Master Plan For Historic Center

The initial plan in founding a the now historic Berkshire Garden Centers specified that the Center was to be, "For a year's trial…A plot of land with a suitable building has been offered…If the experiment is a success it is hoped the Center may become a permanent institution." The founders little dreamed how quickly the young venture, so modestly launched, would blossom into an institution of its own. The objectives of the founders, however, were neither timid nor modest. These included: 1) A gathering place where amateur gardeners may meet. 2) A reference library. 3) A file of catalogs and a plant buyers' index. 4) The services of a resident horticulturist, who will carry on an experimental garden, give advice and information free of charge to all members and try out and report on new plants and seeds, and provide a plant and seed exchange for members. 5). Monthly meetings or field trips. Special programs each month, and flower displays, plus regular monthly children's programs.

The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts voted to encourage the Center, and to make it the focal point of their annual pilgrimage the following spring. That put the sponsors of the Center on their toes; they had to be ready! At the first meeting in November, 1934, which was attended by thirty-five people, Mrs. Bernhard Hoffman was elected president, and at a meeting held a month later, Mr. Simpson was engaged as horticultural director. He had a sound background, having been manager of a large estate, and, before that, an entomologist for the U. S. Department of Agriculture. More important, he had the enthusiasm and personality so essential for such an ambitious community undertaking. The first year, 1935, was largely one of sod breaking and organization. With little equipment and few tools to start with, the new director went to work with energy and gusto. Land for the trial gardens was plowed and fitted, the house was furnished with simple things, mostly donated, Mr. Simpson and his wife occupied one side of the house, the other side being a small assembly room and a tiny combination office and library.

On May 22, a pilgrimage of forty members and officers of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts arrived. Although the season was late, and not even the apple trees were in bloom, the visiting gardeners overlooked the sketchiness of the new Center and enthusiastically endorsed the project. That summer, Mr. Simpson freely admits, was one of trial and error. But progress was definitely made. The warden of Round Hill Reservation, Connecticut, held a Nature walk for children. This proved so popular that it has become a yearly event. A dry wall bordering the highway was undertaken, and a day-lily garden was laid out by Mr. Edward F. Belches, a landscape architect who has contributed much to both the beauty and the "master plan" for the Center.

By: davidbunch

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

other articles: Free dance lessons online I Miss You Quotes Cute Best Friend Quotes