Smith-Gilbert Gardens has received a $10,000 grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust to help renovate and replant its Rock Garden.
The renovation will include increasing the number of plant species, testing new plants for suitability in this region, improving plant record database and labeling and establishing a showcase area, featuring sun-tolerant plants adapted to this region.
“Rock and crevice gardening is relatively new and unusual in the southeastern United States,” Gardens Executive Director Ann Parsons said in a written statement. “This project puts the spotlight on this unique gardening style. Our Rock Garden is already one of our most visited and photographed areas, and these upgrades will significantly improve it.”
Other benefits from this project will include establishing a garden area which will not be sprayed or treated with chemical pesticides to ensure optimal health wildlife, formulating a cohesive design to integrate a crevice garden into the rock garden and creating public educational workshops/programs about plant installation.
The Trust supports education and research in ornamental horticulture, primarily in North and South America. These grants typically are made to botanical gardens, arboreta and universities. In 2015, the Trust awarded grants totaling $755,000 to 51 organizations.
Information: SmithGilbertGardens.com.
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