2014 Spring Views from the Sunny Hill by Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park

Views

from the Sunny Hill

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park

Returning the Grandness to the Greenhouse

SPRING 2014

Reflections from the Boardroom

BY MARGARET OWENS, PRESIDENT

pring has sprung and we are getting ready for an exciting new season at Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion! First and foremost, I would like to begin by thanking our outgoing past president and vice president—Dale Stell and Laurie Riedman, along with members Judy Smith and Derek Brocklebank—for donating their talents, time, and energy— along with all our staff and volunteers—to help bring Sonnenberg Gardens to where we are today. They have been invaluable members to the board of trustees and they will be greatly missed. We are just coming off the heels of an exceptional financial year in 2013, largely due to a number of generous donations from community benefactors and a very large bequest from Dr. William Clark, a dear friend to Sonnenberg and the great-nephew of its founder Mary Clark Thompson . As you know, while Sonnenberg operates as a New York State Park, we are a nonprofit organization. We rely solely on the income from special events (now 30% of our annual revenue), visitor admissions, donations, memberships, and gift center sales to swing open

Sonnenberg’s antique Lord & Burnham greenhouse complex is more than 100 years old. by Diana Palotas, Development Manager

e often forget that the Sonnenberg Estate was not where the Thompson’s lived year-round. The 40-room mansion and its 50-acres of gardens and grass were the “summer place” for the wealthy New York City couple. But Mrs. Thompson made a smart decision in 1903 when she had the Greenhouse Complex built at Sonnenberg. While fresh flowers and produce could not grow at her home in the Big Apple, they did grow in the greenhouses in Canandaigua. So several times a week, throughout the winter, flowers and fruits from Sonnenberg graced the table at the Thompson’s in Manhattan. A special messenger went by the New York Central Train overnight to make the delivery. Back then, wagon loads of fruits and vegetables from the greenhouses and the utility garden also went regularly to F.F. Thompson Hospital and Clark Manor House. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Be sure to check our Event Calendar online or in this issue for a whole season full of art, learning & fun at Sonnenberg Gardens!

OPEN DAILY

May 1 - 25 & Sept. 2 - Oct. 31: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM May 26 - Sept. 1 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Experience the beauty and romance that is Sonnenberg

onnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park

State of the Property

By David Hutchings, Executive Director

hat a cold, cold winter we endured in the Finger Lakes. And now we are all excited about spring and the hope of a beautiful summer to share the Thompson Estate with the public for its 41st year starting on May 1. Thanks to our amazing volunteers, the greenhouses are blooming with plants for the nine historic gardens. Thanks to the generous Friends of Sonnenberg and their fundraising efforts, the mansion experienced some much-needed plaster repairs to its interior rooms. And thanks to the community-minded Canandaigua Rotary Club, we will have a memorial planting of roses on opening day for those who passed away in 2013, up to Valentine’s Day of 2014. We have such a rich history of community support and we want to continue to recognize those people who have contributed their lives to this community nonprofit. Throughout the winter, we have been hard at work to plan for Sonnenberg’s bright future. We have developed a new five-year strategic plan that will direct the board, staff and volunteers work in programs, renovations and restorations. During the winter months, we also had a successful fundraising season to help move forward a few projects. Our exterior signage program is now fully funded through a grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation for $3000, a Stanley Smith Horticulture Trust grant for $5,000 and the kindness of a Canandaigua Family that gave us $7000. These monies will give us new orientation signs, way finding signs and signs that alert the public to our current and future restoration projects in the park. Our nearly $400,000 large capital improvement project to create a permanent tent site near the Aviary Building and the North Landscape received well over 50% of its needed funding. Three anonymous donors gave $175,000 to the project. A Consolidated Funding Grant provided us with $30,000. This giving season, we were also pleasantly surprised to receive another donation of $30,000 to fund the majority of the cost of three new trams which we will have in use opening day in May. Our Collection Care and Mansion Furnishings account has also grown to $7400 as of the end of February. We are so very grateful for all of your support to Sonnenberg. It is truly making a difference for this community gem. If you would like to help us in the future with any of our current or future projects, please contact me at director@sonnenberg.org. We have a tremendous year of public events planned in 2014. This year we also have an exhibit from the Morton Arboretum on the Vanishing Act. This will augment our beautiful collection of trees . We hope you will come and visit us this season for one of our daily tours or public events and enjoy this beautiful historical property with us. •

Views from the Sunny Hill

SPRING 2014 SPRING 2013

MISSION STATEMENT: Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion preserves the living collection of nine historic gardens and interprets the life, times, and legacy of Canandaigua’s Thompson family estate. Board of Trustees

Margaret Owens, President Malcolm O’Malley, Vice President Susan R. Van der Stricht, Sec./Treas. Tom Baker Laura S. Harkness Lynn Herzig David Hewson Diana R. Johnson Daniel McCormick Scott Rankin Jeanna Savage Barbara Stahl R. Michael Tantillo John Tharp, Park Manager. Seneca Lake State Park Marianne Timms Prudy Whitehead

Lead Volunteers

Admissions - Nancy Raley Buildings & Grounds - Fred Salsburg Floral Design - Dorothy Talone Gardeners - David Hewson Housekeeping - Helen Myers Museum Docents - Gloria Dornberger History - Dory M. Wilson Tasting Room - Evelyn Fleming & Betty Rodriguez Tram Guides - Joan Curry & Ron Owren Walking Tour Guides - Kathleen Linse

Staff

David Hutchings, Executive Director, Director of Horticulture Kimberly Burkard, Marketing & Membership Coordinator Barbara Carson, Office Coordinator Kevin Coon, Maintenance Pamela Gangloff, Volunteer & Education Coord./Guest Svcs. Mgr. Bruce Henninger, Business Manager Diana Palotas, Development Manager Deborah Kelly, Program Manager Timothy Ryan, Curator

Location & Mailing:

Sonnenberg Mansion & State Historic Park 151 Charlotte St. Canandaigua, NY 14424

Phone:

585-394-4922

Fax:

585-394-2192

Web:

www.sonnenberg.org

E-mail:

info@sonnenberg.org

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Be sure to look for and follow us on: To get our FREE monthly e-newsletter, send a subscribe request to: marketing@sonnenberg.org

GREENHOUSE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Greenhouses were very popular at the turn of the century in both Europe and America. They were an elegant symbol of status and Mrs. Thompson had hers made by one of the masters in the greenhouse building business, Lord & Burnham. (Their name also graces Buffalo’s Botanical Gardens). Sonnenberg’s large E-shaped steel frame Conservatory Greenhouse Range has 13-glazed growing spaces with the central-domed Palm House as its center. Several added design features make the Palm House distinct from the other greenhouses; it stands a full story taller than its adjacent buildings, it has a glazed gable-roofed entrance pavilion projecting to the front with a transom sash, and a triangular transom that tops each of the pair of entrance doors. Although parts of the fragile and deteriorated central greenhouse have been altered through the years, preservation planners who studied the complex say this spectacular entranceway retains a high level of historical integrity to its construction date more than a century ago. While the Greenhouse Complex may have seen better days and needs plenty of work, it’s still working and working hard all year-long. It remains a functioning and vital part of the park operations. Throughout the chill of this last winter, as the greenhouse windows were covered in plastic and the waterlines froze a few times, dozens of Sonnenberg volunteers braved the cold, their green thumbs in warm gloves, to plant thousands of seeds and plugs for this season’s flowers and vegetable gardens. Sonnenberg needs your help to save the Greenhouse Complex and we’re starting with the Palm House. Only $100,000 could bring the awesome conservatory dome of this glass building back to its grandness. Sonnenberg is applying for public and private grants to aid in this capital project. If you would like to know more or to give to the Greenhouse Fund, please head to our website at sonnenberg.org. • Photos: Top Right: The greenhouse Even though Sonnenberg is a State Historic complex today Park, all day-to-day operations as well as restoration and preservation projects like this Right: A view into the one, are funded by the activities of its nonPalm House profit organization. Make a Top Left: Historic photo of difference and donate toEast Conservatory beds day! Call 585-394-4922 or visit www.sonnenberg. Bottom Left: Historic photo org to make your contriof west greenhouse beds bution. WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 3

Volunteer Corner

By Pamela Gangloff, Volunteer & Education Coordinator

Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another. ~Erma Bombeck

t has been a long cold winter and that’s kept me at my desk thinking up new ways to recruit volunteers. One way I have found to recruit good people is to get the word out about Sonnenberg. And to do this, I made a Traveling Outreach Board. This board talks about Frederick and Mary, the estate through the years, and the benefits of volunteering. The Traveling Board will be at these locations: Canandaigua Academy; Wood Library, two different locations in Victor, Perinton Square Mall, and the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce. We are hoping to reach new communities and build our volunteer family. Last year we added a new fundraising event for volunteers to share their time—the Haunted Garden Stroll, which was a great success. This year, we’ve added another new event, the Spring 5K Run & Stroll on May 3. We know this will be another nice opportunity for you to share your time and love for Sonnenberg. In 2013, volunteers shared more than 25,000 hours to help keep Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion alive in the Canandaigua Community. Thank you! Just a reminder, when becoming a Sonnenberg Volunteer you can also become a Sonnenberg Member. Pick up a special discount coupon in the Volunteer Coordinator’s office, and help preserve this community treasure. See you in the park! •

Annual Photo Contest

To celebrate Sonnenberg Gardens’ beauty throughout the changing seasons, we are hosting a juried Sonnenberg Photo Contest from May 1 through September 25, 2014. The three categories for this year’s contest are: Our Public Gardens; Architecture; People Enjoying Sonnenberg. Visit www.sonnenberg.org for complete rules and submission requirements. Many 2013 contest entries are featured in this issue—is your entry here?

Look for volunteer news and numerous event & volunteer photos from Pam via both the Volunteer email list and Sonnenberg’s Facebook page. Be sure to “like” or “follow” the Sonnenberg Facebook page to get our posts. Contact Pam at volunteers@ sonnenberg.org to be added to the Volunteer email list.

Become a member or give the gift of Sonnenberg today!

Membership Levels - see complete list of benefits on our website Student $25 Individual $40 Dual $60 Rose $500 Orchid $1000 Lily $2500 Member Information Name: Street: Email:

Family $100 Patron $250 Mary Clark Thompson $5000

Phone: ( ) City/State/Zip:  New  Renewal  Gift  I want to volunteer!

If gift or different billing information, please fill out the following: Name: Phone: ( ) Street: City/State/Zip:  Check 



Donation: $

Total Enclosed: $

Credit Card #: Exp. Date: / CCV: Mail to: Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 You may also visit our website www.sonnenberg.org or call our offices at 585-394-4922 to pay for membership or to make a donation.

Views from the Sunny Hill

SPRING SPRING 2014 2013

2014 Events Calendar May 1 Sonnenberg opens for the season May 1 Photo Contest Begins May 3 Spring 5K Run & Stroll May 3 I Love My Parks Day May 10 Saturday Mother’s Tea May 10 Container Plant Day ** May 12 - Oct 31 Fashions & Flowers Mansion Exhibit May 17 Opening of Vanishing Acts Exhibit May 31 Growing a Pizza Garden ** May 31 Interp. of Primary Sources (@ Wood Lib.) Jun 5-8 Finger Lakes Plein Air Competition & Festival Jun 9 Roses & Rosés Jun 15 Father’s Day Car & Motorcycle Cruise Jul 4, 11, 18, 25, & Aug 1 Moonlight Strolls Jul 19 I Love Sonnenberg Scrapbook Day ** Jul 28 Annual Sonnenberg Golf Tournament Jul 28 – Aug 1 Historic Adventure Day Camp ** Aug 7, 14, 21, & 28 August Teas Aug 16 & 17 Arts at the Gardens Sep 6 Harvest the Pizza Garden ** Sep 13 & 14 Wine Country Ramble Sep 21 “Thompson Abbey” Day Sep 25 Photo Contest Ends Sep 27 Fall History Conference (@ Wood Library) Oct 11 Fall Garden Symposium Oct 17, 18, 19, 24 & 25 Mansion Mysteries Oct 26 Haunted Garden Stroll Oct 31 Sonnenberg closes for the season Dec 6 Holiday Home Tour Dec 13 Sonnenberg Christmas Gala ** Children’s Programming Members receive discounts on select events.

June 9, Roses & Rosés, 6 - 9 pm This elegant wine and food pairing event showcases over 30 wineries and restaurants of the Finger Lakes Region and kicks off Rose Week at Sonnenberg. $30/person; $25/Sonnenberg Member. Prepaid reservations required. June 15, Father’s Day Car & Motorcycle Cruise, Noon - 4 pm Celebrate Dad with classic cars, food, and fun for the whole family. Sign up to showcase your wheels! $12/person, $10/60+/AAA member, $6/Student (Ages 13-17 & College)/Military w/ID, $1/Ages 4 -12, Free for ages 3 and under. July 4, 11, 18, 25 & August 1, Moonlight Strolls Concert Series 8 - 10 pm Music in the moonlit gardens of Sonnenberg. Great for the whole family! Performers include: 7/4, Flint Creek (Country) 7/11, Tullamore Celtic Band 7/18, Rochester Metro. Jazz Orch. 7/25, Riddim Posse (Reggae) 8/1, The Fools (Rock) $9/person, $7/Sonnenberg Member, $4/youth (Ages 6-17), FREE for ages 5 and under. August 7, 14, 21, & 28, August Teas, 1 - 4 pm

October 11, Fall Garden Symposium with Vincent Simeone, 10 am - 3 pm This October, we are honored to have Vincent Simeone at our Fall Gardening Symposium. Vincent Simeone for the past 22 years has worked at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in New York, where he is the Director. He is a popular author writing for magazines and newspapers as well as publishing five books. Vincent teaches horticulture classes at New York Botanical Garden and Hofstra University and over the last 14 years has assisted Allan Armitage with garden tours across the globe. Lunch included and prepaid registrations required. $85/person, $75/members

Enjoy an elegant high tea and dine on assorted baked goods, sweets, teas, and more in the Victorian mansion! $28/person, $23/members & groups of 10+, $18/youth (Ages 4-12). Prepaid reservations required. October 17, 18, 19, 24, & 25, Mansion Mysteries, 7 pm except for Special Matinee on 10/19 Live whodunnit drama in the Sonnenberg Mansion. $24/person, $20/members & youth (Ages 1218). Prepaid reservations required.

Event schedule subject to change. Call 585-394-4922 or see www.sonnenberg.org for more information on these events or to make advance reservations and ticket purchases. WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 5

Collections & History

By Timothy Ryan, Curator

e’ve had a busy off-season here at Sonnenberg. We continue to build upon the success and progress of previous years by taking additional steps toward making the rooms on display in the Thompson Mansion more accessible, without sacrificing the security and physical integrity of our collections. This season our display rooms in the mansion will have a new look, one that is more historically accurate in respect to interpretation than in years past. We will also be displaying several items from our collection that have never been viewed by the public before including portions of our textile collection for our annual Fashions and Flowers Exhibit. One of the challenges we continue to face in respect to collections management is finding an appropriate balance between maintaining the long-term preservation of our collections with the need to provide the public with an event-friendly space and increased access. Recently our focus has primarily shifted toward conservation of our collections. In the off-season we had three pieces of furniture restored as part of a gift in-kind by The Furniture Doctor and Board of Trustees member here at Sonnenberg, Tom Baker. Collection pieces restored by Baker will be on display this season and include two original Thompson Family items; our Library Desk in the mansion’s Great Hall and our Victorian Round Oak Table from the mansion’s Library. We are also very active in planning conservation for our pieces of Giustiniani Statuary. This impressive collection that resides at Sonnenberg has pieces that date back to the 1st-2nd Century as well as the 17th Century. The importance of this collection cannot be understated and the pieces are in need of care. We are also actively seeking information regarding missing pieces of statuary that once called Sonnenberg home. We are also developing several projects that will assist us in achieving best standards and practices as it relates to caring for our collections. Some of these projects include a Collections Plan, Conservation Plan, and Emergency/ Disaster Response Plans for our Museum and Archival Collections. We are also looking into digitizing a portion of our archival collection so that we can add it to our website.

Newly restored original collection pieces: Victorian Round Oak Table (above) and Library desk (right) 6

Views from the Sunny Hill

SPRING SPRING 2014 2013

Giustiniani Statuary: Relief of Apollo with Lyre (above); Bust of a Woman (left) This will allow our patrons to access portions of our collections online. Along with our Fashions and Flowers Exhibit, we will also be putting together a Fall exhibit titled Sonnenberg Gardens Through the Years: The Birth, Renewal and Continued Preservation of One of America’s Most Important Garden Collections. This gallery-type exhibit will feature photographs and documents that detail the history of Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion as a summer residence for Frederick and Mary Clark Thompson, through the Veterans Administration-Era, to the nonprofit era of Sonnenberg. This exhibit will chronicle the history of our historic site and it’s a perfect match for our theme of “Share the Love of Sonnenberg.” As we move forward, the Museum Committee would like to remind everyone that we are still looking to acquire items that are period appropriate or pieces that are similar to those pictured in original photographs of the mansion’s interior. In addition, our current budget for this fiscal year will not cover the costs associated with conservation of our collections material like the Giustiniani Statuary. We are asking for your help with donations for our conservation efforts so that these pieces can serve to entertain and educate our patrons for years to come. If anyone has pieces available for donation that may be of interest to Sonnenberg you are encouraged to contact curator Tim Ryan at our main number, 585-394-4922. In addition, if you would like to help fund our conservation efforts, we have several pieces not part of our Giustiniani Statuary Collection that are also in need of conservation. If this project or any others are of interest to you, please contact David Hutchings or Tim Ryan. Thank you in advance for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you this season at the Thompson Mansion. •

Aviary Project Takes Flight

By Diana Palotas, Development Manager

id you know that Sonnenberg was once home to the largest complex of aviaries in the United States? Between 1902 and her death in 1923, Mrs. Thompson built a series of buildings on one acre of land dedicated “to the birds”. Sonnenberg History and Museum Committee Member Barb Stahl put together an extensive history on the aviaries. Stahl found that in July of 1911, Sonnenberg’s aviary collection consisted of 891 birds representing 246 species. These included the Indian Spur-Winged Plover (the only one of its kind in America at the time), parrots, parakeets, quail, and the spectacular White Peacock.

Nearly 1,000 birds once filled Mrs. Thompson’s Aviary

The Peacock House made of hewn stone in 1912, is the only aviary building that remains on the property today. Soon this piece of history will receive some much needed attention. The aviary is at the center of Sonnenberg’s $400,000 capital improvement project that will create a permanent tent site for weddings and events along the Fort Hill Entrance to the park. This re-use of the building, the addition of a patio along with the tent site will allow Sonnenberg to become more sustainable. Events monies make up nearly a third of our revenue today. We’ve already received more than half of the project’s necessary funding. A number of donors have supported this exciting project. If you would like to do the same, please see our website at sonnenberg.org or call us at (585) 394-4922. Mrs. Thompson opened the aviaries to the public every Saturday afternoon. Sometimes more than 5,000 people would come by train, trolley or automobile to enjoy the birds. While the feathered friends are gone, this piece of Sonnenberg history needs us to soar once again. •

One of Mrs. Thompson’s white peacocks (above). The Peacock House as it looks today (below).

Even though Sonnenberg is a State Historic Park, all day-to-day operations as well as restoration and preservation projects like this one, are funded by the activities of its non-profit organization. Make a difference and donate today! Call 585-394-4922 or visit www.sonnenberg.org to make your contribution.

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The Thompson Name in Canandaigua

By Stephen Hamlin

any men made many fortunes in many ways in the last quarter of the 19th Century. Think Carnegie, Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Thompson. For Frederick and Mary Clark Thompson, the creators of Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, their way to wealth was banking. The Thompsons then used their great fortune to provide great philanthropy to the Canandaigua Community. You could say money management was in Frederick’s blood. His father, John Thompson, was a member of the Treasury Department in President Abraham Lincoln’s Cabinet. John is credited with creating in 1863 the “greenbacks” or the dollar paper currency we all use today. One of the National Bank Charters to handle this new paper money was given to Frederick and his brother Samuel. Together they created the bank which we now know as Citibank. (For even more trivia fodder, John and Samuel Thompson joined to create what would become Chase Bank.) John Thompson, Banker (1802 - 1891) Mrs. Thompson, born Mary Clark, was the daughter of New York State Governor Myron Clark from Canandaigua. Mary and Frederick built a summer home overlooking Canandaigua Lake. The home’s name was Sonnenberg, meaning Sunny Hill in German. This 52-acre estate has a red stone mansion and nine formal gardens inspired by Mary’s travels around the world. The history of S o n n e n b e r g encompasses hundreds of people and much geography. The pay records show that more than 300 people were employed directly by the Thompson’s including many emigrants at the time from England, Scotland and Ireland. In addition, many Italian stone masons and gardeners were employed by the contractors who built Govener Myron H. Clark (1806 - 1892) the estate over a time 8

Views from the Sunny Hill

SPRING 2013 2014

period of 50 years. These workers and their families helped build the community of Canandaigua. Out of gratitude and love for these people, Mary Clark Thompson upon her death in 1923 bequeathed to each employee $5,000 - $15,000 depending on their length of employment. The Thompson’s love for Canandaigua spread beyond the stone walls of their summer home. They went on to pay for or support 19 projects in our community including five churches, a museum, a library, a hotel, and the hospital. They acquired the original deed papers for all the New York State lands from the Finger Lakes to Lake Erie, and obtained the original copy of the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794 between the Iroquois Nation and the United States. The Thompson’s are also responsible for six programs and buildings at Williams College (Frederick’s alma mater), six at Vassar College, nine in New York City, a New York State Iroquois museum and state park, and endowed a national science prize. The Thompson’s shared their good fortune and their love for Sonnenberg with our community and its people. They helped create Canandaigua and our country. •

New Signs Guide Visitors

By Diana Palotas, Development Manager ome welcoming signs are blooming alongside the flowers and trees this season! Sonnenberg’s Signage Project means visitors will have an easier time of finding their way around the gardens and mansion. These sturdy and easy to read signs were designed at Peeble’s Island from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Because of a number of generous donors our Signage Project exceeded its goal of $11,000! That means more orientation signs, way finding signs, and signs that alert the public to our current and future restoration projects will be found in the park. Thank you for your support to make this project, a sign of a brighter future for Sonnenberg! • W

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Private Residence

We invite you explore and experience the beauty of the signature floral design and landscaping at our nine formal gardens which bear the imprint of philanthropist Mary Clark Thompson. The gardens were shaped by ideas and art from her many trips to European and Asian locales. The grounds can be explored by via our tram which runs regularly or on foot. Take time to experience the scenic beauty and variety of the gardens then visit the mansion to learn more about the Thompson family.

Blue & White Garden

Japanese Garden

Roman Bath

The Greenhouse complex at Sonnenberg, built between 19031915, is one of the few remaining intact Lord and Burnham Greenhouses in the United States.

Only blue and white blossoms are used in the beds of this intimate garden, which lies off the northwest corner of the Mansion Veranda, and was said to have been Mrs. Thompson’s favorite.

In 1906, this garden, reminiscent of mountainous Japan, was fashioned from a smooth lawn by a Japanese landscape designer. See the cascade, passing the Tea House, and underneath 5 bridges.

Mary Thompson’s architect, Francis Allen, created the swimming pool and enclosing structure known as the Roman Bath.

Sub-Rosa Garden

Pansy Garden

Moonlight Garden

Peacock House/Aviary

Enclosed by boxwood hedges, this “secret garden” features an intricate marble fountain and bench on a raised platform above a deep pool.

Beyond the marble pavilion of the Blue and White Garden lies the Pansy Garden. Small benches tucked in quiet corners reflect its design as a meditation garden, as does the whimsical fountain.

The smallest garden of all is planted mostly in white and silver foliage that blooms in the late afternoon or evening.

The castle-like building beyond the Old-Fashioned Garden was once part of an aviary complex, housing some 216 different species of birds. Of the five original buildings, just this, the former Peacock House, remains.

1. Finger Lakes Wine Center 2. Greenhouse Conservatory Complex 3. Japanese Garden 4. Roman Bath 5. Sub-Rosa Garden 6. Rose Garden 7. Italian Garden Deer Park 8. Pansy Garden 9. Moonlight Garden 10. Blue & White Garden 11. Mansion 12. Old-Fashioned Garden 13. Peacock House/Aviary 14. Rock Garden

Greenhouse Conservatory Complex

3 7

B 11

South Lawn

East Grove

Main Entrance

Reflecting Pond

Private Residence

Duck Pond

YOU ARE HERE

m The Rose Garden

Old-Fashioned Garden

Rock Garden

Italian Garden

The main beds of the Rose Garden feature the red, white and pink blooms of Mrs. Thompson’s original color scheme and features a tall, iron tower at the north and the classic, columned Belvedere (Italian for “beautiful view”) at the south.

Over a quarter-mile of low, boxwood hedge forms the ancient quincunx pattern of five intersecting circles of perennials, colorful annuals and tall grasses. The stately Colonnade, a columned arbor once covered with grapevines, bisects the fifth circle.

The largest garden was once three separate gardens: The Rock Garden has the original climbing Hydrangea. Its northern extension, with a path that traverses a canyon, was the Wild Garden. The former Lily Garden features a water cascade.

Featuring some 15,000 red and gold annuals in each of four sunken beds, the Italian Garden showcases an elaborate “carpet bedding” style and features the 16th-century Italian wellhead and the Fountain of Hercules.

Look for new signs in 2014!

Exit

Enter These Enchanted Woods

with its racemes of pea-like white blooms. Medicinal herbs can be trees as well as green, herbaceous plants. The pagoda tree is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is one of the “50 fundamental herbs” with a variety of medicinal actions.

Article & Photos by Kimberly Burkard, Marketing Coord. Enter these enchanted woods You who dare. Nothing harms beneath the leaves… Fair you fare. George Meredith, The Woods of Westermain

hile undoubtedly you have seen one of the greatest of Sonnenberg’s collections, you probably didn’t realize it. Surely you walked below, around, and through it without knowing. Yes, the collection of mature and majestic trees is one of Sonnenberg’s great treasures. Sonnenberg’s arboretum is impressive. The estate features more than 100 different species of trees. Many of them, growing right where Mr. & Mrs. Thompson planted them, are among the oldest of their kind in the United States. The Thompsons clearly viewed these trees with significance and importance—as do we still—for they celebrated the visits of important individuals to the estate by inviting them to plant a tree. Former state governors and even Thomas Edison are on the list of those that have planted a tree on the estate. Tuliptree (L. tulipifera) in bloom Some of Sonnenberg’s trees, like the distinctive tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) and osage orange (Maclura pomifera), are native to North America. But the collection as a whole is far broader featuring cold-hardy specimens from temperate zones across the globe. Such as… Your visit to the Japanese Garden will allow you to see the heart-leafed katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) from Asia whose autumn leaves smell of burnt sugar or caramel—so much so that the French call it “Arbre au caramel.” Take a stroll across our lawns in late summer and you may spot the pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) in full bloom Autumn katsura color

Pagoda Tree’s (Styphnolobium japonicum) late summer blooms Our Rock Garden is home to the rarely seen female Gingko biloba or “Maidenhair Tree.” Many people in the United States plant only the male of this species for the decaying fruits dropped by female trees have a rancid butter-like smell. This tree is called a “living fossil” for it is in fossil records dating back to the Permian Age some 270 million years ago. Some regard these trees as the “bearer of hope” for there were gingko trees that not only survived the 1945 atomic bomb blast in Hiroshima, Japan but budded after the blast with no major deformations. At least Gingko leaves, fruit, & bark six of these trees still live in Hiroshima. And probably one of our most recognizable and memorable trees is the weeping beech (Fagus sylvatica, ‘Pendula’) along the roadway to the Mansion. This weeping beech has long branches that sweep the ground plus smooth grey bark. If you have ridden one of the trams, you have gone under/through this magnificent specimen. This article only touches on but a few of the wonderful trees that call Sonnenberg home. Be sure to visit us this season to see these and other Spring leaves of the weeping beech trees in person. •

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Sources & Further Reading: • Gingko Pages, http://kwanten.home.xs4all.nl, 2014.

• Grand Trees at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park: A Walking Tour by Joshua Hutchings, Sonnenberg Gardens, Canandaigua, NY, 2008. • Plants for a Future, http://www.pfaf.org, 2014. • The Sibley Guide to Trees by David Allen Sibley, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2009.

Awards & Honors FLCC Honors Sonnenberg’s Leader Finger Lakes Community College’s Environmental Conservation and Horticulture Department chose Executive Director David Hutchings to receive the 2014 Outstanding Conservation Alumni Achievement Award. Award recipients are selected by department faculty based on both past and current accomplishments in the field of Environmental Conservation which have set a standard for involvement and effectiveness. The award began in 1984 and is presented at the annual FLCC Alumni Association Awards Celebration in May. CongratuFLCC honors David Hutchings lations, David! Sonnenberg’s Curator Receives Award

SUPPORT THE TREES OF SONNENBERG Speak for the trees! Show your love for our magnificent trees by donating to the care and maintenance of our trees and gardens. See our website or call to make your donation. Special 2014 Challenge! In the dawn of electricity and the birth of our modern technological age, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla had a very famous rivalry. It is only now that Tesla is truly being recognized for the incredible contributions he made to mankind. He never planted a tree at Sonnenberg but Thomas Edison did. So as a nod to that rivalry and also to offer thanks to Mr. Tesla, please make a donation to our tree and garden fund so we can plant a tree in honor of Nikola Tesla. Be sure to say it is for “Tesla” and also feel free to add your words of thanks to Nikola with your donation.

The Museum Association of New York (MANY) honored our curator Timothy Ryan with a Certificate of Commendation. The ceremony took place in Albany on March 31. Ryan, who started with Sonnenberg in 2012, is a member of both the History and Museum Committees. He has initiated and completed a variety of vital activities including but not limited to the creation of our History Blog, discovery and research into our Giustiniani Statuary Collection, completion of the MAP Program as well as an Archival Assessment, various exhibitions and historical lectures. All of these activities have helped Sonnenberg focus on meeting best standards and practices relating to collections care and its use in our historical interpretation of the site. The reviewers at MANY wrote they, “applauded the project’s engaging programs that enlivened the museum’s participation in the community. Sonnenberg Gardens and Timothy should be exceptionally proud of this achievement—we had an impressively large and diversely creative pool of nominations this year.” Ryan was nominated for the award by Board of Trustee and fellow Museum Committee Member Tom Baker. •

Who is Nikola Tesla? To learn more about Tesla & his incredible contributions, see: http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ Even though Sonnenberg is a State Historic Park, all day-to-day operations as well as restoration and preservation projects like this one, are funded by the activities of its non-profit organization. Make a difference and donate today! Call 585-394-4922 or visit www.sonnenberg.org to make your contribution. 10

Views from the Sunny Hill

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Timothy Ryan accepting the award at Albany ceremony

Thank You to All of our Members: CORPORATE BENEFACTOR

Cazbah Internet Marketing Solutions

BUSINESS SPONSOR

Velmex, Inc.

BUSINESS PATRONS

Estey-Struble Theatrical McCarthy Tents & Events Nolan’s On The Lake

BUSINESS MEMBERS

Airborne Fire & Safety Co All Occasions Catering Barrister’s Bed & Breakfast Bella Rose Bed & Breakfast Bloomfield Animal Hospital Chef K2, LLC Dipane Catering Faro’s Pizzeria Finger Lakes Gallery & Frame Finger Lakes Photography Guild Glatty Pianoforte Kings Catering & Party House Marche Culinary Events, LLC Max Of Eastman Place Mitchell Pierson Jr. Inc. Normandy North Star Construction Potter HVAC Ryan’s Wines & Spirits Simply Crepes, LLC Susan Plunkett’S Fabulous Foods LLC The Jewel Lady Inc. The Rabbit Room

GARDEN CLUBS

7th District Judges’ Council Bloomfield Garden Club Syracuse Garden Club, Inc Victor Garden Club

LILY

Carol Anderson

ORCHID

Alayne Evans Bruce & Susan Krobusek Thomas & Mary Lou Mees William Rayburn Susan Vanderstricht Dr. Lucy Waletzky

ROSE

Dr. Charles Gibson Laura Harkness Robert Lowenthal Malcolm O’Malley Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Whitbeck

PATRON

William & Grace Boudway James & Ina Brownridge Patricia Curchin

List as of April 29, 2014

J. William Erwin Edythe Gansz & Jerald Zimmerman Deborah & Bruce Gardner Eileen Gerace Richard & Linda Hawks John & Ronnie Keltz Bruce & Anne Kennedy Donald & Barbara Maclean John & Katherene Meisch Richard & Susan Onze Lynn Paulson Augustine & Claire Pingitore Dr. Tamara Prull Margaret Rhodes Sandra Rueckwald Dale Stell & Carla Lee Donna Strelow Jonathan Terry Marianne Timms David Vanlaeken Michael & Patricia Wilder Ryan Wilmer

FAMILY

Barry & Margaret Adams Evamae Allen E. David & Barbara Appelbaum Betty Aquadros & Vann Owens Bruce & Jane Baker Mrs. Henry Bard Roy & Nancy Beecher Barbara Belik & Dana Dakers Karen Bernal Kevin & Christine Bornheimer Nathaniel & Margaret Bowditch James & Barbara Boyle Brendan & Mary Brady Cecil & Anna Bunnell Linda Burr Kari Byrd Brian & Marjorie Case Joyce & Robert Case-Miller Karen Caton Bonita & Otto Ciegler William & Laurie Clark Janet & Nelson Cole Ken Crawford Daryl Dear Cubitt Samuel & Judy Desalvo Tom & Laura Lee Edwards Steven & Tammy Egidi Mitchel & Robin Evans Julie Everett & Peter O’Neill Gail & Michael Fischer Gail Flugel James & Catharine Ford Kristy & Robin Funderburk Peter & Vera Gleason Barb & Marc Goldenberg David & Sharon Gosper Jeffrey & Kerry Graff Terry & Michelle Green

Henry & Nancy Hamlin Susan Hartwell Kathleen Hendrix Eugene & Janet Hermenet Joan & Robert Herrmann Susan Herrnstein Michael & Kathleen Hoar Patsy Houpt Roger & Ruth Ingalsbe Diana Johnson Leslye Jones Walter Jones Michelle Jones-Dorr Jerome & Denise Jose Richard & Anna Joseph John & Carole Joyce Thomas & Elisabeth Judson Vivian Kennely Kevin, Margie, Stephanie, & Natalie Wall Brian & Lauren Kolb Virginia Konz Charles Lehman Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Leone Rodger Loomis & Julie Hoffman Cricket & Frank Luellen Mary Lyman Fred Magley Tammy Matson Patricia & Henry Maus Ronald & Sally Maxson George Mccadden Dan & Nancy Mccormick Sandra & Richard Mcgavern James Mead Brian & Kelly Meath Frank Meyer & Siobhan Mcguire Mary Lue Mueller Ken & Germaine North Harold & Mary Oskamp Brian & Dolores Perkins James & Karen Powers Joseph & Susan Proe Claude & Esther Pullis James & Barb Russell Greg & Betsy Russell Rita Schuster Sue & Jim Shively Marc & Fran Siditsky Beverly & Richard Smith John & Patricia Stocker Fred & Lisa Stringer Steven & Cheryl Swartout Charles & Lorraine Synborski R. Michael Tantillo Emma Taylor Raymond & Beth Thomas Cheryl Tisler George & Ronna Treier James Terwilliger & Ellen Coyne Carol Van Bork Joanne & Dr. Theodore Vanzandt Suzanne & Craig Vary WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 11

FAMILY (continued) Erin Vorhis Tula Warchol Cindy & Lee Williams DUAL

Bob & Linda Adams William & Shirley Adams James & Dorothy Albright Daniel Allen & Karen Gould John & Janet Anderson Vee & George Angle Anne Perron & Richard Wild Richard & Mary Lou Appel Tim & Julie Askew John Bacher & Beverly Reed Barbara Bailey Greg & Erica Bapst Ken & Barbara Barnes Robert & Theresa Bator John & Romaine Bauld Carol & Donald Benner Barbara Billingsley Tom Biviano Jayne & Jack Bobsein Patricia Boland David Bowman George & Kathryn Braddon Joyce & Mark Bradley David Brennessel & Michele Anthony Douglas & Cindy Brown Anne & Bill Buckingham Kimberly Burkard Brian & Carolyn Burke Robert & Marilynn Carson Elizabeth Casciani Bea & Albert Chadwick Robert & Loretta Chavkin Linda & Don Collins Richard & Cecilia Colosi Shannon & Brandon Cook Michael & Jeanne Coyne Bert & Dee Crofton Deirdre Crosson Donald & Ellen Curtis Joan & Jack Dailey John & Sara Dalton John & Kim D’Amore Martha & Douglas Daniels Douglas & Kathleen Davis Edward & Margarete Demay Harold & Thelma Densmore Carol Deruyter Stacey Digrande Thomas & Lorraine Donaher Dana Drake & Wanda Carey Ilona Espanol & David Breyo Diane Evans Robert Fackler C. Eugene Faulk Mark & Shirley Filsinger Stephen & Judith Flamini Timothy Fossum Daniel & Connie Frye Bill & Barbara Fuge Craig & Christine Geller Jennifer & Thomas German 12

Views from the Sunny Hill

Stuart & Betsy Gillim Deborah Gormly Elizabeth & David Grashof Stacy Gray & Brad Eakins Richard & Martha Groot Barbara Hackel Christian & Helen Haller David & Karyl Hammond Joan & Marshall Handfield Richard & Marilyn Hare Tom & Barbara Harradine John & Ruth Hartnett Ann Hedges H. Raul & Charlotte Herrera Dennis & Sandra Holley Carolyn & Robert Hotchkiss Barbara Howard Christopher Husson & Ruth Unzicker Richard & Kay James Kathy & Keith Jamsion Linda Jensen Anne Johnson Peter & Peggy Kane Joseph & Kathryn Kardesh Tim & Joan Leonard Karski Richard & Barbara Kent Joan Klapka Paul Kleinstuber Frederick & Carolyn Kless Aleksandra & Marek Kopacz Al & Jean Kraus Rhonda Kreft & Janet Kemp Joan & Clark Kurtz Paul & Jean Lahr Anne & James Lake Norma & Bob Lamberson Jana & Warren Lamboy Susan & Richard Landholm Thomas & Connie Lathrop Julia Leonard Michael & Kathleen Linse Janet & Haines Lockhart Jean & Jonathan Logan Lorraine Lundy Leonard & Audrey Lyons Reg & Ann Macdonald Edward & Dorene Macdonald Timothy & Julie Macko Leonard & Patricia Malinowski Dick & Kay Howard Manley Todd Marsh Joseph Matus Michael & Heidy May Carol & Alex Mccrossen Thomas & Eugenia Mclouth William Mehls & Patricia Neprud John & Jane Meiser Roy & Julie Melton Kathie Meredith Robert & Joyce Miller James & Marcia Minges Susan Moore Gene & Sally Mueller Donald & Roxann Muller Kathleen & Elizabeth Louise Murray Helen Myers Barbara & Dennis Nichols

SPRING 2014 2013

Jo-Ann & Dan O’Brien Elinor & William O’Connel Ed & Sue O’Connor Edward & Frieda O’Hanlon Gregg & Margaret Owens Ronald & Patricia Owren Ronald & Nancy Pape Daniel & Dorothy Parke Lance & Kathie Parker Donald Parry Edwin & Sharon Perego Ken & Robin Perkins Richard & Sonja Personale Preston Pierce Mabel & Richard Pierle Russ & Betty Pilato Matt & Tabatha Pisanzio Gary & Nancy Preece Catherine Preston Robert & Phyllis Purple Dr. & Mrs. John Randall Patricia Reece Virginia Reed Joseph Remm Donald & Rachel Rensberger Torsten & Rose Rhode Family Jennifer Rode James & Teresa Roth Patti & Jim Ruppert Richard & Maureen Russell Ronald & Catherine Saar Michael & Linda Sargent Harvest Savo & Autumn Maxwell Lawrence & Francie Schenck Joseph & Sylvia Schepisi Gail & Thomas Schirmer Robert & Mary Jane Schmeer Hans Schmidt Irving & Marie Schoenacker Kenneth Schrider & John Litz Elaine & Horst Schroeder Thomas & Martha Schwartz Shannon Scribner & Daniel Marshall Robert & Barbara Serio Masa & Aki Seto Linda & Sheldon Shapiro Alan & Martha Shepardson Nicholas & Kirsti Shields James & Christine Shisler David & Mary Jo Shuler Vincent & Amy Sirianni Candi & Frank Smith Judith Smith Ann Marie Smith Jeff & Linda Smith Nancy Stone & Kevin Atwood Galen And Betsey Stout Marc & Sherry Sulkes Stanley & Nancy Taylor Betty & Sarah Taylor Gerald & Alice Thompson William & Cynthia Towler John & Janice Travis Rene Trzaska & Gary Kosmider Charles & Joyce Twitchell Daniel & Martha Unrath Mark & Bonnie Vahey

Howard & Suzann Van Buren Elizabeth & Pierce Webb Douglas & Ellen Weeks Thomas & Maureen Welch James & Patricia Wells Bryon & Phyllis Werges Joseph & Lettie Whitcomb John & Dori Mac Wilson Eric & Lorna Young Andrew & Karen Yudichak Carol & Roland Zavada

INDIVIDUAL

Genie Ackerly Joanne Adam Kathleen Affleck Eileen Alven Sheila Anderson Ralph Azzarone Linda Bagdon Thomas Baker Nancy Bardeen Linda Barker Carmela Battaglia Holly Bauer-Mergen Rita Bavineau Barbara Beach Laima Beck Lou Bliss Nancy Bonawitz Cheryl Bootes Gail Booth Evelyne Bottorf Carol Bowden Joane Bowerman Donna Boyce Kristen Brennessel Dennis Brewer Patricia Bridgetts Lenaria Brondum Elisabeth Brown Patricia & Joseph Brown Phyllis & Ross Brown Shelly Bruder Virginia Butler Marjorie Canino Mary Eileen Cassidy Jane Sheetz Clark Marilyn Clary Nadine Colbert Jeremy Coleman Joyce Connelly Charles Copeland Emme Cortelyou Betsy Cox Jonathan Cregg Doris Cross Donald Cullen Joan D’Agostino Barbara Davis Roger Decook Diane Deroos Bassage Gary Dixon Sharon Donovan Gloria Dornberger Melissa Doyle Harvey Dudley

Donna Duignan Laura Dustin Myrtle Eames Carol Ennis June Fisher Evelyn Fleming Jonathan Foster Margaret Francis Frances Freeman Ulana Fuller Sam Gerone Sally Gordan Barbara Gwynn & Chuck Perfetti Clarice Hardy Susan Henderson Ellen Hoffmann Susan Howard Rachel Hutchins Judy Hutchinson Jean Ingalls Laura James Joyce Jaquith Stephen Jaquith Mary Johnson Sylvia Kamell Julia Kelly Shirley Kem Gary Kent Barbara Kingston Kenneth & Susan Kinsey Michele Kisly Donald Kneeland Virginia Koch Sue Kotalik Barbara Kraus Catherine Kwiatkowski Regina Laclair Karen Lafler Olga Leona June Leo-Randazzo Jacqueline Lowe Jane Luce Joyce Ludwig Elizabeth Lyon Jean Marten Lillian Mason Beverly Maves Sarah Mcateer Sandra Mcgovern Sally Mcgucken Teresa Mcguire Betty Mcmahon Joyce Merritt Sue Ellen Merry Trixie Meteyer Jean Middlebrook Janet Miller Judith Millhausen R. Craig Mills Bonita Mincer Patricia Mincer Clinton Moore Coralyn Jo Morgan John Mulvey Jennifer Nelson Jean Newton Jamie Noga

Maureen O’Conner Amy Ogden Jane Ogden Alison Ordiway Robert O’Shea Margaret Page Margaret Pence Robert Pfromm Dolores Placito Ellen Polimeni Deborah Price Rose Prober Patricia Quist Louise Radak Nancy Raley Alona Redden Gordon Reed Sally Reich Julie Reynolds Florence Richardson Verna Lee Robertson Linda Rodney Sally Roeder Robin Rohrer Lois Saeger Angelia Salerno Jane Scales Gretchen Schauss Nancy Schopf Kathleen Sillick Robert Sinnott Kim Slavis Judith Smith Jill Snyder John Spare Barbara Stahl Henry Stewart Shirley Stowell Jeanine Sweet Alfred Talke Mary Lou Tetley Maureen Thitchener Beulah Tiebout Marsha Tillson Melvin Townsend Norma Tunnison Linda Vendryes Richard Waldron Jacqueline Walters Edgar & Judith Webber Janet Wells Margaret White Linda Lou Wickham Marguerite Wiegand Eileen Wurzer Marcia Young Julia Zappella-Horton Louise Zipp

STUDENT

Katherine Eberhart Carell Smith Pamela Webb Membership list is current through April 29, 2014. We greatly appreciate your generosity and support. WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 13

New for 2014

BOARDROOM, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

onnenberg Gardens is pleased to be able to offer the exhibit, Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat. This exhibit, produced by the Morton Arboretum in association with the Global Trees Campaign, takes a look threatened and endangered trees around the world and the importance of saving them. This exhibit will feature guides and activity pages for tree and conservation fans of all ages. It is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and home-schoolers wishing to teach or learn more about ecology, stewardship, and how we can all take action to make a positive difference to the natural world around us. For more details on the exhibit or to schedule a field trip or a group visit, contact us at 585394-4922 or email us at info@sonnenberg.org. •

our gates each day. Because we do not receive any state funding for operations, we are so thankful for these gifts that help us make needed repairs and move forward on restoration and preservation projects which help secure Sonnenberg’s future. We have an exciting season ahead of us and I look forward to serving all of you and bringing my best to Sonnenberg. The Board of Directors has been quite busy making plans for this year. We recently developed our Five-Year Strategic Plan and our Three-Year Operations Plan. Our Strategic Goals for 2014 include: Strategic Goal #1 Preservation: Determine the prominent features of the Thompson Estate, protect these features and promote appreciation of these features to the next generation in accordance with New York State Preservation Law Strategic Goal #2 Effective and Efficient Operations: Strengthen the Thompson Estate by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, programs and services Strategic Goal # 3 Community Engagement : Develop and promote opportunities for individual and group participation in arts, cultural events and education Strategic Goal # 4 Partnerships & Financial Support: Sustain and strengthen collaborative partnerships for continuous improvement of the estate

News & Notes

oin hands with philanthropic donors and Steve Hamlin in support of the new book, Saving a Masterpiece: The Untold Story of Sonnenberg Gardens by Wesley A. Gifford. It covers the early days of Sonnenberg Gardens as a public park. Be sure to look for the new Sonnenberg television ads on channel WROC - let us know what you think of them! We have a new blog, Strolling Through Sonnenberg, to share news, articles, photos, and more with our Sonnenberg family. Follow it at: strollthroughsonnenberg.blogspot.com Look for information soon on our website about an exciting new mobile app created at RIT that challanges visitors to trivia and puzzles at some of the most interesting Pathway Through History sites in the Finger Lakes and Greater Rochester Areas—Sonnenberg is included! Have you visited our YouTube Channel? We are excited to share with you many videos throughout the upcoming season. Find our YouTube channel here: www.youtube. com/user/SonnenbergGardens •

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SPRING 2014 2013

We believe that these strategies will help move Sonnenberg forward and help secure Sonnenberg’s reputation as a gem in New York State and a destination of choice in the Finger Lakes Region and beyond. •

Wedding Season Is Upon Us! BY DEBORAH J.C. KELLY, PROGRAM MANAGER

Isn’t that picture a lovely backdrop for a wedding ceremony? This was taken in front of the Italian Garden in October believe it or not. It was such a gorgeous day. There are many such beautiful ceremony locations on the grounds here at Sonnenberg from an intimate 20 guests in the Japanese Garden to a larger undertaking of 300+ at the Beech Tree Plateau. And at the moment we have two tent locations as well. We are working on a more permanent tent location for the future and will keep you abreast of that project. And don’t forget that the Carriage House is available to rent as well for weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and birthday parties, etc. Calls for weddings this summer continue to come in and we still have some available dates in the summer and the fall so if you know someone getting married this summer, please refer them to Deb @ 585-919-0087. We can be found on WeddingWire.com this year as well. The Plein Air Festival will be with us again this June, the CNB Picnic in August, and the two-day Women’s Bike Ramble, “The Wine Country Ramble” will be here the 2nd weekend of September. • Have your dream wedding and reception in the beauty and splendor of Sonnenberg Gardens!

WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 15

Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit No. 24 Canandaigua, NY

O K FO IN R SID

151 Charlotte Street Canandaigua, New York 14424 www.sonnenberg.org 585-394-4922

2014 Event Calendar Dear Sonnenberg Friends: As we gear up for the 2014 season, I would like to again extend my thanks for your unwavering

Spring, 2012

dedication and efforts. Spring, 2012

Aviary Project

Dear Dear Sonnenberg Friends:

Sonnenberg Last year, the state park systemFriends: welcomed more than 60 million visitors for the second consecutive year—an impressive accomplishment! Always a wonderful model of what can be achieved through community partnerships and volunteers, Sonnenberg is a magical, “must-see” destination for both locals and travelers because of all of you. What you accomplish together is inspiring. public-private partnership which allows this beautiful and historically significant site to be enjoyed and

I write to wish everyone at Sonnenberg the very best for a vibrant spring season. Sonnenberg Gardens is a I writenottoonly wish atgrounds Sonnenberg the for a vibrant spring gem in the State park system foreveryone its stunning but also forvery beingbest an exemplary model of a season. Sonnenberg Gardens is a public-private partnership which allows this beautiful andnot historically site to be enjoyed gem in the State park system only forsignificant its stunning grounds butand also for being an exemplary model of a celebrated by the public. We so appreciate all thecelebrated volunteers who help plant and maintain your amazing gardens, who fundraise to help by the public. make necessary capital and landscape improvements, who help to engage our patrons, friends and donors. We are very fortunate to have at Sonnenberg an organization that works tirelessly on behalf of this magestic site soyou appreciate the that volunteers who helpour plant and tomaintain your and we are proud of theWe work do. I am all thrilled we are connecting visitors Sonnenberg to amazing gardens, who fundraise to help participate in events and programs that connect them to landscape its abundantimprovements, historic, cultural and make necessary capital and whoenvironmental help to engage our patrons, friends and donors. We resources.

As you may know, the New York State Budget enacted by Governor Cuomo and the Legislature includes a third year of New York Works funding for capital improvement projects at New York State Parks. In 2014-15, another $90 million will be invested into exciting projects that will improve our state parks arefor verythe fortunate to have people at Sonnenberg organization that worksadding tirelessly behalf of this magestic and historic sites 60 million who an visit them annually, toonthe more than $265site This is an exciting timeand at State Parks. Newof Yorkers are visiting and sitesthat in record numbers and our visitors to Sonnenberg to we areYork proud the work you do.our I parks am thrilled wein are connecting million through the New Works program has been invested park improvement projects to date. we are all hard at work to ensure that our visitors enjoy their experiences and discover even more about these in events and programs thatI thank connect itsyou abundant special places. It is withparticipate great excitement for the season ahead that you them for allto that do.

historic, cultural and environmental

We are on our wayresources. to a true transformation of the New York State Park system, and I look forward, as I’m sure My best wishes for a successful spring and summer! all of you do, to what the future will bring. Best wishes for another great season! • This is an exciting time at State Parks. New Yorkers are visiting our parks and sites in record numbers and Sincerely,

Rose Harvey Commissioner

we are all hard at work to ensure that our visitors enjoy their experiences and discover even more about these special places. It is with great excitement for the season ahead that I thank you for all that you do. My best wishes for a successful spring and summer! Sincerely,

Views from the Sunny Hill

SPRING 2014

Weddings at Sonnenberg

Trees of Sonnenberg History & Collection News Thompson Name in Canandaigua Restoring the Greenhouse and more!