The Reserve Garden Restoration project continues! The contractor braced up the shed and used a shoring crane to pick the building up and move it to the other side of the Reserve garden. With the shed out of the way, a mini-excavator is being used to remove the old concrete pad and dig down to make solid base for the new foundation.

The Shed all braced to prevent it from twisting or warping

A shoring crane in place in the alley with a cross bar to pick the shed up straight and level

Holding our breath as the shed is lifted off the old pad

A skilled crane operator picking the shed up slow and easy

Once the shed was moved across the reserve garden the contractor started removing the pad

Excavating for the installation of the new foundation

We are so pleased to see this project coming along nicely!

The weatherman says this is the coldest Thanksgiving in years so bundle up. If you are traveling, we wish you a safe journey.

Happy Holidays!

The much-anticipated restoration of the Reserve Shed and Garden area at Gaiety Hollow has begun! This project will lift the old shed, build a new foundation and floor under it and set it back in place. The concrete flat work in the garden area is being redone with the historical design and finish in mind. We are very excited to see this project underway and look forward to its completion this winter season.

The Reserve Shed prior to renovation

The project will lift the building and set it on a foundation to stop the rot that has taken place all these years.

The old retaining wall for planting bed has been taken down and moved temporarily.

The Camellia’s, Boxwood and various other plants are being balled and burlapped.

The exposed aggregate concrete walk way will be completely redone.

One of the few historic images we have of the Reserve area Edith pointing out Camellia’s in the spring of 1977

The Reserve Garden as a working space in 2007.

A few modern updates will take place as well, with electricity added to the shed, relocation of the water hose bibs, and renovation of the planting bed. After the contractor work is completed, we will add a potting bench and cold frames for propagation.

A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped clean out the shed in preparation for this project. We are forever grateful for the dedicated support of hard-working volunteers who keep this garden looking great!

Stay tuned for updates on this winter project!