Garden Spotlight: Wave Hill

Website: www.wavehill.org
Directions: 4900 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10471 

In 1836, Wave Hill was purchased by William Lewis Morris. Morris came from a politically prominent family, as he was the grandnephew of Lewis Morris, one of the signer's of the Declaration of Independence, and the brother of Robert Hunter Morris who was mayor of New York three times. It took seven years for Wave Hill to be built, so by 1843 the Morris family was finally able to move in. Riverdale, the area in which Wave Hill is located, was very rural at this time.

As do all homes at some point or another, Wave Hill was sold again to William Henry Appleton, a multi-faceted New York publisher who was friends with the likes of Charles Darwin. During Appleton's ownership of Wave Hill, prominent figures like Theodore Roosevelt (in 1880) and Mark Twain (from 1901 - 1903) leased the property. By this point, Riverdale was a growing and developing community with more residents 

As the Bronx was being added as another borough in New York City, the residents of Riverdale defended themselves against the city's proposition of scaling the grid pattern that was used in Manhattan all the way up through Riverdale. With the help of the architects who designed Central Park, Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the residents were able to make the case against the use of the grid system.

Wave Hill's story doesn't end there though. In 1893, the someday partner of J.P. Morgan, George Walbridge Perkins, moved to Riverdale and would later acquire Appleton's villa to put together an 80-acre estate. Since his acquisition, Wave Hill has had numerous world famous visitors.

Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory

Leading to the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, you walk through a flower garden abundant with butterflies, bees, and birds.

One side of the conservatory is dedicated to cactuses and succulents. The textures, colors, and heat inside of the green house transport you to a different world, one where spines and spikes are an everyday occurrence. 

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The other side of the conservatory houses various palms and tropical plants. The leafs seem to stretch the wingspan of a human, and the vibrant colors make you feel like you're in paradise.

Pergola Overlook

In Latin, pergola translates to "projecting roof", or in other words, an archway with trailing plants on top of it. Pergola's define space, and the one at Wave Hill felt like a respite against the boiling July sun. Overlooking the pergola is a gorgeous view of the Hudson River. This space is dedicated to Beverly Frank, who was part of the Wave Hill's Friends of Horticulture Committee and the Board of Directors. 

Notice the intentional flashes of pink in the climbing and spilling greenery.

Leaves that are a bit shy, with touches of pink the veins.

Pink leaves that aren't afraid to embrace their color.

The wooden frames provide support for the climbing branches and leaves. Some spots are denser than others (right), providing an example of the more lush areas of growth.

Remember to look up! Maybe you'll see pink. This plant looks like it is from another world.

This plant (left) felt like a pleasant surprise tucked away under all the green leaves. You could almost miss it if you don't look up, so remember to look up!

"Change is the handmaiden Nature requires to do her miracles with."

- Mark Twain 

Some more flowers near the flower garden. Pops of color can be found everywhere during the summer.

Wave Hill is a place rich with history, reflecting the ever-evolving moods of existence. It's fascinating to think how many families had contributed to the preservation of the estate, and how it helped shaped the community around it. It still serves the Bronx, celebrating life and nature in the most humblest of ways. You also can't beat that view of the Hudson!