Locust Valley -- Hill House

Locust Valley formerly known as. Joslin formerly known as.

This property in the village of Matinecock (part of Locust Valley, New York) was originally a chicken farm, which continued until the early 1900s. A pond fed by two springs was said to be in existence since the middle of the 18th century. The original farm house, built in 1769, is now the central part of the present residence. The house had become the gardener's cottage when Anton G. Hodenpyl bought the property and named it "Hill House." The areas, except for the back of the cottage, were planted with white pine and locust, with exceptions of the primrose garden and an experimental rock garden. Mr. Jean Cattier bought the property in 1937 and gradually re-created the garden. He also renamed the property "Locust Valley." Only the large trees and some azaleas remained. The Cattiers introduced Gable and Glenn Dale azaleas, Dexter rhododendrons, ferns, and rare bushes. The current owners have named the property "Joslin."

Persons and organizations associated with this garden include: Anton G. Hodenpyl and Annie P. Hodenpyl (former owners, 1900s-1937); Jean Cattier (former owner, 1937-1990); Mrs. Jean Cattier (former owner, 1990-1995); Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Arthur (former owners, 1995-1996); H. Edwards Ficken (architect, early 1900s); Alfred Shaknis (architect, 1962); Ossian C. Simonds (garden designer, early 1900s); Edward Wood (superintendent, early 1900s); Herbert Durand and Bernard Harkness (sculptors of rock and wild garden, early 1900s); Alex Johnson (gardener and superintendent, 1937-1962); Willet Titus (gardener and superintendent, 1962-1995); Alan Rosen (horticulturist, 1996-present); Innocenti & Webel (landscape architects, 1950s-1960s); and Janet Darling Webel and M&A Landscapers.