The Conservancy and the City of Salem worked together to rehabilitate the center focal point in the Tartar Old Rose Collection. The focal point consists of a brick circle divided by four brick pathways. The area between each of the pathways is currently planted with white roses.
Both the brickwork and the roses were restored. The brickwork was dangerously uneven and unsightly. . The roses were near the end of their healthy life cycle and were replaced with newer disease-resistant varieties. In addition, we reset two benches near the focal point on new brick pads and added a third bench to improve sightlines in this part of the garden. The sundial feature in the center of the bricks has been broken for several years and the Conservancy hopes to replace the broken base with a new sculptural feature in the future.
In addition to its aesthetic value, the focal point is important as a feature designed by Lord & Schryver Landscape Architects. Riverdale Landscape Construction, a local Salem firm with experience in Lord & Schryver brickwork, did the masonry repair on the focal point.
