039_Old-Growth Garden - Lignum Installation
Our team visited 15 nurseries to find the correct tall and slender trees that would mimic the exact lanky growth pattern of trees within a typical natural hammock. These trees compete for light and therefore grow vertically, rather than spreading branches horizontally. Under these seemingly ancient trees, which were selected specifically for their reddish bark (to mirror the shutter colors), young saplings were installed along the ground plane. This duality of both old and new growth is typical of these forest conditions, where young seedlings sprout at the bases of each tree.
20 species of trees are represented within the courtyard and will flower and produce berries at different times throughout the year.
Also within the courtyard are 12 massive oolite boulders, quarried near the site, to act as both sculptures and benches. On some of these boulders, trees grow directly on the stone as they would in nature.