Landscape architect Rodney Robinson joins the Advisory Council

Rodney Robinson, a renowned landscape architect in Wilmington, has accepted the invitation to be a member of the Delaware Botanic Gardens Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is a group of distinguished public- and private-sector leaders who are assisting in the creation of the Delaware Botanic Gardens. The Advisory Council is chaired by Delaware’s First Lady, Carla Markell.

“Rodney is a Delaware treasure. His designs have enhanced gardens across the state and throughout the country. His recent work to renovate the Gardens at Woodburn, the Governor’s official residence, is a prime example of his landscape creativity and dedication to natural beauty. Having Rodney join our efforts to create the Delaware Botanic Gardens is a major addition to the Advisory Council,” said Mrs. Markell.

Michael Zajic, president of DBG, noted, “Rodney Robinson is a creative and inspirational landscape leader who has worked on many of the most beautiful public and private gardens in our country, including Chanticleer, Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden, Mt. Cuba Center, the United States Botanic Garden, and most recently the ongoing restoration of Nemours Mansion and Gardens. Having Rodney join our Advisory Council brings a respected landscape designer to our organization whose advice and guidance will be invaluable.”

Rodney Robinson added, “It is a great honor to have this opportunity to work again with Carla Markell and Holly Schimizu to help create the Delaware Botanic Gardens. Public gardens are important elements of our community. They are places of inspiration and renewal. This project will be a great addition to our state and entire region.”

The Advisory Council led by Mrs. Markell is a group of distinguished leaders that includes Holly Shimizu, emerita executive director of the United States Botanic Garden; Collin O’Mara, director of the National Wildlife Federation; Hugh Leahy, former senior vicepresident of the Delaware Community Foundation; and Nelson Shaffer, executive vice president/chief administrative officer of Pennoni Associates.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens is a ten-year, multiphase plan to bring a sense of place to Delmarva with a major public garden that reflects southern Delaware’s unique coastal plain. Its mission is to create inspirational, educational, and sustainable gardens in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. The gardens will be located on 37 acres along Piney Neck Road in Sussex County. The parcel has an ideal mix of farmland, woodland, and more than 1,000 feet of tidal waterfront on Pepper Creek.