all photographs by Cliff David
Conceived by Conservancy founder and president Warrie Price,
the park at the very south tip of Manhattan has evolved from sterile to scenic. Plantings designed by internationally renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf have created a four-acre woodland garden with a dancing fountain, winding paths and 22 romantically curvy flowerbeds with views of the New York harbor and the Statue of Liberty.
Speaking at the conservancy’s annual luncheon, Oudolf described his belief that gardens should create an emotional atmosphere and ambience, not just serve as decorative space. At the Battery, his densely planted perennials and grasses, 181 species total, wave in the waterfront breezes and evolve creating different moods through the seasons.
Visitors of the park can linger on WXY custom designed benches, interact with the rhythmic dance chimes and see-saw wind pipes while admiring the adjacent Urban Garden where volunteers and school children raise vegetables and herbs right across the street from the downtown skyscrapers.
The farm is holding a Harvest Festival open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 19th. But any day in any season a stroll in the Battery is a pleasant, fulfilling diversion.
Attended by many of the individuals whose private contributions enable the garden to thrive, the annual luncheon included tours of the farm and gardens before lunch was served in the Battery Restaurant overlooking the harbor. www.thebattery.org
