A Walk in Robert Irwins Getty Garden
\u201cHe often said is that this was a garden not for the visitors. He was happy if visitors enjoyed it; it was a garden for the people who worked here, who every single day, would see the slight changes and would have a seasonal experience.\u201d\n\n\n\nThe largest work of art at the Getty Center is located outside the galleries\u2014the Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin. The garden stretched Irwin\u2019s understanding of what art could be; it is alive and changing with every passing moment. In the nearly 25 years since the garden opened in 1997, Getty\u2019s gardeners and horticulturalists have worked tirelessly to execute Irwin\u2019s original vision. This involves constantly evaluating the health of plants, whether the breeds are well suited to their locations, which plants have reached the end of their life, and how to manicure large plants to maintain a sense of openness.\n\n\n\nFirst in this episode, Lawrence Weschler discusses artist Robert Irwin\u2019s approach to art and the Central Garden. Weschler is the author of Getty Publications\u2019 Robert Irwin Getty Garden, a series of conversations between the author and the artist. Next, Getty head of grounds and gardens Brian Houck and horticulturalist Jackie Flor walk through the garden, explaining the wide array of plantings and sculptural features as well as how the caretakers enact Irwin\u2019s vision.\n\n\n\nFor images, transcripts, and more, visit https://blogs.getty.edu/iris/podcast-a-walk-in-robert-irwins-getty-garden/ or getty.edu/podcasts.\n\n\n\nTo buy the book, visit https://shop.getty.edu/products/robert-irwin-getty-garden-revised-edition-978-1606066560.