About the Landscaping and
Gardens
Salem Museum Native/Adaptive Plant Restoration
Project
A project in
cooperation with the Salem Garden Club
The restoration of
native and adapted plants has been prioritized in the planning and design
for the new Salem Museum. The
Landscape Design, originally envisioned by Pete O’Shea of SiteWorks in
Charlottesville, goes far beyond the cursory planting typical of most new
building projects. Designed to immerse visitors in the experience of native
plantings and the wildlife attracted to it, the landscape is as much a part
of the museum experience as the exhibits inside. Jennifer Smith Lewis, lead
architect for our building expansion, envisioned the landscaping plan to
conform to LEED specifications.
A primary player in the
shaping and implementation of the landscape design, the Salem Garden Club
has reached out to like-minded organizations to share in the funding and
construction of the phased planting plan.
Phase I is complete and most of Phase II, as well, with financial
assistance from several of Salem’s other garden clubs; a Valley Beautiful
grant; a grant from the Blue Ridge District of Garden Clubs, VFGC;
individual donations from BRD member clubs; Herb Society of Ameica, Roanoke
Unit; Herb Society of SW Virginia; and the Daughters of the American
Revolution, Breckinridge Chapter. In addition, private donation of native
plant stock has been given to the landscape development by the noted plants
man, Paul James.
The plans for landscape
development in spring 2012 will be to prepare the Phase III and IV areas
surrounding the Veteran’s Plaza and install the native shrubbery and trees.
The Salem Historical Society appreciates the efforts of many who have given
to ensure the success of this beneficial project and welcome future
assistance.