Spring has arrived on the East End, and the hydrangeas are just starting to show their first hints of bloom. With this season, the 2026 Tom Twomey Series finds itself drawn to a topic deeply woven into the Hamptons’ cultural fabric: the garden.
The series has an event planned for Thursday, May 21. They will present “Historic Gardens of East Hampton,” a talk given by Blue Carreon, an author and design writer. He will explore those legendary landscapes that have, over generations, truly defined the look of the East End. The program is slated to start at 5:30 PM, taking place in the Baldwin Family Lecture Room at the East Hampton Library.
For many years, the gardens of East Hampton have held a unique place in the American imagination. They are, in a way, both very private havens and public symbols —representing taste, artistic flair, and even social history. One could look at the faded, romantic charm of Grey Gardens, or explore the deep botanical history found at The Creeks, and see how these places have truly served as living archives, telling the story of the region’s changes over time.
During his presentation, Carreon will guide the audience through the stories behind some of the area’s most famous properties. This includes a look at the influential Woodhouse gardens. He also plans to shine a light on the modern-day caretakers and preservationists, those who work to keep these historical landscapes alive.
Carreon himself is perhaps best known for his book, “The Gardens of the Hamptons.” He approaches the subject with a broad perspective, having once been an international fashion editor. Over the years, he’s built a career chronicling where design, lifestyle, and culture often meet. Beyond his editorial work, he also acted as creative director for his own home décor collection. He is also the author of two other books: “Conversations: Up Close and Personal with Icons of Fashion, Interior Design, and Art,” and “Equestrian Life in the Hamptons.”
The Tom Twomey Series, a collaboration between the East Hampton Library and the East Hampton Historical Society, has truly settled in as a central part of the East End’s cultural calendar. It brings together a varied group — historians, authors, artists, architects, and public thinkers — for discussions that always find their roots in the region’s past, while also looking toward its future.
The rest of the 2026 schedule was set to continue this established tradition. Future programs will delve into topics like architecture, religion, farming, and even the social myths that have grown up around the Hamptons. Specific upcoming events included “Prosperous Bohemians: The Rise and Fall of Weekend Utopia,” scheduled for June 11 and presented by Alastair Gordon. Then, on July 23, Jon D. Rodriguez will present “The Convict Pastor: Thomas James and the Puritan Roots of Christian Nationalism.” Finally, in September, a panel discussion titled “Returning to Our Roots: East Hampton’s New Farms” will feature local farmers from Amber Waves and Balsam Farms.
While admission to all these programs remains free, people are encouraged to make their reservations ahead of time. Further information and the reservation portal could be found by visiting the Tom Twomey Series website.