University of Delaware Office of Public Relations The Messenger Vol. 6, No. 1/1996 Plotting the future of botanical beauty The original master plan for Longwood Gardens, one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world, existed only in the mind of its first gardener and owner, Pierre S. du Pont. Although never plotted on paper, the gardens' layout likely was inspired by du Pont's visits to the famed gardens of Europe. Now, however, to preserve the special identity and beauty of Longwood Gardens as created by du Pont and to provide a foundation for the future, a master plan has been commissioned by director Fred Roberts, Delaware '71M. And, two landscape architects with UD connections were selected to carry out the project. Gary Smith, associate professor of plant and soil sciences, who has served as a consultant at Longwood and worked on landscaping designs for the University, Philadelphia's Fairmount Park and the Harvard Business School, is coordinating the project during his current sabbatical year. He is assisted by his former student, Tres Fromme, Delaware '93, who majored in ornamental horticulture and has a master's degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia. "Longwood Gardens covers approximately 1,050 acres, a third of which are cultivated and include buildings, fountains, ponds and conservatories. We are using a basic map and making overlays designating visitor amenities, visitor circulation, conceptual design, shade versus sun, woods, different kinds of plantings, color and fragrance- layer after layer of information to give the whole picture," Smith says. "The plan will address the present gardens and provide a basis for expansion and improvements in the future," he says. "Everything, including recommendations for new gardens, such as a children's garden, convenient but aesthetic storage units for supplies, safety, security and accessibility to visitors are of concern," Fromme says. In addition to the maps, Smith, Fromme and the planning committee are writing reports, recommendations and guidelines, all of which will be published to serve as a guide for other gardens. The master plan is not something to be imposed from above, Smith and Fromme emphasize. Suggestions are being sought from the staff, visitors and the community. "We envision the plan as a catalyst incorporating the ideas and visions for the gardens from many different individuals who are concerned about Longwood Gardens. There is a tremendous amount of in-house talent at Longwood that we can tap into, and everyone has been cooperative and helpful," Smith says. The command post for the project is the planning studio overlooking a reflecting pool and fountains. Between their office and the studio, Smith and Fromme pass through a large, bustling planting room where gardeners are busy potting plants for upcoming displays. They then walk through the conservatory itself, strolling through the Mediterranean room with its display of unusual plants that thrive in hot, dry climates into the warm, moist orchid room with its collection of exotic blooms. "It's an inspirational commute," Fromme points out. As part of the planning process, Smith and Fromme also will travel to gardens throughout the United States and Canada to gather information and ideas and confer with other professional landscapers. They will visit gardens in urban settings in New York, St. Louis, Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston, the acres of gardens at North Carolina's Biltmore Estate and the famous public gardens in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. The gardens at Longwood are constantly evolving. For example, Smith has been involved in developing a garden of native woodland plants to enhance Peirce's Woods at Longwood, an historical arboretum near the du Pont home, which was planted by the original Quaker owner of the land. "The garden is a highly visual, aesthetic one with much attention paid to color and fragrance. We used a variety of azaleas, native to the region, which bloom over a long period of time, as well as ferns, phlox and Allegheny foam flower that provides clouds of white blossoms," Smith says. Fromme has been involved in developing landscaping and garden plots in the Red Lion Row area of Longwood, where persons in a professional gardener training program will be housed. "The gardens will serve as a teaching tool as well as beautifying the area," he says. Another recent addition to Longwood is the Idea Garden, a large garden divided into plots featuring herbs, vegetables and flowers, as well as unusual plants that are suitable for home gardens. "Longwood was designed as an artistic, display garden and the purpose of the master plan is to preserve and enhance the gardens, while planning for the future enjoyment of the visitors who come from near and far throughout the year," Smith says. -Sue Swyers Moncure