Seasonal maintenance inside Gramercy Park

2009–2011

Care between the seasons

The September 2009 report described Boag’s crew pruning, clearing debris and tending the beds after a wet summer. The October 2011 account documented another autumn cleanup and the replacement of two street trees on Gramercy Park South uprooted by Hurricane Irene. Bartlett planted Chanticleer pears in their place.

The December 2011 update returned to winter preparation: leaves and storm debris removed, beds edged and mulched, perennials cut back, and evergreen planting added around the shed and wellhead. These recurring tasks sit behind the more visible changes in the landscape.

2021

A year of work by the numbers

The Gramercy Park Block Association’s December 29, 2021 year-end graphic reported 1,100 bags of fallen leaves collected, 249 geraniums in monuments and boxes, 27,600 spring bulbs planted, 800 begonias in tree gardens and fifteen trash receptacles painted.

The figures refer to the work reported for 2021, including a total for spring bulbs of several varieties.

2014

An earlier end-of-summer cleanup

An August 29, 2014 Trustees letter reported that Mike Boag and his crew had pruned trees, shrubs and perennials, cleared debris, and edged and weeded the planting beds. It also announced a return visit for further cleanup, lawn aeration and seeding, mulching and fertilization.

The earlier account gives a longer view of the recurring maintenance cycle. Some work had been completed when the letter went out; the return visit was still planned.

2023

Flagpole, lighting and electrical repairs

The December 9 Trustees report confirmed a range of autumn work: rigging and repairs to the flagpole, repairs to lanterns at the north and south gates, electrical-system upgrades, and improvements to the Park’s camera system. It also recorded seasonal pruning and the planting of more than 30,000 bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, alliums and hyacinths.

The letter thanked Amando Flores and Kathleen Scupp for work that kept the Park functioning as well as looking cared for.

2024

Preparing for autumn

An August 19 Trustees notice listed the end-of-summer tasks: applying organic fertilizer, edging beds, mulching around trees and planting beds, pruning trees and shrubs, removing debris and reseeding the lawn.

The notice described the seasonal program. The October photographic update below offered a further view of the Park team’s work.

Care for more than the plants

The Trustees’ October 2024 seasonal-maintenance letter thanked Park caretaker Amando Flores and Operations Manager Kathleen Scupp. Its photographs focused on the practical work required to care for the landscape and its built features.

The original photograph accompanying this account shows a worker power-washing a monument within the Park. It records maintenance of the places and objects that planting surrounds, alongside the better-known work on flower beds and trees.

Part of a recurring cycle

This is one dated glimpse of ongoing stewardship. Other records document the gravel paths, the sundial, and restoration of the Ruggles Fountain. Together they show the range of care needed within the Park.

2025

A wider view of the maintenance work

The Trustees’ June 18 photographic report documented more of the work carried out by caretaker Amando Flores, Operations Manager Kathleen Scupp and the wider maintenance team. The labeled panels showed seasonal planting, tree-guard replacement, painting posts and chains, spring cleanup and new planting.

Other panels showed root work, repairs to a sinkhole, gravel added to paths and mosquito spraying.

The December 2025 year-end graphic reported forty-five Park benches fully restored.

2026

Benches, cottage and planting

By June 2026, a further seasonal report described repaired and painted benches, spring planting and cleanup, restored window boxes, and power-washing and painting at the gardener’s cottage. It thanked the Trustees’ team for work that reached beyond the most visible flowers.

That letter also described the Block Association’s work outside the Park: tree-garden fence repairs, care for litter receptacles and graffiti removal from street furniture. The two sets of tasks serve the same neighborhood while remaining the responsibilities of distinct organizations.