Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens:
Just when you thought the Walled Garden was totally overrun with construction, another project has appeared there. Scaffolding has been erected at the Temple of the Sky to allow us to determine the causes of the stone's deterioration and how to remedy them. It is interesting to see some of the details of the stone enlarged.
Just when you thought the Walled Garden was totally overrun with construction, another project has appeared there. Scaffolding has been erected at the Temple of the Sky to allow us to determine the causes of the stone's deterioration and how to remedy them. It is interesting to see some of the details of the stone enlarged.
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But what was most astonishing was the discovery of a secret (and spooky) grotesque on the top of the entablature, hidden from view, visible only to the gods and passing birds. Could it be an allusion to some ancient tradition of a message from the architect or mason?
Last week, we received news of a most generous donation to complete our vision for the stabilized Gate House at the bottom of the garden, next to the Old Croton Aqueduct entrance. Graffiti will be removed, the unicorn sculpture restored, railings installed, and the whole transformed into a Ruin Garden. It will be a memorable entrance for people entering the garden from the Aqueduct or the nearby Metro-North station.
Hot off the press: While there has always been a steady flow of positive journalism about the garden and the Conservancy, last weekend there were two exceptional pieces. The first is an outstanding historical evaluation of Samuel Untermyer. The second is a sensitively written description of the horticulture of the garden, with special attention to the Persian Walled Garden.
To be written in pencil, not ink: Subject to the completion of the construction in the Walled Garden, we are planning to hold our Grand Holiday Illumination on December 20. Stay tuned, and hope that we can pull it off. It's a holiday spectacle in the unique Untermyer tradition.
At this time of year, we give thanks for our glorious "harvest" of natural beauty and inspired visitors.
Kind regards,
To be written in pencil, not ink: Subject to the completion of the construction in the Walled Garden, we are planning to hold our Grand Holiday Illumination on December 20. Stay tuned, and hope that we can pull it off. It's a holiday spectacle in the unique Untermyer tradition.
At this time of year, we give thanks for our glorious "harvest" of natural beauty and inspired visitors.
Kind regards,
Stephen F. Byrns
President, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
President, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
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