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.”

Nelson J. Shaffer, executive vice president/chief administrative officer of Pennoni Associates Inc. has accepted the invitation to be a member of the Delaware Botanic Gardens’ Advisory Council. The council is a group of distinguished public- and private-sector leaders who are assisting in the creation of the first public garden in southern Delawares The Advisory Council is chaired by Delaware’s First Lady, Carla Markell....

Michael Zajic, president of DBG, said, “It is fitting that as we celebrate the placement of our Delaware Botanic Gardens sign on our site, we welcome Nelson Shaffer of Pennoni to our Advisory Council. Pennoni has made it possible for our vision to become a real, ongoing project.”

Nelson Shaffer said, “We at Pennoni are very excited about this unique project. As a leading A&E firm, we have participated in some very wonderful and historic projects. The Delaware Botanic Gardens is our opportunity to work with a group of dedicated citizens who are creating a beautiful destination which will enhance the quality of life. We are proud of the great work our Milton office, led by Mark Davidson, has given to DBG, and we are committed to continuing our support.”

Delaware’s First Lady, Carla Markell, has agreed to serve as the honorary chair of the Advisory Council of the Delaware Botanic Gardens. On April 16 at Woodburn, the official residence of the governor of Delaware, Mrs. Markell met with a delegation from the gardens to review the project to be built in Dagsboro.

“The Delaware Botanic Gardens is a proposal that all Delawareans can embrace” said Mrs. Markell. “I am impressed with the leadership and spirit of volunteerism demonstrated by the citizens who have developed this project,” she added, “and am honored to join with them as the chair of their Advisory Council to help make these gardens a reality for Delaware.”

caption: First Lady Carla Markell meets with Delaware Botanic Gardens Board members. From left to right: Sheryl J. Swed, DBG vice president, First Lady Carla Markell, Elisabeth Zajic, DGB board member.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens board and their corporate partners briefed Governor Jack Markell on January 28, 2014, in his statehouse office in Dover.

The cordial discussion capped a series of meetings with executive and legislative branch leaders, who all gave DBG enthusiastic support. The governor expressed his thanks to the board and its corporate partners for their work representing the best of Delaware—citizens coming together in recognition of a public need and working with public and private leaders throughout the state to make a valuable addition to Delaware: a world-class botanic garden.

Above, from left to right, Gerald T. Doherty, vice president, EDiS; Raymond J. Sander, treasurer, DBG; Sheryl J. Swed, vice president, DBG; Mark H. Davidson, associate vice president, Pennoni Associates; Michael J. Zajic, president, DBG; Governor Jack Markell; Susan Ryan, director, DBG; Betty Deacon, director, DBG; Elisabeth C. Zajic, director, DBG; Gregory D.Tepper, director of horticulture, DBG (titles as of 2014).