Message from the Garden

To our Valued Members and Community,

On a warm autumn evening in October 2021, we were beginning to see the light at the end of the "pandemic tunnel". We could sense that something was about to change. Through a partnership with Backhausdance, Sherman Library & Gardens was asked to revive performing arts in Orange County. We were about to lift the curtain on the culmination of a monthlong artistic residency, a one-of-a-kind performance created for and inspired by the beauty of Sherman Library & Gardens. What was unleashed was a magical mix of light, sound, and movement—the perfect harbinger of the year ahead for Sherman!

As soon as the lights went down on the performance, the sun began to shine on the garden. After a nationwide search, Kyle Cheesborough was selected as Sherman Gardens’ new horticulture director. Kyle brought a fresh perspective to the gardens with a background in botanic garden management, a keen sense of design, and a passion for sustainable horticulture. Kyle completed the cast of amazing directors who collectively represent the pillars of our organization: history, horticulture, and arts - all connected through educational opportunities for the community.

We are strongly committed to our mission, vison, and values. They are the framework and foundation for all the programs, events, and offerings we provided throughout the year. As we opened the doors to the community, members and guests filled our campus in record-breaking numbers. Thankfully we have a tremendous group of volunteers and docents who collectively contributed more than 11,700 hours to our organization. We would not have been able to provide the level of service in guest engagement, educational programs, or tours of the library and gardens without their invaluable efforts.

Gardens are not static; they are always in motion responding to wind, water, and sunlight. We expect the same of an organization that strives to serve its community as we do. In the last year, Sherman Library & Gardens has worked to build educational opportunities, bring history to life, and rise to the challenge of making all we do sustainable for our environment and the community. In these efforts, Sherman has become a hub for people to gather for events and celebrations, connecting over the treasures in our garden and library. I am proud of all that has been accomplished this year, and in the countless ways we have advanced our mission to drive inspiration, education, and an appreciation of history, horticulture, and the arts for all.

Please join me in celebrating the work of Sherman’s exemplary staff in the last year, and all we continue to do, to grow our impact in this wonderful community.

Scott LaFleur Executive Director