Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden Opens at The Parklands May 10
The public is invited to celebrate the opening of the Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10. This new attraction by 21st Century Parks is located in Broad Run Park—the southernmost section of The Parklands of Floyds Fork. The Woodland Garden reveals the dynamic nature of Kentucky’s living woodland landscape and provides an immersive opportunity for discovery. Its design emphasizes the art of observation and the idea that a woodland landscape can be perceived as a series of rooms defined by trees, shrubs and other living layers.
“What most delights me about the Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden is the integration of a beautiful native woodland with a world-class garden design that welcomes visitors and invites them into and through the garden,” said Dan Jones, Chairman and CEO of 21st Century Parks. “Stone walkways, a dry-laid stone bridge, and an incredible mix of flora and scenery immerse visitors in nature. And, it’s all located in Broad Run Park—a short walk from some of our busiest amenities—so it is accessible to everyone in our community, visitors of all ages and abilities.”
Part of the charm of the 15-acre garden is its commitment to authenticity. Planners took special steps to preserve the space, lightly editing existing flora and features before adding complimentary plants and man-made wonders, including three tree rondels, two wooden decks with dynamic views of the landscape, a dry-laid stone bridge and two winding trails to guide visitors from room to room, through the enchanting space.
“My primary idea was to use this already rich site to edit and create spaces and paths and destinations to reveal to visitors how much wonder there is in Kentucky woods, fields, streams and river edges,” said Rick Darke, project consultant and author of the acclaimed book, “The American Woodland Garden.”
More than 47,000 plants were installed to fill in the natural areas of the garden, complimenting existing plants and trees, such as a towering bur oak that is more than 125 years in age.
A press conference to mark the opening will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10 at the Woodland Pavilion, at the western entrance of the new garden. Members of the community are invited to hear from park leadership, project designers and key supporters. Following the press conference, attendees can be among the first to explore the new garden.
Conceived in 2013, the Woodland Garden was designed by local firm Bravura Architecture in consultation with Rick Darke. Bravura has constructed several amenities within The Parklands including indoor facilities like the Gheens Foundation Lodge and outdoor spaces such as the Humana Grand Allee. Parklands Horticulture Director Tom Smarr oversaw the project and assisted in the design.
A total of 15 nurseries and landscape firms worked on the project since groundbreaking took place in 2016. The entire project was completed in two phases and cost $2.1 million. Construction of the Woodland Garden was made possible thanks to donations from individuals and foundations, including the Gibbs Foundation.
The Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden is for hiking only—no bikes allowed—which encourages visitors to take their time as they travel along the garden’s winding trails. It is located at 10702 Broad Run Parkway, Louisville, KY 40291.
For more information, please contact Marketing and Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at 502-815-0267 or acrone@21cparks.org.For the latest updates on The Parklands of Floyds Fork, visit www.theparklands.org.
Learn more about the Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden at www.theparklands.org/woodlandgarden.