Horticulture
Our Horticulturists serve as stewards of the Broadway Malls, dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the malls for public enjoyment. Their primary focus lies in ensuring the well-being of our plants and safeguarding their vital role as habitat for urban wildlife. We know that the malls are integral to Broadway’s grand character, and are honored to continue building the everchanging character of an historic street.
Use this link to check out a database and map of all the native plants and trees on the Broadway malls.
The Gardens
The Broadway Malls are made up of hundreds of small gardens, each housing a rich variety of plant life and distinctive design styles. The malls have been planted over generations: the trees, some standing tall for a century or more, cast their shade alongside vibrant annuals that paint the landscape with their bright seasonal colors, contributing to a tapestry of historical beauty.
The gardens under our care have been carefully designed and maintained by the BMA. We consistently introduce new plants and innovative designs to enhance the appearance and character of the malls. While natural processes guide the growth and success of plants, the expertise of the BMA’s horticulture team shapes them towards the spectacular displays that delight passerby, no matter the season.
Achieving a successful design hinges on the careful selection of plants with varying heights and textures, and strategically planning for seasonal succession, all contributing to the overall composition. The use of color is one of our best tools- either harmonizing to create a soothing mood or contrasting for an atmosphere of excitement. Executing these principles requires a sophisticated understanding of the unique requirements of each plant species and the conditions that are needed to support their growth.
A successful planting design will inspire and delight the viewer, filling the space with moments whimsy and surprise. Take a seat at one of our benches and enjoy the show!
Maintenance
To maintain the whole of our 10.6 acre parkland, the plants selected for the malls need to be low maintenance. Climate considerations, budget constraints, and the practical challenge of getting water to the gardens makes drought tolerant plants the best choice.
We contract with landscape professionals and community partners to plant annuals in the spring and bulbs in the fall, and to provide bimonthly maintenance. Several service providers water the end beds three times weekly and remove trash daily, supplementing the services provided by the Department of Parks.
The demanding conditions of being a garden in a 20 foot wide median bordered by six lanes of traffic provide plenty of challenges for our Horticultural staff! Because of this, a certain portion of our annual budget must be applied to ongoing replacement of trees and shrubs that have aged off or failed.
Please contact us with your comments and questions: info@broadwaymall.org.
