One Step Closer to the Culp's Clearing Garden
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... Plantings Continue ... Under the Direction of David Culp ... |
... the Many Stages of Development As the Work Continues ... |
Encompassing nearly one acre, Culp’s Clearing is being developed as a transformational garden, on the site of an industrial ruin, into a beautiful public park. David Culp “volunteered”!
The garden is named in honor of internationally recognized garden designer and author David Culp. Known for “A Layered Garden” and “Six Seasons of the Brandywine Cottage” and countless magazine publications and television appearances Culp “volunteered” himself and his colleagues to take on this challenge. David is a wonderful educator and has had a long career as an instructor at nearby Longwood Gardens and traveled the world to impart his botanical wisdom and enthusiasm to gardeners of all ages and skill levels. Beyond his accolades and professional accomplishments we are honored to have David as a neighbor of the Mill.
While David re-envisions the Mill park as an opportunity to showcase what can be done to re-claim such a site he’s also aware of telling the story of its past. David wants us to remember the community that lived and worked at the Mill. As the garden progresses, we may see rugged industrial structures included. It will be a garden for reflection and inspiration and a significant addition to the park.
Plant materials will focus on the theme of sustainability, using low maintenance native species plants. David envisions that this garden and the trails of the Park will be used as a teaching tool, with the hallmarks of its design to focus on water-wise, no-spray, naturalistic design, and low maintenance. The importance and interconnection of pollinators, invertebrates, birds, and humans will be part of the educational theme. and will show visitors pleasing low-maintenance (with low impact to the environment) alternatives to lawns. It is also being designed with seasonal color displays throughout the year, to ensure that there is always something new to see.
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Videos courtesy o Dan Tieri
We expect the garden feature of the Park to be a draw to the public from the region well outside of East Brandywine Township. Events, guided plants walks, and other ways to involve the public in our natural world will be planned.
With David’s leadership and design of the garden, and the vision of its use as a teaching tool to the community, this portion of the Mill was deemed significant enough to warrant grant support from both Chester County and the State. Work is now underway!
To learn more about our East Brandywine Township neighbor, visit www.davidlculp.com