Follow The Signs to Green Spring Gardens
by Gioia Caiola Forman, Green Spring Master Gardener, FROGS Board Member
If you travel from the east or west on Little River Turnpike or Columbia Pike, you’ll see directional signs pointing the way to Green Spring Gardens. When you enter the park, there are old and new signs throughout the gardens to help visitors navigate, keep people safe, and teach them names and best practices.
The use of signs goes way back to around 18,000 B.C. During the Paleolithic Era, the caveman used symbolic expression through designs on cave walls. Around 3,000 B.C. Greek and Roman cities used signs made of stone often carved on building walls.
It wasn’t until the Dark Ages and the increase in commerce that trade signs made their appearance. They were elaborate with bright paint, ornamental iron, and gilding. In the 1700s the first sign regulations were established. Perhaps an early Occupational Safety and Health Administrator wanted to keep signs from hanging too low on narrow streets.
Gaslit signs were evident in the mid-1800s, followed by the invention of the electric bulb, neon tube technology, and plastics. Next came the giant leap to computer technology.
There are a number of signs around Green Spring, and some were made possible by a grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, submitted by FROGS. A colorful, useful new sign installed at two entrances is a map of the property giving helpful directions to find any of the 22 themed gardens. Recently, while walking my puppy, I encountered a young family entering the garden, and their daughter, around six, yelled with excitement, “ There’s the way to the Children’s Garden, let’s hurry.”
The Green Spring signs not only help people find where they’re going but remind them about safety and educate them regarding flora and fauna. The sweetbay magnolia tree is always tempting to climb for children of ALL ages. A sign in front of it says, “For your safety and Theirs…Please Don’t Climb our Trees!” A sign reminds bicyclists, “Pedestrian Zone...Please Walk Your Wheels.” There are signs to tell you what to compost, how to welcome birds to your garden, how to find the FROGS website, and even a glorious one announcing this year’s milestone -- “Celebrating 50 Years of Green Spring.”
Perhaps the most disturbing but necessary sign is “Stop the Spread of COVID 19.” It reminds visitors to wear masks and distance themselves.
I’m often asked while giving garden tours why more plants are not labeled with identification. Public parks have found that more plants are stolen when they are labeled—a very sad occurrence.
The witch hazels have begun to bloom, and the winter interest in the garden is high. It’s time to come and explore areas you’ve missed and use the new maps as your guide.
Photo Credits: Green Spring Garden direction sign on Little River Turnpike by Kathy Trichel. All other photos by Gioia Caiola Forman.
