Brooklyn Botanical Garden: 2nd & 3rd Week

Osborne Garden

During my last two weeks I was able to work a few days with capitol projects, in the new herb garden, as well as in the Osborne Garden. During this time I was able to learn the techniques involved in transplanting mature trees, planting new trees, pruning, as well as many other maintenance techniques.

While working with capitol projects I was given a tour of the new herb garden which is still under construction. After taking a tour I went through all of the construction documents involved in making this project a reality. Another project that will be starting soon at the garden is the new visitors center which will be following the LEED standards with the goal of obtaining silver or gold certification. This is a very progressive and essential goal for the garden. By obtaining this certification the garden will act as a role model for the local people and hopefully promote a more sustainable community.

After working with capitol projects I went to work installing the planting design for the herb garden and transplanting mature Viburnums nearby. While working in this area we planted an array of evergreen plants along a hillside near Flatbush ave. in order to block the garden from the nearby traffic, thus creating a much more private environment. After the installation of these plants we worked in transplanting the collection of large viburnums which took a whole crew to complete.

Overall, my experience at BBG has been eye-opening. I have realized that in order to design an area that will truly be successful a designer should, if possible consult the gardener that will be taking care of the area. By doing this he will find out more about the growing conditions of the area and the maintenance issues involved in the design. By acknowledging these issues a designer can correct them, thus insuring proper care of the garden.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a world class institution with a group of people that is willing to teach anyone who is willing to listen and learn about the various aspects of horticulture. By taking this sort of stance towards public horticulture they have become just as much a public teaching institute as garden.