Nature
New Orleans Botanical Garden, the city’s first public classical garden, opened in 1936 in City Park as the Rose Garden during a Works Progress Administration redevelopment. Shaped by Richard Koch, William Wierdorn, and Enrique Alférez, it developed an Art Deco character blending formal design, historic architecture, and sculpture. After decades of decline, restoration began in 1982 under Paul Soniat and expanded through later master plans that added new buildings, gardens, and public programs. Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed the collections in 2005, but rapid replanting allowed a quick reopening. Today the garden features distinct garden rooms and remains closely tied to Alférez’s sculpture.
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New Orleans, Louisiana · United States
