Anderson Holly Collection arrives at Delaware Botanic Gardens
On March 27, the Delaware Botanic Gardens received and planted 32 American Holly trees that were donated from the Charles R. Anderson Holly Collection in Owings Mills, Md.
Raymond J. Sander, president of Delaware Botanic Gardens, said, “The Anderson Holly Collection is a world-renowned American Holly collection, and we are proud that Mr. Anderson chose our legacy garden for the new home to these wonderful holly trees. He loved to show his trees to the public, and our public garden will carry on his educational tradition.”
Anderson’s daughter, Cathy Anderson, said, “My late father’s wish was that a major part of his collection be donated to DBG. He knew his holly trees would be loved and taken care of at DBG. It was important to him that we enjoy the plants and continue to educate the public about the many holly varieties. I am so glad these holly trees are in a good home.”
DBG volunteers, staff, and contractors were led by Jeremy Hager, a DBG board member, who said, “The Anderson collection consists of over 120 different cultivars of ilex. DBG choose 36 unique hollies from the collection to come to Delaware, which represents over a quarter of Mr. Anderson’s total collection of various holly varieties.
“The importance of the collection is allowing visitors to view deciduous and evergreen hollies rarely seen. Hollies ranging in height from one to 15 feet, and in tree and shrub form now reside at DBG. We are honored to continue the legacy that the Anderson family has started. As with all things at DBG, the tireless efforts of our volunteer board, Foxborough Inc., and our garden stewards led by Carol McCloud allowed this project to happen. We are thankful for their service. We are hopeful the wonderful Anderson collection will attract new visitors, volunteers and donors to join the DBG dream.”
Sheryl Swed, DBG executive director, said, “We wish to thank the Anderson Family for this living holly donation that will greatly enhance the garden’s beauty. This tree planting emphasizes the garden’s educational mission, and the holly trees are a home to wildlife as well as enhance our gardens as a place to relax and enjoy nature.”
The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all. The Delaware Botanic Gardens celebrates the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors, and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape. For more information, go to www.delawaregardens.org.
