November 5, 2020
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens,
Just in time, all of our tropical plants were moved to the municipal greenhouse; shortly thereafter we had a killing freeze, so the garden is moving inexorably to dormancy. Soon the canals and fountains will be drained, and we can reflect on and be thankful for a glorious growing season. Despite the tumult of this year, Mother Nature, aided by our devoted team of gardeners, has given us the priceless gift of beauty and peace.
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens,
Just in time, all of our tropical plants were moved to the municipal greenhouse; shortly thereafter we had a killing freeze, so the garden is moving inexorably to dormancy. Soon the canals and fountains will be drained, and we can reflect on and be thankful for a glorious growing season. Despite the tumult of this year, Mother Nature, aided by our devoted team of gardeners, has given us the priceless gift of beauty and peace.
In this most trying of years, I am reminded of the sage advice given to me by Betsy Barlow Rogers, founder of the Central Park Conservancy: “Always keep in mind the three p’s: passion, persistence and patience.” Since our founding in 2011, we have been nothing if not passionate, driven as we are to restore the magnificent bones of this garden, refresh and enrich its horticulture, and tell the compelling story of Samuel and Minnie Untermyer. Persistence is my middle name—as many of you can attest—and I have charted our course and moved persistently to achieve these ambitious goals in partnership with the City of Yonkers, our gardeners, and our Board of Directors. Patience, however, is not my greatest virtue, and one I need to cultivate. I could certainly take a lesson from the garden, where plants grow at their own pace.
As the garden winds down for the season, certain unsung plants achieve more prominence. I enjoy the range of textures and colors of our various grasses that are so charmingly animated by the breezes.
As the garden winds down for the season, certain unsung plants achieve more prominence. I enjoy the range of textures and colors of our various grasses that are so charmingly animated by the breezes.
 |  |
The colder weather will bring a natural decline in visitors, and starting this Friday, we will suspend our timed entry system and move to a walk-in policy. The garden will be open every day from 7:00 am until one hour before sunset. The main gate at the Walled Garden will be the only entrance and exit, and we encourage visitors to follow the one-way circulation path posted throughout the garden. Masks are required, of course, and have the advantage of keeping your nose warm. Timed entry will resume on the evenings of December 12–January 3, when our Grand Holiday Illumination will return.
Here is Timothy, with a new video about our conifers.
Here is Timothy, with a new video about our conifers.
RSS Feed