The Esplanade Association (TEA), in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), will be planting 10 Golden Weeping Willow (Salix alba “Tristis”) at the Otis Grove area of the Charles River Esplanade on Arbor Day, Friday, April 29.
The weeping willows will be planted according to Landscape Architect Arthur Shurcliff’s original design. “Signature trees, such as Willows, were essential to Shurcliff’s 1930s and 1950s tree plantings for the Esplanade,” said TEA Esplanade Project Manager Jessica Blohm. “Over the years, many of Shurcliff’s original plantings have been lost and TEA is working diligently to restore them.”
This planting is made possible largely due to the generous support of the Beacon Hill Garden Club (BHGC). BHGC is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Garden Club of America by participating in the Centennial Tree project, where garden clubs across the country focus on significant trees in their communities.
“These iconic trees will be a welcomed and beautiful addition to this section of the Esplanade,” said TEA Executive Director Sylvia Salas.
“The Esplanade Association is a valued partner with DCR in ensuring that the Charles River Esplanade continues to be a world-renowned urban landscape, as well as a popular neighborhood park,” said DCR Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr. “We thank the association very much for the generous gift of these new trees.”
At 11 a.m. on April 29, Lambert will be commemorating Arbor Day by joining TEA at Otis Grove on the Esplanade for the planting of these iconic trees that will greatly benefit the ecological health and beauty of this century old park. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the tree planting and meet the commissioner.