April 22, 2026
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens,
Spring is roaring ahead, thanks to the burst of warm weather last week. At the top of my must-see list is the Lilac Border, which is now at its peak. We have selected “own root” lilacs that are grown from cuttings, not grafted. Many are from older cultivars, which are exceptionally fragrant and will remain true to type, not reverting to an inferior variety. They are also more disease resistant and long-lived. All good!
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens,
Spring is roaring ahead, thanks to the burst of warm weather last week. At the top of my must-see list is the Lilac Border, which is now at its peak. We have selected “own root” lilacs that are grown from cuttings, not grafted. Many are from older cultivars, which are exceptionally fragrant and will remain true to type, not reverting to an inferior variety. They are also more disease resistant and long-lived. All good!
The first thing that currently greets you on a visit to Untermyer Gardens is our disheveled Crescent Garden, right near the inner parking lot. It is studded with native and deer-resistant plants, as it is outside the deer fence. It is deliberately left messy as long as possible to support overwintering insects and birds. Don’t worry, it will be tidied up soon.
Timothy Tilghman thinks that the longstanding blanket of snow that persisted here last winter was beneficial to many perennial plants. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I strolled along the Rhododendron Walk. The hellebores collection there is truly sumptuous, with gorgeously subtle colors and patterns and varied petal configurations. I have never seen such a display before, and the erect flowers show good posture, unlike the drooping ones more commonly seen.
Seven water features are now operating: the Four Rivers of Life, the North Pool, and the Persian Pool in the Walled Garden, the grotto behind the Ruin Garden, the Temple of Love waterfall and cascades, the Rock and Stream Garden, and the Stumpery fountain. It’s a lot of work to get them up and running. An eighth will soon be activated in the Stumpery once the cairns are completed.
And bear in mind that four more water features are planned: two fountains at the future Color Gardens and a pond at the future Quiet Garden. To make it an even dozen when our restoration is fully realized, one can add a natural water feature that is currently hidden. Just below the Stumpery we diverted an underground spring to spill gently over a distinctive rock that we call the Beached Whale.
And bear in mind that four more water features are planned: two fountains at the future Color Gardens and a pond at the future Quiet Garden. To make it an even dozen when our restoration is fully realized, one can add a natural water feature that is currently hidden. Just below the Stumpery we diverted an underground spring to spill gently over a distinctive rock that we call the Beached Whale.
This is the time of year when we announce our Minnie Untermyer Concert Series, which will take place during the summer in our amphitheater overlooking the Walled Garden, starting with our annual Persian concert on Saturday, May 30, at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are now available, and I encourage you to mix music and horticulture in a delightful way.
Kind regards,
Stephen F. Byrns
President
Stephen F. Byrns
President
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