Old Westbury Gardens Honors Legacy of Mary Phipps

By Maureen Daly

Old Westbury Gardens hosted a sold-out inaugural luncheon honoring the legacy of Mary Phipps.

Mary’s vision and leadership helped shape the Old Westbury Gardens into the community treasure and nature park that it is today.

Old Westbury Gardens was the original home of the Phipps family - one of Old Westbury’s oldest and most notable families. 

John and Margarita Phipps built the Westbury House in the early 1900s, reserving almost half of the grounds to create the English-style gardens that Margarita had adored. 

The Phipps family lived in the home for about 50 years before their daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Phipps Boegner, inherited the home and its magnificent gardens and decided to open Old Westbury Gardens to the public.

Her intention was to preserve the stately home and magnificent gardens that her mother had planted and treasured.

Her relative, Mary Phipps, was also a strong supporter of preservation and served as President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens from 1978 to 1994, and as Chairman of the Board from 1994 to 2012.

Among the featured speakers at the first Phipps' luncheon was Norain Khan, National President of Girl Scouts of the USA, and Karen Lundgard, Interim CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.

The event was co-chaired by Mary Beth Donohue and Sealy Hopkinson.

Proceeds from the luncheon will support educational programming at Old Westbury Gardens, with generous backing from Americana Manhasset, The Ainslie Foundation, and The Bahnik Foundation.

Mary Phipps was best known for her dedication to the highest standards in public gardens and her sincere commitment to horticulture.

Mrs. Phipps was also a Girl Scout leader, inspiring young women to explore and appreciate nature, while raking an active role in their community.