May 23, 2018
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens:
I am pleased to report that on April 29, Stephen Byrns, our president, received the Historic Preservation Medal from the Garden Club of America at its annual convention in San Francisco. The GCA is one of the leading garden groups in the country, so it was an honor, and I would add a well-deserved one, for Steve to receive this award, which is given every few years "for outstanding work in the field of preservation and restoration of historic gardens of national significance." The press release reported that "it's a fortuitous congruence that a person of Byrns' intellect, training, aesthetic sensibilities and professional experience should come across such a place and dedicate himself to its resurrection." Below is a photograph of all the Garden Club of America honorees, including former First Lady Laura Bush.
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens:
I am pleased to report that on April 29, Stephen Byrns, our president, received the Historic Preservation Medal from the Garden Club of America at its annual convention in San Francisco. The GCA is one of the leading garden groups in the country, so it was an honor, and I would add a well-deserved one, for Steve to receive this award, which is given every few years "for outstanding work in the field of preservation and restoration of historic gardens of national significance." The press release reported that "it's a fortuitous congruence that a person of Byrns' intellect, training, aesthetic sensibilities and professional experience should come across such a place and dedicate himself to its resurrection." Below is a photograph of all the Garden Club of America honorees, including former First Lady Laura Bush.
While our canals in the Walled Garden remain under construction, we have been installing the new Cherry Bowl, next to the Temple of Love. Planted recently with 21 cherry trees, the whole area is now nicely framed and will grow in beauty over the years. The cherries near the Temple of Love waterfalls are weeping cherries, which will echo the form and feeling of the cascading water, creating quite a spectacle.
The staff was recently thrilled to discover an aerial photograph taken in 1926 of the garden. This photograph shows the six Color Gardens (now in ruins or paved over), the Italian gardens (now destroyed) and the Rose/Dahlia Gardens (now truncated and mowed). Certain areas, like the lower switchback of the carriage trail, are surprisingly open. The circle of the future Sundial Garden, not yet built, is visible, as well as the path next to what would become the Rock Garden in the 1930s. Thanks to a grant from New York State, the Rock Garden will be restored this fall.
Finally, I want to extend my personal invitation to our Summer Solstice Sunset Soirée on June 20, the Conservancy's largest fundraiser of the year. It will be as spectacular as ever, with the garden in its full glory. Please consider attending to support our work. I am sure you will have a great evening.
Sincerely,
Ann E. Carmel
Chair, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
Ann E. Carmel
Chair, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
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