Marland Gardens program scheduled for June 4

After viewing his exceptional landscape work, E.W. Marland hired Japanese gardener Henry Hatashita who had been working in Kansas City, Missouri, to lead a team of 30 gardeners.

Marland brought Hatashita to Ponca City in 1918 to live and work on his Marland Gardens at 1000 East Grand Ave. and also to follow at his larger Marland Estate on Monument Road.

Hatashita excelled in artistry and creativity landscaping over five blocks of formal gardens patterned after those at Versailles, France. He also landscaped the newly completed 9-hole public golf course on Grand Ave. across the street.

Jayne Detten, supervisor of the Marland Grand Home, will present a program titled “Henry Hatashita: EW Marland’s Japanese Gardener and his Gardens” on Saturday, June 4 at the Marland Grand Home. Prior registration is not necessary to attend.

“ We are happy to present the Hatashita program to the public”, said Detten. “The Marland Grand Home is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. We have planned several special events and programs throughout the year in honor of this occasion.”

Detten added, “Guests can stop by before or after their visit to the annual Herb Festival right down the street at the Cann Memorial Gardens. The Marland’s Grand Home is within a convenient walking or driving distance of the festival.”

The programs will begin at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. The presentation will include a Power Point lecture, original photos of the gardens and excerpts from both E.W. Marland and Hatashita. Guided tours of the facility will follow as an option. Refreshments of lemonade and cookies will be served.

To attend please arrive about 10 minute before the presentation as the showing will begin promptly on the hour. For more information regarding the Hatashita program, please contact Jayne Detten at 580-763-4580.

The historic Marland Grand Home is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices are $5 Adults, $4 Military and Seniors, $2 Youth, Under 6 Free, with Ponca City residents at no charge. Also see the web site at marlandgrandhome.com for further information.