The New American Garden will transform the American Museum’s visitor experience and with new landscaping, and planting will provide a horticultural insight into the flora and fauna of the United States.
Designed by a Washington DC-based landscape architecture firm, the New American Garden is its first European commission, which includes a series of American-themed gardens. The garden will feature many native US plants including trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs.
Director Richard Wendorf said: “We’re really excited to launch the New American Garden and transformed Mount Vernon Garden. As the only museum outside of the US dedicated to celebrating American culture, we’re constantly seeking new and inspiring ways to showcase American history. Thanks to the generosity of our friends in the UK and US, the New American Garden will extend the experience beyond the doors of our period rooms and galleries. As an American, I’m so pleased visitors will have the opportunity to explore so many wonderful plants from my homeland.”
The garden will see the introduction of a natural amphitheatre which will enable the Museum to host concerts and other events. A new ticket office will serve as the entry point to the Museum and Gardens along with an accessible path providing a winding way through the new features. The work of renowned international sculptor Angela Connor will also feature, with the siting of six larger-than-life portraits of key figures in American history.
Head Gardener Andrew Cannell explains that “The New American Garden is a hugely exciting project with over 12,000 new plants thoughtfully arranged by Oehme Van Sweden in bold, naturalistic swathes. Visitors in September will see the garden at its very beginning and over the years can return to see it grow and develop into something very special.”
Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh will officially open the New American Garden on Saturday 15 September. The day will feature live music and historical characters in the Mount Vernon Garden giving a flavour of life in 18thcentury Virginia. Head Gardener Andrew Cannell will be on hand to answer questions about the garden on guided tours. Visitors will also see the launch of an intimate exhibition of fourteen portrait busts. ‘Face to Face with Angela Conner’ will be on display from the 15 September to 28 October.
The American Museum & Gardens will be free to visit on Saturday 15 September as part of Heritage Open Days.
For more information please see: americanmuseum.org
