Set among the world's largest stand of mature live oaks (Quercus viginiana), the New Orleans Botanical Garden was originally built as the City Park Rose Garden. A project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the original seven acre garden was designed by landscape architect William Wiedorn. The garden includes numerous sculptural works by artist Enrique Alferez and buildings designed by architect Richard Koch. At the time of its opening in 1936, the primary purpose of the garden was to provide the citizens of the city a beautiful, accessible place to enjoy while in the park.
Today the garden remains as one of the few remaining examples of public garden design from the Art Deco and WPA period. The garden's formal series of garden rooms divided by axes is especially impressive, considering the odd shape of the garden's plot.
The Garden was never intended to be fenced in, but after years of neglect, vandalism, and severely reduced funding, an effort was made to revive the Garden. With the help of the Friends of City Park, the garden was enclosed, the garden's sculptures were repaired, and a permanent director was hired in the early 1980s. Renamed the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the garden has continually expanded its collections and upgraded its exhibits. Special attention has been paid to showcase plants known to perform well in the climate of the city while introducing and evaluating plants new to the area. In 1994, the garden was expanded by three acres to the east and the Pavilion of the Two Sisters was constructed. The expansion added an unrivaled venue for events while providing a revenue source for the garden.
Currently, several improvements are planned including the expansion of the recently renovated conservatory and the establishment of a shade garden.Next / End the Tour |
