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Historic Landscape Design presentation at Skylands

| 14 Jan 2016 | 03:37
    Photos courtesy of NJBG/Skylands Association The Magnolia Walk is part of the formal Italianate garden in the New Jersey State Botanical Garden. The garden design was by created the renowned landscape firm of Vitale and Geiffert, who also designed the landscaping at the National Gallery of Art and Rockefeller Center. Planted in the 1920s, the sweet bay magnolias, which line the walk, are uncommon in New Jersey. The two photos show them when they were first planted and today.
    Photos courtesy of NJBG/Skylands Association The Magnolia Walk is part of the formal Italianate garden in the New Jersey State Botanical Garden. The garden design was by created the renowned landscape firm of Vitale and Geiffert, who also designed the landscaping at the National Gallery of Art and Rockefeller Center. Planted in the 1920s, the sweet bay magnolias, which line the walk, are uncommon in New Jersey. The two photos show them when they were first planted and today.
    Historic Landscape Design presentation at Skylands

RINGWOOD — Skylands, the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood, is a unique botanical and architectural gem, a former country estate featuring elegantly landscaped grounds, historic buildings, and a vast collection of unusual plant species from around the world. What many people do not know is that Skylands is also home to New Jersey's only State Botanical Garden.

Head Landscape Designer Rich Flynn will offer a presentation on "Landscape Design at Skylands: A Historical Perspective" on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at 10 a.m. in the Carriage House at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood. All are welcome; a $5 donation is requested.

In 1922, Clarence McKenzie Lewis, an investment banker and trustee of the New York Botanical Garden, purchased the property from the estate of Francis Lynde Stetson, who founded Skylands in 1891. Over the next 30 years, Lewis built the existing Tudor-style 45-room Manor House and transformed Skylands into a botanical showplace.

Italian landscape designer Ferruccio Vitale (1875-1933), who developed his reputation through important civic commissions such as the National Mall and the National Gallery of Art, created the country-estate landscape of Skylands. Most of the trees now framing the house were planted by Lewis and his crew of over 60 gardeners (in peak seasons), including the magnificent copper beeches. Wanting to appeal to all of the senses, Lewis stressed symmetry, color, texture, form and fragrance in his gardens.

NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.