As a proud preservation partner of Greenwood Gardens, the Garden Conservancy is excited to witness the ongoing restoration of its majestic Cascade fountain, a centerpiece of the enduring beauty and historical significance of this remarkable 28-acre public garden in Short Hills, NJ. This ambitious project, set to be completed this spring, revitalizes a century-old masterpiece and represents the intricate work of garden preservation.
The Garden Conservancy collaborated with Greenwood Gardens to transform a cherished private estate into a vibrant public resource by conducting a feasibility study, directly managing the gardens, providing strategic guidance and resources, and fostering public appreciation for landscape design and exceptional gardens.
The Cascade, a unique adaptation of a 17th-century Baroque design by Carlo Maderno, has always been a focal point of Greenwood Gardens’ Arts and Crafts style. Its strategic location beneath the East Terrace offers a breathtaking vista, extending to the 1,200 acres of the adjacent South Mountain Reservation. “The restoration of this iconic symbol of Greenwood’s rich history will transform the visitor experience,” states Louise Moos, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Greenwood Gardens.
The story of Greenwood Gardens is one of enduring vision and tireless stewardship, deeply intertwined with the Blanchard family. Peter P. Blanchard III, who passed away in 2022, grew up on the property and worked closely with the Garden Conservancy for two decades. Along with his wife, Sofia, he pursued his father’s dream of preserving Greenwood for public enjoyment. The restoration of the Cascade fountain was one of Peter’s many goals, reflecting his deep understanding and appreciation for the delicate harmony between humanity and the natural world.
Meticulous Restoration and Public Engagement
After two years of meticulous study and testing, the design team, led by Allan Summers of Robinson Anderson Summers Landscape Architects and general contractor Hobbs Incorporated, determined that much of the original structure could be preserved. This commitment to retaining the fountain’s historic integrity, while integrating modern advancements, aligns perfectly with the Garden Conservancy’s preservation philosophy. The project includes structural repairs, the installation of modern plumbing to reestablish the mesmerizing cascade, the restoration and re-mounting of original Rookwood tiles, and the thoughtful addition of new ornamental horticulture displays that will frame the fountain.
Visitors to Greenwood Gardens this season have the extraordinary opportunity to observe this intricate process firsthand, as the garden remains open to the public throughout the construction. This transparency allows for a deeper understanding of the dedication and craftsmanship involved in bringing such a complex structure back to life.
“At a total cost of $2.7 million, Greenwood has so far quietly raised 90 percent of the total needed from generous donors as of July 2025,” notes Abby O’Neill, Executive Director of Greenwood Gardens. The Garden Conservancy commends Greenwood Gardens for their successful fundraising efforts and their unwavering dedication to this significant undertaking.
Once the restoration is complete, the revitalizing sight and sound of water flowing down the Cascade will once again enchant visitors, uniting the garden’s rich past with its vibrant future.
For more information on Greenwood Gardens and to plan your visit, please go to greenwoodgardens.org.
