Full Steam Ahead: Grow with Reynolda Gardens is Off and Running

Full Steam Ahead

by Jon Roethling

Grow with Reynolda Gardens is Off and Running

In my first two years at Reynolda, I have been smiling from ear to ear, thrilled to work at a place of such beauty. I have also spent time pouring over Thomas Sears’ original plans, drawing inspiration from his vision for Reynolda.

Looking across the Gardens as they stand today, I have identified much-needed projects that will create an immediate impact on our visitors’ experience. With help from our team, supporters, and volunteers, I have bundled together a group of these projects, and work is underway to transform these visionary efforts into reality. The Grow with Reynolda Gardens campaign will solidify the Gardens as one of the South’s most exemplary community assets for horticulture, learning, and discovery.

Several projects in the Formal and Greater Gardens will enhance the beauty and original vision of these spaces. Transformational opportunities, including internships for underrepresented horticulture students, are envisioned, as well as critical enhancements to the trails that run along the perimeter of the Greater Gardens. We envision the area along Coliseum Drive becoming an outdoor classroom with the addition of a low boardwalk through a bald cypress grove. This area will be transformed with a focus on wetland and mesic plantings. At Reynolda we don’t want to forget our four-legged visitors, so we will add a year-round water fountain for both two-and-four-legged visitors. No GROW with REYNOLDA GARDENS Reynolda thanks the following donors for their support of Grow with Reynolda Gardens. GENERAL SUPPORT Laura Hearn Barbara and Nik Millhouse Forrest Staton Mr. Olof Röstlund and Dr. Emily Röstlund TEAHOUSE RESTORATION Wendy and Mike Brenner HERB GARDEN RESTORATION Pat Michal matter how our visitors connect with the Gardens, they will see and enjoy the positive impact of this campaign.

Thanks to the support from several early donors, some work is already in progress. Improvements have been made to the drainage, irrigation, and pathways in the Upper Garden, as well as renovations to both herb gardens earlier this year. Work is beginning on renovations of all the tea houses and shelters and renewal of the plantings around the water feature. One of the most impactful projects is about to begin with the replacement of forty-four weeping cherries, which surround the Lower Formal Gardens in keeping with Thomas Sears' original plans. Soon you won’t need to visit Washington, D.C. to immerse yourself in cherry blossoms! Be patient over the coming months as we may periodically portion off areas of the Gardens to allow for this important work.

We are heartened by the support received thus far, and would love to chat with others who would like to share this journey with us. More information on Grow with Reynolda Gardens can be found at www. reynoldagardens.org/grow. Additional information on how you can support the Gardens can be found at reynoldagardens.org/support. Or, simply contact Stephan Dragisic at stephan@reynolda.org or 336.758.5595 to be a part of our path to Grow with

Reynolda Gardens.

TRAIL MAINTENANCE Nancy and Rich Keshian

RENOVATION of the WEEPING CHERRY TREES ALLÉE Barbara and Nik Millhouse

BOARDWALK and BALD CYPRESS GROVE The Ecology Wildlife Foundation Fund

MOBILE SOIL CART/POTTING STATION Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust