What Katherine has achieved on this historic farm property is nothing short of a miracle. The gardens, some twenty acres surrounded by beautiful open and forested land, are a stunning transformation of an old Albemarle County farm ( the Ballard family, 1810 who are the namesake for Ballards Mill and Old Ballard roads in the County) into a heavenly series of pools, pathways, species of trees, plants, and flowers, light and shade, with garden sculptures, most notably, a parliament of rabbits, that only a convicted, passionate, and visionary could have conjured, let alone, realized.

 

While the pictures will tell the story, we were fortunate to have Katherine serve as our guide, sharing many of the trials, tribulations, anecdotes, and flora descriptions now manifested in this master work of art.

 

The Branch and I are indebted to Staci Littleton Brown, with whom I worked organizing the event and the catering, beginning last summer. I also want to thank those who brought guests and prospects to join in the event. As I write, we already have one new couple who have joined, and I’m hoping for a couple of more.

Thank you again, Katherine Kane, for your creation. It is unquestionably a wonderful asset for the greater Charlottesville community. And finally, special thanks go to Cindy and Bob Ryan who, after touring the garden two years ago, mentioned to me they thought it would be a perfect venue for an ESU event.

Respectfully, President Williams