Cutting-edge elevated park in New York boasts flora arrangements by leading horticulturists, making it a prominent city attraction.
Little Island: A Floating Garden in the Heart of New York
Little Island, a new public park and arts venue in New York, is a unique blend of nature and artistry that has transformed the city's landscape. The park, which occupies the space left by three of the old Chelsea Piers, was made possible through a $260 million investment from Barry Diller and the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation.
The innovative structure of Little Island, designed by Heatherwick Studio, rises from the Hudson River and consists of 132 tulip-shaped, precast concrete structures. The landscape design, by landscape architect and urban designer Signe Nielsen, features over 350 species of trees, shrubs, and perennials, creating an undulating green landscape that appears to float on water.
Signe Nielsen's planting scheme for Little Island is designed to create a unified feel across the park's various microclimates. She selected over 100 native plant species that can tolerate New York’s extreme climate to create a lush, seasonally dynamic environment. The plants are arranged atop the park’s unique tulip-shaped concrete piles, with each area offering a different natural experience.
The Northwest Overlook, for instance, features rich-red Crocosmia 'Lucifer', bright-orange Helenium autumnale 'Adios', and plants with richly colored foliage such as heucheras and sedums. In contrast, the Southwest Overlook, also known as 'Signe's mountain', which is the highest point in the park, offers shadier, woodland-style planting. The Moon Garden in the southeast quadrant of Little Island is filled with only white plants, evoking a serene and ethereal atmosphere.
Maintaining the lush sanctuary of Little Island is the responsibility of Orrin Sheehan and his small but dedicated garden team. They plant up to 5,000 plants a week over a ten-month period starting in March 2020. The seasonal routine of the garden team includes early cutbacks in January, lawn care, and plant maintenance in the warmer months.
Interacting with visitors who flock to the park eager to learn more about the planting is an enjoyable aspect of the work for Orrin and his team. Little Island's unique design and diverse plant life have made it a popular destination, attracting not only locals but also tourists from around the world.
In the early 20th century, these Chelsea Piers served as the main port for the Cunard White Star Line. Today, they have been replaced by Little Island, a testament to the city's ability to reinvent itself and provide its residents and visitors with unique and inspiring spaces.
For more information about Signe Nielsen's work, visit mnlandscape.com. Little Island is a testament to the power of collaboration between visionary designers, investors, and city planners, and a shining example of what can be achieved when creativity meets practicality.
- Signe Nielsen's planting scheme for Little Island features over 350 species of trees, shrubs, and perennials, catering to New York’s extreme climate.
- The Northwest Overlook of Little Island offers a rich palette of plants, including Crocosmia 'Lucifer', Helenium autumnale 'Adios', heucheras, and sedums.
- Maintaining the lush environment of Little Island is the responsibility of Orrin Sheehan and his team, who plant up to 5,000 plants a week.
- Little Island, a unique blend of nature and artistry, is a testament to the power of collaboration in horticulture, home-and-garden, and landscape design, demonstrating the harmony between lifestyle, nature, and environments.
