes, the gardens remain open free of charge.the property also includes four greenhouses, constructed between 1950 and 1991, an equipment garage and multi-purpose building. Visitor restrooms were added in a converted garage in 2006. The gardens are staffed by three full-time gardeners and part-time seasonal help.