Progress has begun to develop the recently expanded Montgomery Botanical Gardens Phase II. MBG Phase II is the additional parcel of land along Forest Avenue in front of the Parks and Recreation Building that extends from the vehicle entrance to the vehicle exit. Plans to develop Phase II include a Japanese Maple Garden, a Pedestrian Entrance on Forest Avenue, the installation of the Janney-Crane historical fountain, an Arboretum and other pathways, garden beds, and seating.
The great generosity of Mr. Lee Moore has made it possible for MBG to take the first step in developing Phase II by donating and helping to install 27 Japanese Maple trees. A significant amount of preparation was necessary before the planting that included upgrading and expanding the irrigation system for that area; creating the design for the arrangement and placement of each tree and its protective edging; digging each hole for planting each tree; and coordinating the delivery and planting. Mrs. Fairlie Rinehart, the MBG Designer, coordinated each of those steps to ensure all was ready for planting day. Her son, James Rinehart, assisted with tasks throughout the project.
Holes for planting were prepared the day before, and on Thursday, February 20, 2025, a cold, windy day, Mrs. Rinehart, Mr. Lee, Mr. Darrell Heisler of Jackson Landscaping, and the planting crew arrived to begin the daunting task. Lee also generously provided a specific mixture of soil to place around the tree roots as each was planted and plans to donate additional Japanese Maples to expand this garden. Mr. Jack Jackson joined the group to complete the planting day. Mr. Moore’s wife, Sarah, and his mother, Becky, visited the site to watch the process and admire the results of the planting of these special trees that Lee nurtured for several years.
Japanese Maple trees, Acer Palmatum, are a beautiful addition to the garden. Each one is different from the others, and they all will provide striking colors in the changing seasons. Some are showier in spring, and others during the fall season. Each Japanese Maple will be identified by its botanical and common names on plant identification signs when they arrive. So, visitors will be able to identify which ones they may have in their landscapes and which they may want to seek to purchase. A sign will be placed in this location to acknowledge Mr. Lee Moore’s significant donation of these specimens to begin the MBG Japanese Maple Garden. The MBG Board of Directors greatly appreciates for Mr. Moore’s generosity.
This first step in developing Phase II of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens by adding a Japanese Maple Garden is an exciting new beginning. We also look forward to establishing the Pedestrian Entrance in Phase II that will provide a sign designating the location of the gardens and will create a safer, more accessible entrance for all to come see the Japanese Maple Garden and the other gardens of MBG, i.e., the Phase I Entrance Gardens, Sensory Garden, Bulb Garden, Daylily Garden, Pollinator Gardens, Lion Terrace and the Betty Fitzgerald Biblical Garden.
As spring is beginning to paint the gardens in seasonal colors, with the first blooms of many plants and emerging leaves of various shades of green and red, the gardens are a must-see. Plan to visit the gardens to stroll the pathways and rest on the benches as you welcome the hope and beauty of spring. For more information, visit: www.montgomerybotanicalgardens.com and MBG on Facebook and Instagram.