We are most excited about the progress of "Walter's Garden" at the Philadelphia Zoo.  The restoration of The Solitude is remarkable, and one can already see how the garden is taking shape with much more to come.  Here are a variety of pictures showing activity to-date:

November 2009:  Walter Gray Family Commemoration of Walter’s Gardens



Members of the Walter Gray Family gather at The Philadelphia Zoo to reflect and officially commemorate Walter’s Gardens.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Private ceremony included the planting of a special tree at Walter’s Gardens.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



David Gray (eldest son of Walter Gray) speaks on behalf of family while unveiling the memorial plaque. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



In loving memory of Walter Gray by his family.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



First winter at The Solitude and Walter’s Gardens (Thanksgiving 2009).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

October 2009:  The Solitude - Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony

(photo credit Sharon Anchel)

Front entrance of The Solitude, built by John Penn in 1784 and located high on the west bank of Philadelphia's Schuylkill River. Original property included 15 acres, which now constitutes a large portion of The Philadelphia Zoo -- America's first zoo. The Walter Gray Family Garden ("Walter's Garden") surrounds the house.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Aline Gray speaking with Jay Calvert, Chairman of the Philadelphia Zoo.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(photo credit Sharon Anchel)

Robin Potter, Master Gardener who designed the Walter Gray Family Garden at The Solitude. Spoke about original landscape plan and new designs, which include carefully framed views to/from the house and plants used in estate plantings of the mid-18th century. All with a nod to what can actually grow on the zoo property. Project is just underway...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(photo credit Sharon Anchel)

Vikram Dewan - President & CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo talking about the landmark project.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(photo credit Sharon Anchel)

Photo opportunity with members of the Walter Gray family and Philadelphia Zoo executives.  Pictured are Jonas Gray, Aline Gray, Vikram Dewan, Robin Potter, and Jay Calvert.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 2009:  The Beginning



Initial plantings for Walter's Garden are under way...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------