Manager's Message
Green Spring Gardens— Resilient and Relevant
by Judy Zatsick, Manager, Green Spring Gardens
Although I’m the new site manager at Green Spring, I’m very familiar with this unique public garden. I worked with the horticulture team for over 11 years before pursuing another job experience for a few years. And now I’m back.
Judy Zatsick. Photo credit: Ben Cohen.
And it’s wonderful to be here, part of the dynamic and hard-working team of staff and volunteers that makes Green Spring such an exciting place.
Like most organizations during the pandemic, Green Spring struggled with closures, reduced staff, health protocols, and cancelled programs. Unlike many other organizations that lost customers, however, Green Spring experienced a surge in visitation. Although our doors were closed, the grounds were open. This tranquil spot in the busy suburbs of Washington D.C. became a lifeline for thousands of residents as they endured lockdowns, fears of Covid, and the need to experience the calm and beauty of nature and fresh air.
And Green Spring has never been so busy. Visitors continue to picnic on our expansive lawn or in the cool shade near the ponds; regular walkers are joined by those who discovered our quarter-mile path that circles the main lawn area, or the longer loop that runs through the lower portion of the property.
The loyal and committed team that we are so fortunate to have exhibited endurance and flexibility during the challenges. Staff were tasked to manage crowds, explain rules, way find, enforce safety measures, and continue to provide services. Programs went virtual; plant sales curbside. And the work was done with a smile, even beneath the masks. At the same time, staff began the hard work of planning, developing programming, designing gardens, and improving systems. They retained good humor and courage through countless hardships and demonstrated resilience and determination day after day.
We continue to face challenges with the pandemic but are forging ahead to build back our team, redesign and refresh our gardens, offer in-person programs and activities, and welcome visitors, new and old, back to Green Spring.
I am really excited about the future at Green Spring Gardens. We are more relevant than ever. In its relatively small 31 acres, there is so much going on: lovely and dynamic demonstration gardens and an expansive area of natural resources, a 1784 historic house and a garden designed by Beatrix Farrand, engaged and relevant programming and interpretation, and a robust outreach program with garden plots, farmer’s markets, and master gardeners. But more importantly, it’s the incredible Green Spring community of staff, FROGS, volunteers, and our visitors in a beautiful partnership to fulfill our mission of Horticulture, Education, and Stewardship that excites me each day at Green Spring. We are all working together to create a site that informs, inspires, and pleases.
It’s great to be here! I’m honored and proud to be part again of the Green Spring team.
