Part One:

In 1913, Richard T. Crane, Jr. asked his neighbor, landscape architect, Arthur Shurcliff, to design his romantic Italian rose garden, a terminus to the recently completed formal garden up the hill. At the center of the garden danced a 25’ gravity-fed water jet, the most theatrical feature of Crane’s extensive plumbing system.

Shurcliff worked closely with rosarian Harriett Risley Footethe to curate the hundreds of rose cultivars that filled the circular garden. In the years that followed, Crane hired leading horticulturists as his property managers, who carefully tended this demanding garden and edited its rose display each year.

In this the first of a three-part online series focused on the Rose Garden Rejuvenation, join Director of Cultural Resources Lucinda Brockway for a journey into the past and how its inspiration has shaped the rejuvenation of this romantic garden ruin.

Part Two:

What exactly does it take to bring a century-old ruin and garden back to life?  The original pergola is long gone. Many of the columns need TLC, and the fountain sprayed its last plume many decades ago. Still, the garden remains a highly sought-after destination by visitors to the Estate. Fortunately, the skilled team from Consigli Construction is bringing to bear its expertise in concrete repair and reconstruction. This week, work is focusing on the columns and bottom retaining wall. Join Jason and Josh for a virtual tour of progress and a lively chat about the methods being used to bring this architectural gem back to life.

In this second in a three-part online series focused on the Rose Garden Rejuvenation, join Josh and Jason for a virtual tour of progress and a lively chat about the methods being used to bring this architectural gem back to life.