Barbara Bush Cultivates a Natural Haven in Brooklyn

Barbara Bush, the daughter and granddaughter of former U.S. presidents, has taken her love for nature to an urban setting, creating a vibrant pollinator garden in her Brooklyn backyard. After years of living in New York without a yard, the pandemic prompted her and her husband, actor Craig Coyne, to purchase a brownstone with a fenced-in outdoor space.

The couple's backyard was initially a blank canvas, having served as an artist's studio with little more than a few scraggly plants. Inspired by her mother, Laura Bush, who has long championed the importance of rewilding, Barbara envisioned a thriving garden filled with native plants to attract local pollinators.

To bring her vision to life, Barbara collaborated with landscape designer Nathalie Danilovich, who understood her desire for a lush, naturalistic garden that would be easy to maintain. "I wanted it to be full and overgrown and wild and beautiful," Barbara explained. The design emphasized kid-friendly spaces, privacy, and a casual aesthetic that would allow the garden to flourish without excessive upkeep.

Danilovich crafted a winding patio using woodland granite pavers, creating a foundation for the garden that is both functional and visually appealing. Surrounding the patio, she planted a diverse array of perennials, including hardy grasses and colorful flowers like Eastern Bee Balm and Purple Meadow Rue, ensuring the garden remained vibrant and inviting.

A standout feature of the garden is a whimsical woven willow sun canopy, constructed in partnership with artist Howard Peller. This living sculpture adds a unique touch to the space, providing a cozy area for the family to relax and enjoy meals outdoors.

Now, two summers after the garden's inception, it has reached full maturity, becoming an integral part of the Bush family’s daily life. Their children play soccer on the terrace and delight in picking flowers, while the family often shares ice pops in the backyard after dinner. The garden has also drawn local wildlife, including bees and butterflies, making it a lively haven for both family and nature alike.

Although Laura Bush has yet to visit the garden, her daughter shares photos, showcasing the dramatic transformation of the space. "It’s just a fun, special place to hang," Barbara notes, highlighting the joy and beauty the garden brings to their home.

Source: www.wallpaper.com