Walled Garden Roof and Benches

In conjunction with the New Canaan Garden Club, the Conservancy retiled the roofs of the pavilion and main gate. In addition, three new replica benches were recently installed.

The benches are custom made replicas of those that were part of the restoration of the garden by the New Canaan Garden Club thirty years ago. Most of the wood used to make the new benches was donated by the Waveny Park Conservancy from the old oak tree that stood near Anderson Pond just below the Walled Garden. The Town of New Canaan shared in the cost to design and build these benches with a donation from the Waveny Walled Garden Wedding Fund. Former New Canaan residents Nancy and Bills Sessions (who sadly have since passed away) also contributed.

New Canaan Garden Club member Dao Engle, one of the co-chairs of the Waveny Walled Garden committee, found the wood maker Dave Press of Artisan Craftworks in Kingston, New York. According to Dao, “Dave is a true artisan.” He studied old drawings that were found in the attic of Waveny House and then recreated close replicas after measuring and seeing the old benches in person. Two of the benches sit under the pavilion on the north side of the Garden and the third along the hedge of roses on the east side of the Garden. All three are beautiful additions and a true collaboration between the Town of New Canaan and its civic partners.