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Master Garden Plan
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The Tennis Court Garden
 The
newly planted Tennis Court Garden represents the first
implementation of the Van Vleck House & Gardens Master Garden
Plan designed by Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects.
Formerly the Van Vleck Family Tennis Court, the perennial
installation was made possible by a generous donation of funds
and leadership by Michael and Lois Deenihan. Deenihan, a
Montclair dentist and active VV board member, has a special
connection to Van Vleck House & Gardens. “Howard Van Vleck was a
patient of mine. He invited me over to see his garden. His
passion stimulated my own interest in horticulture.” Deenihan
was on the site plan committee and felt the tennis court was a
great place to start the restoration. With the help of his
friend and patient, Lisa Mierop of Mierop Design, he knew that
he wanted to be part of bringing the master plan to life. “I’m
delighted to be a part of carrying this restoration forward. Van
Vleck is an oasis now more than ever.”
Mierop's execution of the design concept and plant choice
followed the classic parterre arrangement which she adjusted to
fit the space. The Montclair Garden Designer also has a sentimental
attachment to these gardens and property. “I was honored to be
asked and felt I was the perfect fit because I am an historic
preservation buff. The Van Vleck land and property are part of
the history of this town. We have very few destination gardens
in New Jersey. Here we have an opportunity to showcase a
property of substance to its original grand state, in some cases
improving it. Mike Deenihan and I are horticultural fanatics so
it was great that we could work together to kick off the Master
Garden Plan implementation. It’s a great way to honor Howard,
the man.”
Since The Van Vlecks were not in residence in Montclair during
the summer months, Howard’s gardening efforts were largely
focused on Spring and Fall gardens. The Tennis Court Garden will
offer a beautiful display of summer flowers. The classic formal
quadrant design features gravel paths that lead to a center
fountain. “It’s like walking through an English or European
garden in the middle of Montclair” a recent visitor enthused.
Mike Deenihan embraces the need of a community garden, “The idea
of living locally and thinking globally is on people’s minds. I
love the idea of taking care and preserving what’s here. It’s an
ecological extension of a landmark.”
And it’s free!
Construction Phase
Opening Reception
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