Tree Collectors of the East End

About this episode

The episode explores the unique world of tree collecting on the East End, highlighting notable collectors and their rare specimens.

Esperanza and Irwin have discussed horticulture on the east end before. Tree collecting, while related, is a bit different. In the early 70's Alfonso A. Ossorio, the artist and sugar magnate, began amassing thousands of rare specimens of evergreens on his 60-acre estate, the Creeks. Horticulturists and tourists have come from all over the world to visit his arboretum. Ben Heller, the real-estate investor and art collector and dealer, also collected rare and beautiful trees, and Warner Leroy filled 60 acres in Amagansett. More obsession than hobby perhaps, but a fascinating peek into a world not often discussed.

People in this episode

Hosts: Esperanza, Irwin

Topics covered

• horticulture
• tree collecting
• arboretum
• rare specimens
• East End history

Keywords

• tree collecting
• horticulture
• Alfonso A. Ossorio
• arboretum
• East End

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: the Creeks

Places: Amagansett, East End

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