A Virtual Glimpse into an Enchanted Conifer Garden

This is the time of year when we begin to think of evergreens and pine cones in preparation for the winter months and snow and holiday-season wreaths. 

Just in time, there will be an online presentation about conifers sponsored by the Sherman, Conn., library as part of the Great Hollow Invitational Art Show. 

I don’t know (yet) the subtle shadings of difference between conifers and other evergreens, but the free virtual talk on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. promises to enlighten me. 

Photographer  Jeff Ginsburg will be talking specifically about a really lush, gorgeous conifer garden in Sherman  created by Dr. Peter Rostenberg and his wife, Susan (whose photo “Reproduction” is on this page and is part of the Great Hollow Invitational Art Show).

The Rostenbergs are well-known to many garden enthusiasts in the region for their extensive conifer showcase, which is much more beautiful and enthralling than it might seem to be at first blush. There are many photos of it online; the plants (trees?) are drapey and large and almost look like friendly furry animals. 

Ginsburg will talk about the garden and about how all the different conifers work with the other plantings and trees that surround them. 

Peter’s Opus is described in the news release as “an arboreal sculpture park created four decades ago by Dr. Peter Rostenberg, who practiced Internal Medicine in New Fairfield, Conn., for more than 40 years, retiring March 2020. 

“Using clippers, chainsaws, shovels and more, he has created a garden that is like a world-class symphony.  As he and his wife, Susan, prepare to leave their special place, they offered Ginsburg a rare opportunity to photograph and video their amazing property.”

This is a chance to see a garden that most of us didn’t know existed; and it sounds as though the garden’s future is not assured, once the Rostenbergs are gone.

Learn about Peter’s Opus in a virtual talk on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. Register by emailing Ablake@biblio.org. 

For more information about the show and the Sherman Library, go to www.shermanlibrary.org.