Giants on the Move
Don Evans, Former Director of Grounds Management
Many changes have been occurring in the Garden's landscape in recent months. One of the more interesting ones was the relocation of the collection of gingerbread palms (Hyphaene spp.) in the lowland. Hyphaene is a genus of palms from the dry regions of northern Africa, Madagascar and India, interesting for the habit of repeated dichotomous branching, which is rare among palms.
The earliest Hyphaene acquisitions in the Garden were moved in from the Montgomery estate and planted in plot 130, which is now a part of the Rainforest exhibit. Because these plants were crowded and distorted by the large oaks and mango trees in that area, subsequent Hyphaene plantings were placed in the lowland, where they would have space to develop their characteristic spreading crowns. Over the years, many of these had developed into magnificent specimens, and were highlights in the guided tours.
Long-term plans for the lowland have changed. A design has been developed for a new exhibit along the lower tram path. It is a series of Caribbean habitats, to be called Jewels of the Caribbean. Alas, the Hyphaene occupied the areas designated as Pineland and Palm Savanna sites, and the decision was made to relocate them. Dr. Carl lewis, through DNA investigation, determined which of the specimens were of greatest value for the Garden's collection. Then, the big move began.
Keith Lane of Signature Palms and Trees was contracted to handle the task of relocating the plants. Each palm was root pruned in stages, over a period of several months - for some of the larger specimens, a year and a half. This laborious task was done by hand. Plots 185 and 186, across the lake were nearly empty, and provided an excellent site to locate many of the most impressive plants.
Though this area is off the tram path, the palms are nicely viewed across the lake. A pair of H. thebaica was located in the Palmetum, near the Davis House. Another grouping of four plants was moved to the southeast corner of the lowland parking field and provides a spectacular view from many vantage points. The staff decided that the three Hyphaene compressa along the road were just too large and impressive to be relocated, and they were allowed to remain in the midst of all the Caribbean species.
The prize specimen, a six-stemmed, giant Hyphaene dichotoma, with a crown measuring twenty-eight feet across, had been reserved for a prime spot gracing the new Visitor Center. Moving this specimen was a major feat of planning and maneuvering by Bobby Lorenz, the equipment operator charged with the move. The Horticulture staff had to do some impromptu tree trimming as this monster made its way through the Garden. However, the move was accomplished without incident, and this fine specimen holds a place of real prominence in the Visitor Center landscape.
The sight of huge palm specimens being moved around the Garden elicited reactions from members and visitors, ranging from wonderment to consternation. These changes were dramatic, but important. A garden is never static, and must evolve to suit the changing needs of its audiences. The relocation of these palms makes way for development of a new exhibit that will promote understanding of the vast diversity of plants and habitats in the Caribbean region, and their importance to many different cultures. The move also serves to better display the unique character of these noble and storied palms.
Garden Views Autumn 2003