NYBG's Winter Lecture Series: The Education of a Gardener
Although we still have several weeks of winter ahead, it’s never too early to start thinking about gardening - I can’t wait until the next growing season.
Yesterday, I spoke about my love for gardening at the New York Botanical Garden, which announced last week its year of #plantlove programming. I was invited as a speaker for the Garden’s 19th Annual Winter Lecture Series: The Education of a Gardener. The event was held in the Arthur and Janet Ross Gallery and Lecture Hall - more than 430-guests were in attendance. I talked about the lessons I learned as a child while tending my family’s garden with my father. I shared my thoughts on garden design, planting and sustainability. And I presented a collection of photos from my own gardens - at Turkey Hill, my previous home in Westport, Connecticut, at Skylands in Maine, at Lily Pond in East Hampton, and of course, at my farm in Bedford. Following the lecture, I conducted a book signing with EVP Design Director at Sequential Brands Group, Kevin Sharkey, for our book, “Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying”. It was a full and most enjoyable morning.
Here are some photos.
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- The New York Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark set on 250-acres of land with more than one-million living plants included in its extensive collections. If you are ever in the New York City area, I encourage you to pay a visit – its gardens and collections are stunning. https://www.nybg.org/
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- Our event was held near one of the Garden’s entrances in the Arthur and Janet Ross Gallery and Lecture Hall, where many of NYBG’s lectures, meetings and presentations are held.
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- Just inside the gallery was a display featuring my book, “Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying” – I hope you have a copy. It is truly the perfect source for learning how to make the most of all your favorite summer blooms.
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- The lecture hall was completely filled. Not only was the event sold out, but there were more than 100-people on a waiting list to attend.
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- My lecture was the first of three in this year’s series featuring the stories, philosophies and lessons of gardening.
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- CEO and President of the New York Botanical Garden, Carrie Rebora Barratt, welcomed the audience and thanked them for coming on such a cold day – temperatures were in the single digits. Carrie then gave me a wonderful introduction. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- Carrie also mentioned how much she loved seeing NYBG’s events listed on the calendar in our magazine, “Living”. In fact, I have been attending NYBG events for many years, and always make it a point to fit as many as I can into my schedule.
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- My presentation was titled “A Life in Gardening”. I shared photos of my father, my home at Turkey Hill in Westport, Connecticut, and the gardens I created over the years. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- This is a photo of my father working in my garden – I learned so much from him. He was a very patient gardener. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- I told everyone how much I love to work in my greenhouses and gardens whenever I am home and explained that “I may be a better person for having given serious time and thought and effort to gardening.” (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- I shared photos of the gardens at Lily Pond – I am so proud of how prolific these gardens are. I explained that I pay lots of attention to the soil quality and constantly try to amend and improve it every season. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- Here is a view from the other end of the same garden. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- I showed the audience photos of Skylands, my dear home in Maine. This is a photo of the Council Circle designed by Danish landscape expert Jens Jensen. The footpath is filled with pine needles. Every spring, the outdoor grounds crew covers the meandering walkways with needles and then picks them up at the end of the season – it’s a tedious chore, but one that adds such charm to the woodlands.
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- Here I am showing a photo of my grand “iced terrace” at Skylands and the gorgeous views beyond.
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- This is a photo of the terrace parterre at my Bedford, New York farm and the beautiful views of the landscape. I talked about how I developed the property piece by piece, but that it is still a huge work in progress.
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- I showed my long and winding pergola, which blooms with gorgeous shades of purple, blue and white in spring, and then changes to a stunning palette of orange in summer. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- I also talked about my hardworking outdoor grounds crew at Bedford – many of whom attended the lecture. It was wonderful to have them there. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- After the presentation, we turned on the lights and opened the floor to questions. I love answering audience inquiries and hearing how I have inspired people over the years. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- Kevin, Carrie and I stopped for a quick snapshot with the deluxe edition of my book, “Martha’s Flowers”. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- Following the lecture, Kevin and I moved to the adjacent gallery for a book signing. Guests were able to purchase copies of “Martha’s Flowers” and then get them personally signed. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- I enjoy these book signings because I get to talk with each of the guests in line. This guest bought two books to give as gifts. (Photo by Marlon Co for NYBG)
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- And here is a photo of me and my sister, Kathy Evans. It was so nice to see her at the event. Tomorrow, I will share photos from some of the New York Botanical Garden’s impeccable greenhouses and my private tour of the LuEsther T. Mertz Library!
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