A ncie problem

​October 19, 2015
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens:

Something has happened since our last newsletter. We have developed a parking problem! So many people have now heard of Untermyer that we've had a bonanza of visitors, maybe 50,000 this year by our best estimate. 

This is a result, of course, of the magnificent horticultural display still going strong at this writing. The elephant ear theme chosen by Timothy Tilghman and Marco Polo Stufano for the Walled Garden has struck a nerve, as their marigold theme did last year.

With the completion of the deer fence, the five gardeners are now actively working outside the Walled Garden. The Vista is looking better than it has in 75 years, and adjacent garden areas are now clearly visible, if unplanted. Here are the gardeners: Danny Minaya, Stewart Molina, Jessica Norman, Luis Vilches and Timothy Tilghman (left to right).

Now we can announce the groundbreaking of the restoration of the Temple of Love. Our biggest project to date, it will restore the garden's second most important feature. It was made possible by a generous gift by former Mayor Angelo Martinelli, in memory of his wife, Carol, to whom he was married for 65 years.

We had another media coup two weeks ago, with Lisa Foderaro's big article about the Temple of Love in the New York Times. What started out as a small piece developed into a major feature, and I am told that it appeared in the international editions of the Times.

We look forward to a dedication next spring of its many waterfalls, spillways, 308 planting pockets, restored filigree dome, and masonry!

Kind regards,
 
Stephen F. Byrns
Chairman, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy