kporttrust.org - Ganny's Garden

Friday

Sep302011

Ganny's Garden

Friday, September 30, 2011 at 12:16PM

Dedicated to Barbara Bush on the River Green, September 29, 2011

The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust is pleased to announce the creation of “Ganny’s Garden” on the River Green in Kennebunkport, named in honor of Barbara Pierce Bush. Phase one of the garden was funded by the former First Lady's friends, family and admirers. The garden has added great beauty to our community's waterfront village, Dock Square. A wonderful surprise dedication event took place in September 2011 to celebrate the completion of the garden’s infrastructure. Phase two will be completed in the spring with a highly anticipated planting designed by Richardson & Associates.

Ganny is the name Barbara is called lovingly by her 17 grandchil-

dren. And the Garden, in many ways, reflects a needlepoint carpet she spent years making in which she hid the initials of her grandchildren throughout a bed of beautiful pastel flowers. Those initials now appear randomly engraved on the Garden’s stone walls. A beautiful stone path, a custom arbor, plaques and bronze features including her iconic sun hat, her famous mix-matched Ked sneakers and a copy of her favorite Jane Austin book help to personalize and make the setting special. Barbara honored at a dedication with touching remarks made by friends Alicia Spenlinhauer, Nancy Sosa, Ken Raynor, Senator Susan Collins and Jean Becker.

The Garden adds great beauty to KCT's River Green property and the village of Kennebunkport. The Green now has representations from some of the most famous chapters of Kennebunkport’s history. Frank Handlen’s wonderful statue reminds us of the fishing families upon whom our community was built. The Captain Lord Mansion, the rope walk building across the street (now the Arundel Yacht Club), the surrounding homes and river itself remind us of our ship building tradition and all of its rich heritage. And now, the Garden,

will remind us of the years of the summer White House.

Funds are still being raised for the spring planting and to endow the project so it can be enjoyed for generations. Be part of the excitement and help us honor Barbara Bush. You can make a donation online or contact the Trust to find out more about sponsorship opportunities. All contributions will be recorded and presented to the Bush Family and the Presidential Library.