Native Landscapes and Garden Center, in Pawling, lies at a special crossroads, where Route 22 meets the Appalachian Trail. The location is significant, because just as the AT preserves Americans’ connection with nature, the garden center serves a similar purpose for residential and commercial clients in Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Founded in 1984, it is an ecologically friendly landscape design and installation contractor specializing in rock and woodland gardens, stonework, tree and shrub installation and property maintenance.

“As native landscapers, we consider it our special task and responsibility to protect and enhance the natural environment,” says owner Peter Muroski. “We use only plants that are indigenous to a specific location or local horticultural zone. We also consider exposure, soil and other natural conditions when designing a landscape.” 

The AT winds around the garden center, which provides an oasis for hikers as part of the Harlem Valley Appalachian Trail Community (HVATC), one of 50 such communities along the AT. Native Landscapes offers showers, a mail drop and snacks; holds seasonal events such as Trail Days and Trail Magic Day; and in the past has hosted the Warrior Hikers. (For event dates and times, visit AppalachianTrail.org.)

The Appalachian Trail Train stop, part of the Harlem Valley rail line, is behind the garden center. “From Georgia to Maine, it’s the only train stop on the AT,” Muroski says. “The train stops throughout the weekend and holidays for hikers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Harlem Valley deep woods.”

Location: Native Landscapes and Garden Center, Quaker Ridge Plaza, 991 Rte. 22, Pawling, NY. For more info, call 845.855.7050, email [email protected] or visit NativeLandscapling.net.