ANLA Launches Horticultural Endowment

Washington, D.C. – The American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) is initiating a horticultural endowment program to ensure the longevity of the historic gardens at George Washington’s home – Mt. Vernon.

A ceremony, launching the new program, is set for Sept. 21 at 4:30 p.m. on the bowling green at Mt. Vernon. In honor of the occasion, ANLA and Mt. Vernon will have a ceremonial planting of a Canadian Hemlock. The tree, donate by ANLA-member firm Manor View Farms, Monkton, Md., will celebrate the endowment fund’s mission to preserve the landscape and historic trees at Washington’s estate on the Potomac.

Mt. Vernon’s yearly budget is completely tied to entrance ticket sales. Sales have been down since Sept. 11, 2001, and have been struggling this year because of the rainy spring and summer weather.

In the Mt. Vernon Gardens, there are 13 trees that were planted under the direction of Washington. And like all large trees, without the proper care and consistent maintenance of a professional tree care company, the old trees are in danger of falling during a storm and – in the worst scenario – damaging the mansion where George Washington spent more than 45 years of his life.

Creating an endowment fund for horticulture at Mt. Vernon will eventually ensure the site is appropriately and professionally maintained, regardless of weather or ticket sales.