Brian manages the 25 acres of greenspaces on the former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post.
Originally designed by prominent architects such as Umbreto Innocenti and Richard Webel, Brian and his team now allow Marjorie to “inspire them.” They maintain the grounds, making slight alterations only when they speak to or improve upon the original design. One example, the center of the motor court, once just a grassy knoll, now houses a geometric arrangement of seasonal flowers.
Barr, who holds a Master’s Degree in horticulture from the Longwood Gardens Graduate Program, first visited Hillwood 33 years ago. Now he oversees the 8 full-time garden staff and a troupe of volunteers. This autumn he added another accomplishment to his accolades—he is officially the co-curator of Hillwood’s special exhibition Four Seasons, which brings the work of Giuseppe Arcimboldo to three-dimensional life on Hillwood’s grounds.
Want to take a walkabout with a gardener? Hillwood offers tours of the formal gardens beginning in April. A great way to catch up with Brian is on the weekly Dog Walks, which are open to Hillwood members. Brian and his dog, Hershey Barr, are often in attendance.