The making of an Oudolf meadow
Planting Plan for Oudolf Meadow
Volunteers, led by DBG Horticulture Director Gregg Tepper, came out to prepare and plant the first phase of the meadow the week of September 5. They installed 17,000 plants in two days. Piet Oudolf then arrived to inspect the work and advise on the next phases. As part of his visit, the garden held a lecture and small reception, and Hoffman Nursery was thrilled to co-sponsor the event. Oudolf’s work has inspired us all and fueled the popularity of grasses. Horticulture Director Gregg Tepper and Board Member Barbara Katz were instrumental in getting Hoffman Nursery involved with this project.
John and Jill Hoffman, Marketing Director Shannon Currey, and Martha Hamblin, who handles HR/Legal at the nursery, attended. Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the US National Arboretum, joined for the visit. They spent the afternoon at the lecture, which included a preview screening of Tom Piper’s documentary on Oudolf, followed by an audience Q&A. The following day they toured the newly planted meadow and walked the garden woods nearby.
Hoffman shared a few images from the visit:
John Hoffman and Piet Oudolf caught up and talked about the meadow project
DBG Board Member Janet Meenehan Point explained the meadow planting plan used for the installation to John Hoffman, Shannon Currey, and Richard Olsen.
Oudolf and designer Hanna Packer discussed the planting, while volunteers spread pine fines.
The project brought together long-time friends as well as new ones. (L-R) Gregg Tepper, Roy Diblik, Annamaria Leon, Mike Berkley, Terri Barnes, John Hoffman, and Piet Oudolf.
DBG Board Member Janet Meenehan Point and Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the US National Arboretum, walk the meadow.
Gregg Tepper, John Hoffman, and Piet Oudolf discuss Little Bluestem selections.
Gregg Tepper (L) shares a laugh with John Hoffman and Roy Diblik during a tour of the nearby DBG woodlands.
The Garden’s woodlands have several naturally occurring native sedges. Shannon Currey and Richard Olsen took a closer look.
Pepper Creek flows along the southeast side of the DBG site, with a shoreline of marsh grass and a small, sandy beach.
The volunteers who were still on site gathered for a picture during a break.
And finally, a view of the planting. There are still many plants to go in the next phases, but this was a big accomplishment.
For more information:
Hoffman Nursery
5520 Bahama Road
Rougemont, NC 27572
Phone (919) 479-6620
Toll-Free 1 (800) 203-8590
Fax (919) 471–3100
sales@hoffmannnursery.com
hoffmannursery.com