The Threat
As was noted above, Longue Vue is located very close to the Palmetto Canal , which was slightly overtopped during Hurricane Katrina. Water came into the Pine Drive , Entrance Court and Oak alley, flooding the basements of three buildings near the entrance court: this water came up from the drains. Fortunately, no water was in the Longue Vue house itself. Water also filled the below-grade fountain pump room and ruined all the mechanical systems for Longue Vue's air conditioning, wiring and fountains (each of Longue Vue's gardens includes a fountain). Flooding also killed many historic magnolia trees. Fortunately, the main house and its two dependencies and the Casino or Playhouse sit on slightly higher ground, so that adjacent magnolias appear to have survived.
All told, the gardens suffered extensive damage - all the more devastating given that Longue Vue had just completed a thorough decade-long restoration of the gardens. Floodwater casualties included approximately two-thirds of the plantings (and all the seasonal plantings); large trees such as pines and Southern magnolias; camellias and azaleas; over 800 of the boxwood from the parterres; and much of the ground cover. Plants that were not killed immediately (including the Live Oaks in the Oak Allee) were exposed to winds and brackish water that caused trauma and that eventually may cause death.
Longue Vue's insurance is inadequate to fully cover this damage. The gardens were seriously underinsured, with only $200,000 in garden insurance. The cost of post-Hurricane Katrina tree conservation alone is $150,00. The anticipated cost to (again) restore the gardens is at least $1,000,000, including plant replacement, fountains and "hardscape" repair. In addition, Longue Vue's garden staff has been reduced from 4 full-time (FTE) employees to 2.5 FTE : the head gardener plus one part-time and one full-time gardener. While the site intends to rebuild its garden staff, it is difficult at this time to find employees with the appropriate skills.
To preserve this threatened National Landmark, Longue Vue's staff must amend soil, remove debris, replant, engage in conservation and maintenance practices for those trees and plants that remain, and adhere to the stringent stewardship practices that support the property's National Historic Landmark designation. In addition, they must continue to educate people about the importance of historic gardens and the need for the preservation, as they have found that education is the key to community commitment and support.
On the (very) positive side, Longue Vue has approximately 1,000 members, receives financial support from both local and national individuals and foundations, and (in Hurricane-free times) receives over 42,000 visitors annually including school groups, community members and visitors who come to experience local history as well as beauty and tranquility. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast region, the support from gardens, arboreta, museums, conservationists, and laypersons was overwhelming and uplifting. The staff received emails from people, all over the world, who had visited Longue Vue, and were concerned about its condition. With the assistance of AABGA, Longue Vue received the volunteer support of the following gardens and arboreta:
• Holden Arboretum
• Smithsonian Institution
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Chanticleer Garden
• Albuquerque Botanical Park
• Garden Conservancy group (consisting of experts from a variety of gardens)
• Bayou Bend
Longue Vue also received assistance from individuals, historic sites and garden groups including:
• Patricia M. O'Donnell, FASLA, AICP , FASLA
• Dr. Neal Odenwald
• Jane Roy Brown
• Geoffrey Platt
• Judith Tankard
• Better Homes and Gardens
• Charleston Historical Society
• Middleton Place
• Richmond Heights Garden Club
• Historical Society for the Town of Greenwich
This list does not include the numerous individuals who show up every week to assist in the clean-up and replanting. Nor does it include the many individuals who have donated funds through the Longue Vue website.
On the (very) negative side, Longue Vue does not anticipate substantial direct or indirect revenues through 2006. And, despite efforts to significantly reduce spending, Longue Vue must retain staff, maintain utilities, pay for materials, and fund its communications with the public as Longue Vue joins with the larger community to rebuild New Orleans.
