Frank Cabot: A Centennial Celebration of a Horticultural Visionary

As we approach the 100th anniversary of the birth of our founder, Francis Higginson Cabot, on August 6, 1925, the Garden Conservancy reflects not only on his extraordinary life but also on the profound impact he had on the landscape of American horticulture. Frank Cabot was not just a visionary; he was the very seed from which our organization sprouted. His passion for gardening, deep understanding of the transformative power of gardens, and unwavering commitment to preservation formed the bedrock of our mission. This centennial year offers a special opportunity to celebrate his enduring influence on the world of gardens.

His inspiration for establishing the Garden Conservancy stemmed from a profound realization that America’s most extraordinary private gardens were vanishing artifacts. His visit to Ruth Bancroft’s remarkable dry garden in Walnut Creek, CA, served as a catalyst for the organization’s founding.

Cabot understood gardens are more than mere collections of plants; they are living museums, reflecting the creativity, passion, and dedication of their creators and gardeners. He believed these gardens deserved to be cherished and preserved. He envisioned an organization that would not only rescue these gardens (some from neglect) but also foster a deeper appreciation for the art of horticulture and the importance of stewardship.

Two gardens he created with his wife, Anne—Stonecrop in Cold Spring, NY, and Les Quatre Vents in La Malbaie, Quebec—stand as enduring monuments to his horticultural genius. Stonecrop, with its diverse collection of plants and its emphasis on experimentation, embodies Cabot’s belief in the power of horticultural exploration. Les Quatre Vents, a sprawling landscape of breathtaking beauty, highlights his mastery of design and his ability to integrate diverse horticultural elements into a harmonious whole. These gardens, born from Cabot’s passion and vision, continue to inspire and educate visitors from around the globe. As we celebrate the centennial of his birth, these gardens serve as living memorials to his vision.

His book on Les Quatre Vents, The Greater Perfection, received the Council of Botanical and Horticultural Libraries’ 2003 Literature Award, and was described as “one of the best books ever written about the making of a garden by its creator” by the Oxford Companion to the Garden. Among the many recognitions he received was the Garden Club of America’s 2006 Achievement Award for “the greatest horticultural accomplishment in America in the last half-century.”

His hands-on approach, sense of humor, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to getting the job done were reasons for his success. He assembled a team of experts, cultivated a network of supporters, and tirelessly advocated for the preservation and visitation of gardens across the country.

The Garden Conservancy has saved countless gardens from disappearance, ensuring that these horticultural masterpieces continue to thrive. From the gardens of Alcatraz to the Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans, the Garden Conservancy has worked to protect these invaluable cultural resources, making them accessible to the public, and inspiring a new generation of gardeners. Today, we see the fruits of Cabot’s labor in every garden the Garden Conservancy has helped to preserve.

Cabot’s legacy extends beyond the gardens he created and the organization he founded. He instilled in his followers a deep appreciation for the art of gardening and a commitment to preservation. He believed gardens are not just places of beauty; they are also places of learning, inspiration, and reflection.

As we celebrate his life and his extraordinary contributions during this centennial year, we at the Garden Conservancy reaffirm our commitment to Frank Cabot’s vision. We will continue to preserve and share America’s most exceptional gardens, ensuring that they remain vibrant and inspiring spaces for generations to come. The observance of what would have been his 100th birthday is a reminder of the enduring power of his vision and the importance of carrying it forward.

Top photo: Cabot in Palm Beach, FL, in 2005. Photo: Jeffrey Langlois

Middle photo: Anne Cabot, Angela Lansbury, Frank Cabot, and Ruth Bancroft at Bancroft's garden in Walnut Creek, CA.

Bottom photo: Cabot in 2011. Photo: Marina Schinz