Grounded Conversations
Hope Through Hospitality with Dana Cowin & Edwina von Gal
Saturday, September 20 | 6-8:00pm

Food visionary Dana Cowin, founder of Progressive Hedonist and former editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, brings her unique perspective on pleasure, sustainability, and purpose in food to LongHouse Reserve. She will guide an interactive dinner conversation exploring how hospitality and food can nurture connection, resilience, and hope.

In dialogue with Edwina von Gal, founder of Perfect Earth Project, Dana will reflect on the ways every aspect of what we eat—how it’s grown, prepared, and shared—affects all living things.

The evening features a multi-course meal designed around mushrooms, sourced entirely from Long Island growers, with both plant-based and meat dishes included. Stay tuned for menu details, soon to be revealed.

Seating is intentionally intimate, and limited to only 30 guests. Reserve early to secure your place at the table for this rare evening of conversation, community, and cuisine.

About Dana Cowin
Dana Cowin is an award-winning editor, author, podcast host and convener who propels change and fosters resilience through food and joy.

Founder of Progressive Hedonist, Cowin has launched a national potluck series, podcast, and newsletter to build community, support local food, reduce food waste and deepen commitments to healing the planet. This movement builds on Cowin’s experience creating Speaking Broadly, which featured events, a zine and podcast spotlighting visionary women at the intersection of creativity, sustainability and food.

In traditional media for most of her career, Cowin was Editor in Chief of Food & Wine Magazine for more than 20 years. She has written extensively on food and culture, including a cookbook, "Mastering My Mistakes in the Kitchen: Learning to Cook with 65 Great Chefs and 100 Recipes." Cowin has been a judge on Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay as well as a speaker at SXSW, the Welcome Conference, TEDx Manhattan, and many other events. She's on the board of Food Education Fund and, as well as the Food Council of City Harvest and Hot Bread Kitchen.

About Perfect Earth Project
Founded by Edwina von Gal in 2013, Perfect Earth Project is a nonprofit, dedicated to educating, engaging, and inspiring individuals, land care professionals, and decision makers to adopt toxic-free, nature-based, and climate-responsible landscaping practices necessary for a healthier, more sustainable—and beautiful—environment for all. Perfectearthproject.org

An Afternoon with Ai Weiwei at LongHouse Reserve
In Conversation with Alexandra Munroe

LongHouse Reserve is honored to welcome internationally acclaimed artist and activist Ai Weiwei for a special afternoon talk in our gardens.

Since 2020, Ai Weiwei’s monumental Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Bronze has stood as a powerful presence at LongHouse. On Friday, September 5, from 1–2 PM, the artist returns for a conversation with Alexandra Munroe, distinguished curator and LongHouse Trustee, held in the Edward Albee Amphitheater, where the sculptures are installed.

Together, they will share a rare and personal dialogue shaped by years of friendship and mutual respect. 

Don’t miss this unique chance to experience Ai Weiwei’s presence firsthand, in the very setting of the work that has inspired so many. A landmark moment for LongHouse, it will be remembered for years to come—and we invite you to be part of it.

Seats are limited. Early booking is essential.

About Ai Weiwei
About Alexandra Munroe

Sunday, September 14 | 11:00am and 2:00pm

Japanese Tea Ceremony & Workshop

Limited to 20 guests per session

Please come and enjoy a tranquil afternoon with a bowl of authentic matcha tea and sweets from Kyoto with the beautiful fall garden of LongHouse as a backdrop.

Chado, the Japanese Tea Ceremony, is a spiritual and aesthetic discipline for refinement of the self. Since the 12^thcentury, matcha has been offered to the Buddhist monks, aristocracy and samurai lords in Japan. The Grand Tea Master, Sen Rikyu, established the foundation for Chado with Zen inspired Wabi-Sabi in the 16^th century.

Ayako Souryo Takamoto, the great granddaughter of the 14^th Grand Tea Master, and Yoko Sanada, a long-time LongHouse friend, will present an authentic Urasenke Chado, followed by the matcha making workshop.

Alice Hope in Conversation + Film Screening
Saturday, September 13 | 6–8 PM

At the Fly’s Eye Dome, Alice Hope’s installation True Value sets the stage for an evening of art and film. Hope will be in conversation with James Salomon, art dealer and curator at large, discussing the practice and the inspiration behind her work. Following the talk, we’ll screen “Ethereal: Alice Hope Art” by filmmaker Lana Jokel, who will be present, offering an intimate portrait of the artist and her creative journey.

About Alice Hope
About Lana Jokel
About James Salomon

Visit the twelfth edition of our popular exhibition Planters ON+OFF the Ground in the Squash Court at LongHouse, originally on view until Labor Day and extended through October 5th. Planters ON+OFF brings together artists, horticulturalists, designers, gardeners, and landscapers who let loose their imaginations and create ingeniously original garden container installations that go beyond the clay pot. This year, the exhibit also features several student collaborations, bringing fresh ideas to an always inventive mix of planters. The only restriction: each creation must be contained to 25 square feet.

A vote for the People's Choice Award took place during the July 20 opening and was announced by our guest host Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, Executive Director and Curator of the Eastville Community Historical Society. 

The winner was Mother Morel by Scott Bluedorn and Zach Bliss.

The runners up were Marybeth LaPenna Lee & Ted Tyler / LaPenna Lee Gardens and ReWild Long Island x Wittendale's Florist & Greenhouses.

Enjoy the delightful displays by these Exhibitors:

Amagansett School x Groundworks  |  Scott Bluedorn & Zach Bliss  |  Elizabeth A. Lear Landscape Associates  |  Jasmine Chamberlain / Floral Feeling  |  Hampton Rustic Landscapes  |  Brianna Hernandez  |  Marybeth LaPenna Lee & Ted Tyler / LaPenna Lee Gardens  |   ReWild Long Island x Wittendale's Florist & Greenhouses  |  Robert Boyle / RB Irrigation  |  The Salt Heir x Fenelon Landscapes  |  Hope Sandrow  |  The SHINE Studio |  Aurelio Torres & Robin Gianis  |   Whisker & Brush x Chini Alarco / Charlie & Sons Landscapes

Drip irrigation for Planters ON+OFF the Ground XII is made possible with the generous support of RB Irrigation.

Support also comes from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning and County Legislator Ann Welker.