The Secret Garden at the Frick Collection

Like any good New York "secret," the garden at the Frick Collection is not that much of one: for our alert, ever-curious eyes, it is visible through the wrought iron bars along Fifth Avenue and the west gallery windows (which makes it less of a secret than the completely hidden underground bowling alley there). Unlike the bowling alley, this garden is a functioning one, though the chance to enjoy it is rare. Yet lucky for us, last night was one of those chances.

The Frick Collection brought in a few charitable dollars by hosting a garden party, allowing guests to plant their feet on its fine lawn and stone paths, people watch on its patios, and admire its rose bushes. Nostalgic music by Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, along with generous offerings of seared tuna and curried chicken canapes, warmed up the imposing facade of the mansion built in 1914. The galleries were closed except for the oval room, where the Whistlers enchanted.

We saw the director of the Frick Collection, Anne Poulet, looking particularly fashionable and happy to be greeting some new faces; Catherine Cahill and William Bernhard on a little stroll; and Gillian and Sylvester Miniter (Mrs. Miniter just took to her daughter, Serena, to Paris - with the American Friends of the Paris Opera and Ballet). You'll find photos here.

So will this "secret" last for long? Sylvana Soto-Ward, recently annointed head of special events for Vogue, checked out the venue (indeed, she was all business, in and out). Could it be Vogue is thinking of leaving the Met Costume Institute ball and decamping south? (Pure speculation on our part.)

Don't wait around for an invite from Vogue. If you're a fan of secret gardens, become a Frick supporter and get in on the secret on your own.