Garden Tour through the Seasons
History of the
Vanderbilt Estate
Garden Activities |
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Garden work is done three mornings a week: Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday.
During spring and autumn, work begins at 9AM and ends at 12PM. During
the hot parts of the summer, the time shifts to 8AM-11AM. Midway through
the work period, everyone takes a 'coffee break' with refreshments
supplied. Volunteers can come as often as they wish, on any of the
scheduled work days.
The garden consists of three levels, each containing a different type
of plant: annuals, perennials and roses.
Garden volunteers can work on any level they wish. However, during
special times of the season, such as planting the annuals, they
may be requested to concentrate on a specific level.
Another option
is to volunteer for the Grounds Crew. This group handles maintenance
of the extensive lawns, Reflecting Pool, fountains and various
other tasks. They also get to use the tractors, lawn mowers and other
power equipment.
Garden Planning and Administration
Each work day has a volunteer Bed Head. This person coordinates the work to be done, answers questions and ensures that the tools are cleaned and replaced. They play a vital role in making the garden beautiful.Each level is managed by a Garden Head. These people plan all the activities for their respective levels, including the layout and ordering of plants, and fertilizing schedules. Each Garden Head writes a work plan which the daily Bed Heads pass onto the garden volunteers. The Garden Heads also provide instruction on various gardening tasks such as the proper pruning of roses, good planting practices and pest control.
Overseeing all garden activity is the Garden Coordinator. This person is responsible for filling all garden positions, handles the purchasing of all garden supplies and sets the priorities for each garden level. They also act as liaison between the FWVGA and the NPS on matters relating to the garden. The Garden Coordinator is appointed by the President of the FWVGA and is a member of the Board of Directors.
The Groundskeeper, and Bed and Garden Heads along with the Garden Coordinator form the Garden Committee, which meets once a month to organize the garden activites. In addition, two volunteer Members at Large are part of the group. Together, this group works to keep the garden activities running smoothly.