| GARDENING: Recreating a historic garden at the Flo Gris Museum, part detective, part historian The task of researching historic gardens requires patience, a keen eye and a good working knowledge of horticulture and landscape construction. Once we have determined the age of the garden, period nursery ads, catalogues, garden books and even state arboretum records may help us visualize the plants of the period. MOST HISTORIC GARDENS are not as well documented as the gardens at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. In that case we interview those who lived in the house or families that lived in nearby neighborhoods. Once the decision has been designed to restore a garden to its original splendor, some thought need to be given to preserving documentation and plans and planning for future maintenance and conservation. If there's anything left of the old garden, we look for patterns on the ground that may reveal where beds used to be or garden walls once stood. These famous paintings were also instrumental in the restoration efforts. Varieties of hollyhock, iris, foxglove, heliotrope, phlox, cranesbill, and daylilies were among the many perennials that made up the gardens. We guided the museum in the restoration of the gardens which were restored to the 1910 period "grandmother's garden" with masses of informally arranged perennials and annuals in large beds close to house. Miss Florence's gardens were restored in 2001 after many years of research and an archaeological dig of the site in 1998 which was instrumental in locating garden beds, walkways, orchard and outbuildings. The garden can be researched through old records available in the town hall, through local and state historic societies and a wide range of other odd sources. The late Georgian-style mansion, built in 1817 on a 12-acre estate became an artist's colony when Miss Florence took in borders after inheriting the family home in the late 1890s. Many of the Lyme Art Colony artists painted the gardens and landscape around Miss Florence's house. And we must not overlook the prospect of "eye witnesses" or oral histories. Countless hours are spent maintaining the plantings and gardens for inspiration of visiting gardening enthusiasts. GARDENING: Recreating a historic garden at the Flo Gris Museum, part detective, part historian |
Friday 8 June 2012
GARDENING: Recreating a historic garden at the Flo Gris Museum, part detective, part historian
