New York Botanical Garden Azalea Garden Opening

The New York Botanical Garden commemorated its 120th anniversary with the grand opening of the New Azalea Garden on May 7 and 8 with a festive ceremonial ribbon-cutting and preview of the New Azalea Garden. The 11-acre Garden features extensive perennial collections designed collaboratively by NYBG and Oehme, van Sweden & Associates and landscape architecture by Towers│Golde, LLC.

The first tour of the garden!

This premier collection of the world’s azalea species features 300 varieties of azalea, rhododendron and diverse companion plantings which are woven together in this restoration of the original garden.  The display offers a venue to enjoy, learn about and be inspired by the beauty and diversity of these ornamental shrubs and perennials in a mature woodland environment. 

L to R: Jane Cooke, Sheila Brady, Todd Forrest, and Barbara Slifka

The design team of Todd Forrest and Frank Genese of NYBG, Shavaun Towers of Towers│Golde, LLC and OvS’ Principal-in-Charge Sheila Brady, were honored at the festive ceremonial ribbon-cutting and preview of the New Azalea Garden. Distinguished guests were treated to the garden’s dedication, performances by the Greenwich Academy Madrigal Singers and tours of the New Azalea Garden.

Eric Groft and Barbara Slifka

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Adding Year Round Interest to the Azalea Garden at the New York Botanical Garden

The redesigned Azalea Garden at the New York Botanical Garden is scheduled for a Grand Opening May 7-8, 2011, just in time for Mother’s Day.

Sheila Brady and Hilary Oat-Judge recently spent two days at the garden with Todd Forrest, Kristin Schleiter and Travis Beck of NYBG laying out some of the final herbaceous plantings in preparation for the Grand Opening.

From left: Travis Beck, Kristin Schleiter, Hilary Oat-Judge, Sheila Brady

Oehme, van Sweden has had the pleasure of collaborating with NYBG’s Horticulture team over the past few years to develop herbaceous planting plans to extend the garden’s season of interest beyond the peak azalea bloom time. The incredible topography of the site, dramatic rock outcroppings and towering canopy provide a captivating framework for the azaleas. By introducing a textured perennial layer, the new design will draw visitors in to explore the Azalea Garden throughout the year.

Mark your calendars to visit the Azalea Garden when it reopens in all its glory this May!

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