On my first day at the Garden, I passed what I thought then was a bonafide Cold War bomb shelter.  I recalled those black and white photos from high school textbooks of underground fortifications, and I envisioned tuna fish cans from 1957 stacked neatly on supply-shelves, a battery-operated Geiger counter, and woolen blankets.

"The Bunker" aka the utility structure for water and electricity

Alas, I was mistaken.  The “bunker”, as it is referred by Garden staff and volunteers, is actually a buried utility structure for water and electricity, dating to approximately 1990 (there go my sleuthing skills … what do I know!).  But, as with many things in life, my thwarted bomb-shelter-investigation reaped reward nonetheless, as it led me on a different journey to other Garden vintage treasures of historical significance.  Most telling, however, is that it afforded me the experience of meeting and seeking the expertise of many.

On an unseasonably warm winter day in November, just prior to GardenFest, I perused “Wildside Walk” in awe of not only the balmy weather and the beautiful greenery, but also historic Bloemendaal House, and more specifically, the terraced woods behind it.  As I admired the artistic, inlaid stone steps, I noticed the tiniest vintage fire hydrant to the right of the house – in the leafy area along the walk.

Honestly, the little fire hydrant was only one in a number of historical curios I’d mentally taken note of – multiple concrete pillars along the access road, the supposed turnaround for the original Richmond Trolley line somewhere on the property, the mention of squatters inhabiting the house itself in the 1970’s (the transitional period between the death of Mary Garland Smith and the acquisition by the Garden foundation).  And, the piece-de-resistance, the carriage house water tower – an engineering feat implemented in the early twentieth century by the progressive Grace Arents.  The more I inquired, the more there was to explore.

Vintage Hydrant at Bloemendaal House

From: Lucy Coggin (Group Tour Developer, over 12 years at the Garden)

The hydrants may have been part of a water system which involved the water tower above the Carriage House.  Oral history has it that the metal tank was cut up for scrap during WWII.  It is possible to walk up into the tower ….  It’s kind of scary….

From: Frank Robinson (President and Chief Executive Officer, 20 years at the Garden)

You are on the right trail for the hydrants and water tank.  This was remote territory in the early 1900′s.  The hydrants were for fire protection, and possibly for irrigation of the vegetable garden that fed the children during the years when this was a sanatorium.  Grace Arents was a progressive woman.  Water [was] pumped from the wells into the elevated tank [to] provide both storage and water pressure.  The tank was used for the war effort in the 1940′s.

Research provided further explanation to Frank’s contribution:

“In 1913,  [Grace Arents]conceived the idea of a convalescent home in the country for sick infants who might benefit from the fresh air.  To realize her dream, Miss Arents purchased the abandoned Lakeside Wheel Clubhouse and its approximately 10 acres from the Lewis Ginter Land and Improvement Company.  The structure was remodeled in the Dutch colonial style and named Bloemendaal Farm after a small village in the Netherlands which was the Ginter ancestral home.  The translated name means “flower valley.”  The roof was raised to provide a second floor of bedrooms, a classroom, a library and a playroom for the sick children.”

Looking Down the Tower Steps

Upon request, Shane Tippett, Executive Director and over 8 years at the Garden, was an energetic tour guide of the water tower and carriage house.  As projected, our forty-ish foot climb up the narrow tower steps proved that the water tank is indeed gone, but we were pleasantly surprised by a row of (carrier?) pigeon lofts — some coops still containing straw nests and telltale remnants of bird droppings from who-knows-how-long-ago.  We enjoyed the natural beauty of the thick, seasoned wooden planks and cathedral ceiling and then followed the chimney down, through the carriage house, to where we believe coal was delivered and shoveled.  The black silt on the floor I justified as hundred-year-old coal dust.

Pigeon nest boxes in the Carriage House water tower.

During parting conversation, Shane, who seems to share my historical affinity, attests to noticing period details throughout the Garden property, such as leaf patterns on some of the older concrete walks that he suspects date to the days of the Lakeside Wheel Club (a mid-1890’s bike club).

“The clubhouse [Lewis Ginter] built was a one-story Victorian structure surrounded on two sides by a covered veranda.  The original concrete approach walks with their inlaid leaf patterns, the steps, concrete newel posts and wrought iron lamp standards remain today.“

A wise Geneology instructor once told me that ancestral research is a vocation with no “finish” — the delving will never be done.  And so too are the historical threads that comprise the Garden and the legacies of Lewis Ginter and Grace Arents.  When I search for that trolley turnaround, I feel the presence of Lewis Ginter.  When I look upon the little fire hydrant, I see something of a forward-thinking Grace herself and her vision.

My mother will tell you that I was hooked on Nancy Drew during the critical elementary and middle school era of my life.  I dabbled in the Hardy Boys as well, but Nancy was the draw.  So, in keeping with the  theme, I have many to thank:  Elizabeth and Lucy – the Bess and Jo to my “Nancy”, Shane and Frank – a.k.a. Joe and Frank Hardy, and the innumerable other supporting characters, including Children’s Garden Manager Kelly Riley, PR & Marketing Coordinator, Jonah Holland, and Director of PR for the Garden, Beth Monroe.  My time as an intern at the Garden closes with this blog, so allow me to pass my torch of curiosity to the next explorer aka intern — may they dig deeper and discover more.

A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.
Mohandas Gandhi

Learn more about Lewis Ginter, Grace Arents, and the history of the Garden at:
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden History page
Richmond Then and Now
“The Invisible Philanthropist”

Did you know there is a holiday, native to Israel, that celebrates a new year in honor of plants? It’s called Tu B’shevat (TOO-bish-VAHT).  It’s sometimes called Jewish Arbor Day.

This agricultural holiday began in ancient times as a way to keep track of the crops and fruit trees that grew in Israel. Tu B’shevat is actually known as a new year for trees. You may be thinking -– but wait, it’s not spring yet. Well, in Israel it is! Israel has a rainy winter that transitions into a hot and dry summer.  This lends to great weather for the fruits of the earth. The custom of this holiday is to eat one of seven species of grains and fruit that are plentiful in Isreal, called shivat haminim:  wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.

Ramona Brand, director of education at Congregation Beth Ahabah, explains that a modern twist to the traditional  celebration has created a sense of awareness for local eating and shopping smart in a way that’s good for the earth.

The Jewish Appleseed Foundation, further explains:

Today we celebrate Tu B’Shevat to thank God for the gifts of creation, especially foods that grow on trees and the beauties of nature we enjoy. The holiday also reminds us of our responsibility to care for the earth that God created in order to preserve it for future generations.

Of course the Garden’s take on it is secular, but in many ways it is similar. Part of our mission is to advocate for sustainability and stewardship of our planet.  And the Garden’s  vision is that we will reveal the unity and integration of human and plant life, celebrate the fundamental significance of the natural world, and enrich our community and beyond.

This year, in Richmond, Congregation Beth Ahabah  will celebrate this eco-centric holiday with a  Tu B’shevat Gala Celebration (being held this Sunday) at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. This is a private rental of the Garden, but the community is welcome.

Children and adults will take part in tikkun olam, or repairing the world, by planting parsley seeds, making all-natural bird feeders, and learning from a park ranger.  With recycled materials brought such as old toys, video games, and found things from nature, boys and girls can make jewelry, photo frames, and more. Plus, there will be a scavenger hunt, leading participants through the Conservatory to find crops of ancient worlds.

Image courtesy of: http://www.jerusalembaskets.com/Tu-Bishvat-Gifts_cat.html

A few months ago, while on a mission to capture some fun photos for my Every Day is a Playday blog, I encountered a little friend.  He was so cute — set amidst the foliage and ornate shrubbery.  He was so completely out of place.  He was … a cement pig.  I took a picture of the pig, who is quite photogenic, consequently, and tucked it away for hopeful retrieval after the holiday hubbub.  And I have.

Pig on the jog...

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is many things to many more people.  And the story to unfold here only reinforces this concept.  My underlying mission:  why is there a little concrete pig along the path of the Lucy Payne Minor Garden?  I began with Jonah Holland, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator; did she know anything about the pig?  No … but she suggested speaking with Shanna Chandler, Development Manager — she might have record of its donation.

Knock-knock on Shanna’s door:  did she know anything about the pig?  No … but she had heard something regarding a Richmond woman donating a menagerie of statuary critters to the Garden, although there is no actual record of the “adoption”.  Perhaps I should ask someone who may have been employed at the time — try Lucy Coggin, Group Tour Developer over in the Education department.

I emailed Lucy ( who has been at the Garden over 12 years); did she know anything about the pig?  (Is the reader sensing a “Little Red Hen” theme?  “Who will help me plant the seeds?  Who will help me cut the wheat?  Who will help me take the wheat to the mill….”)  At first Lucy had nothing to add to my investigation, and I sighed, resigning myself to the fact that the “lead had gone cold”.  But alas, as with many things, reflection often allows particulars to resurface, and she emailed a follow-up the next day:

Hello again!  As I mulled over your topics, a couple of details came to mind.  Elizabeth (Horticulture) once mentioned that little pig.  She may have some information to share.  Happy hunting …

Hunting indeed.  Elizabeth (Liz) Fogel from Horticulture (over 5 years at the Garden) proved to be a key to unlocking the secret:

I think Frank (Frank Robinson, the Garden’s President & CEO) will be the best person to tell you who gave us the animal statues … what I heard was that … a lady had all of these statues in her own yard for years and wanted to make sure they would end up in a place where children could still enjoy them.

… it was pretty much left up to us [the horticulture staff] to put what we wanted where we wanted.  There are several in the Childrens Garden and three through Streb and Minor [Gardens] — a metal pig with wings near the small sundial at the entrance to Minor, the cement pig I think you have seen, and a cement turtle hiding near the white gazebo in Streb….

And finally, from Frank Robinson:

Liz’s memory of the various animals is accurate … the donor was a charming lady who collected the animals and had them in various flower beds and pens in her garden.  She did invite the neighborhood children to come and visit, and I remember her saying they especially enjoyed climbing in the “pig pen” and sitting with the pigs.  She was transitioning to fairies and gnomes, so she was excited to have the animals come to Ginter.  Some were used in the Conservatory, as well, and they seem to come and go as themes change within the Garden.  Her donation was a delight and refreshingly unselfconscious, and it is an inspiration to have some unexpected fun at Lewis Ginter!

What has my journey taught me?  Behold the power and tradition of storytelling as a means of passing on what is known by some to others.  And, questions are the key to life … or in this case, pigs.  To the donor, rest assured that your gifts are appreciated.  They add whimsy and intrigue to the Garden, and they bring many smiles to the faces of children … and others, like me.

Life is a journey, not a destination.  – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Consequently, Emerson’s quote is my daily mantra.  But, in this particular case, I’m not certain as to whose journey this story refers … mine or the pig’s.

photo courtesy of Don Williamson Photography

The Lewis Ginter Community Kitchen Garden is now shut down for the winter. Volunteers in the garden produced 9,913 pounds of high quality produce for FeedMore’s Community Kitchen.

Weight distribution by type:

Tomatoes – 5,594.5 lbs.

Zucchini/ yellow squash – 3,035.5 lbs.

Cauliflower – 460 lbs.

Cabbage – 235 lbs.

Broccoli – 220 lbs.

Green Peppers – 18 lbs.

While falling just shy of the 10,000 pound goal, the 2011 yield represents an 8 percent increase over 2010 production. This excellent yield was made possible by the hundreds of hours of sweat equity volunteers invested in the garden throughout 2011.

The oldest red cabbage leaves produced a kaleidoscope of color.

The red cabbages were a bit of a disappointment by not fully maturing even after 100 days in the field. It’s probably due to getting them planted too late in September.

It’s a bloomin’ cabbage! After the primary heads were harvested, we left the cabbage plants in the field and the plants produced these wonderful clusters of rosettes.

While not heavy or dense, the rosettes were tender and fresh.

Last week we told you all about our new addition in the Conservatory – “The Old Tree”.   We are happy to announce that volunteers Nancy Butler and Alexandra Slusher have created a masterpiece.  The Old Tree  is ready for  holiday visitors!  The inhabitants have moved in and are ready to greet their fans of all ages.  We can’t wait to see you at GardenFest!

"The Old Tree" at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Mail call!

Little families find a home in "The Old Tree".

Come see us this season - our door is open!

We’re still truckin’ along in the Lewis Ginter Community Kitchen Garden. Although it’s now nearly a week into November, the broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are not quite ready to harvest en masse. We harvested 26 pounds of beautiful broccoli and cabbage on October 31st, but only the few that were fully ready. The recent spate of relatively cold nights is retarding growth, but these vegetables should mature in the next couple of weeks as the weather warms a little. Today our nice group of volunteers focused on liquid feeding the crops with fish emulsion, dividing and transplanting some kale, and garden clean up. The volunteer crew included three generations of the Hooks family.

The mature zucchini plants showed nominal signs of frost burn, but it was clear the row cover fabric wouldn't suffice for any more sub-freezing nights.

We ended our “fall zucchini trial”, as the sub-freezing nights had burned most of the plants. The experiment was based on expecting the row cover fabric to add ten degrees to the zucchini bed air temperature, but the fabric wasn’t enough. I bet clear sheet plastic would have made the difference. We would be at the flowering stage by now, with daytime temps still warm enough for the bees to do their work.

The more immature zucchini plants, showing the effects of frost burn.

Lisa Wooten (left) and Jeannie Arnold (right) and the Hooks family dividing and transplanting kale.

CKG volunteers November 5, 2011 - left to right: Jeannie Arnold, Lisa Wooten, April Hooks, Joshua Hooks, Linda Wakeman, Josephine Hooks, Masen Hooks

Left to right: Josh, April (mom) and Masen on a balmy day in the garden three weeks ago.

The last Saturday in October, a group of seven Dominion associates worked at Lewis Ginter’s Community Kitchen Garden. What started out as a shiver-inducing brisk morning quickly turned into t-shirt weather as the team cleared a large area to prep for the winter cover crop. The team also continued our “manual intervention” pest management system by hand-inspecting the fall crop for cabbage worms. Happily for everyone, no worms were found.

The Dominion Power team with independent volunteer Laura Schumm (center). Laura has been volunteering in the CKG since September 10.

The team worked at a blistering pace to clear weeds from part of the garden, in preparation for a winter cover crop of annual ryegrass and red clover.

The group included Christine, Dawn, Iva, Pam, Kevin, David & Rob (names are not in the order shown in the photo).

That’s folksy talk referring to the fall vegetable garden. At Lewis Ginter’s Community Kitchen Garden we have all the old tomato plants cleared, the stakes & cages stacked, a winter cover crop of annual rye and red clover sown, and we’re just a couple of weeks away from beginning our Fall harvest for the Community Kitchen.

The stakes are stacked for the winter. No small task, made possible by the willing & able hands of volunteers.

We have some good-looking broccoli in progress - a total of 190 plants.

We have three types of cabbages: conventional Jersey, Early Gonzales (a "mini" cabbage) and a red cabbage. A total of 150 cabbages.

It was a gorgeous morning at Lewis Ginter’s Community Kitchen Garden. We took a day off from pampering the cole crops, and applied our energy to the incremental removal of some of the hundreds of tomato plants. The process of preparing the garden for the winter cover crop is well under way.

We had our third fun visit from a really nice group of Northstar Academy students, who whole-heartedly pitched in to help remove tomato vines. I’d like to picture them here, but since the students are minors it’s a complicated and lengthy process to obtain photo releases from so many parents.

We also were fortunate to have help again from Laura Schumm, an artist and horticulture student who has been a regular volunteer for several weeks, and three Dominion employees: Christa Vidonic, George Slayton and Kevin Barry. All three are Business Performance Analysts with Dominion Power.

Kevin, Christa and George take a break from pulling tomato stakes & vines. I don't know what it is about hard labor that makes the CKG volunteers laugh so much. I hope it's not simply the sight of the photographer wearing shorts.

Kevin, Laura, Christa and George with a mountain of old tomato vines. Sort of an "American Gothic" pose - but a whole lot more cheerful!

You  probably know that Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has hundreds of volunteers, who work thousands of hours each year, all over the Garden.  The Garden simply would not be what it is without the dedication and time our volunteers put in. But did you know the Garden also has a specialized volunteer & learning program just for 13- to 18-year-old volunteers?  What better way to engage teenagers than by embracing their energy and light a spark of discovery that might just lead to a lifelong passion for nature?

One of the Garden's Service Learning Students. She looks happy, doesn't she!?

Two programs fall under the umbrella of Youth Volunteer Opportunities, one is for a short-term commitment and the other is for youth who really want to sink their hands into the dirt and while learning about nature and gardening and are willing to make a longer-term commitment.

For students who want a short-term or one-time volunteer shift, the Garden has Community Service Opportunities during summer break (June -August).  Usually, we’ll work in the Community Kitchen Garden, where we raise vegetables for Feedmore‘s, Community Kitchen benefiting Meals on Wheels of Central Virginia and the Central Virginia Food Bank and herbs for the Garden Café.

Our long-term program is the Service Learning Program, where students work their way to different levels of responsibility.  Entry-level students work on weekends helping with family programs, April – October.  After the first year, the students are able to narrow their focus to match their interests.  Some students may want more experience working with children and families, and some may find that they want to learn more about plants.  All Service Learning students leave with an appreciation for the works of nature, and are a valued part of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden community.

The application for the Service Learning Program is due by January 31, 2012.  Visit our Youth Volunteer Opportunities section of our website to learn how to apply.

Questions?  Email Erin Wright at EWright [at] lewisginter.org  or call 804.262.9887 ext. 346.