©David Almeida via AP
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a garden with a special design? If so, what made it special? If not, what would you like to see in one?
- Do you know any place that changed its garden design to help nature? If yes, what changes were made? If not, what changes do you think would help nature?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- designer /dih-ZAHY-ner/
- comprehensive /kom-pri-HEN-siv/
- biodiversity /bahy-oh-di-VUR-si-tee/
- renowned /ri-NOUND/
- exceptional /ik-SEP-shuh-nl/
[noun] – a person who plans how something will look or work
The dress was made by a famous designer from Italy.
[adjective] – including all or almost all the facts or information
The report gave a comprehensive view of the school’s needs.
[noun] – the variety of different types of animals and plants in a place
The forest has rich biodiversity with many birds and animals.
[adjective] – famous for something good
He is a renowned chef who works in Tokyo.
[adjective] – much better than usual
She gave an exceptional performance in the concert.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is a large garden in Long Island, New York. It covers 409 acres and started in 1913. Businessman William Robertson Coe and his wife, Mai Rogers Coe, bought the land to build a peaceful home. The estate, called Coe Hall, has a big mansion and special gardens made by famous designers. After the first designer passed away, the Olmsted Brothers continued the work. The park is important because it has kept its original look, while many other estates were changed into golf courses or houses. A new book was released that gives more comprehensive details about the park. It includes photos, drawings, and writings from professionals.
The park is now changing to help nature. A revitalization project is ongoing to improve biodiversity by planting more local plants. Oak trees were planted to replace old European beech trees, as they are better for the environment. Meadows are now cut only once or twice a year to help animals and insects live there. A new garden will also be made by Piet Oudolf, a renowned designer from the Netherlands. This park is the biggest living commission by the Olmsted Brothers, which makes it exceptional in the country. The stewardship team said they hope people can see how important it is to care for both history and nature.
The park is now changing to help nature. A revitalization project is ongoing to improve biodiversity by planting more local plants. Oak trees were planted to replace old European beech trees, as they are better for the environment. Meadows are now cut only once or twice a year to help animals and insects live there. A new garden will also be made by Piet Oudolf, a renowned designer from the Netherlands. This park is the biggest living commission by the Olmsted Brothers, which makes it exceptional in the country. The stewardship team said they hope people can see how important it is to care for both history and nature.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where is Planting Fields Arboretum located?
- When did the estate begin?
- Why did William and Mai Coe buy the land?
- What is the name of the estate’s mansion?
- Who continued the garden design after the first designer died?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been to a large park with many plants and trees? If so, what did you like most? If not, where would you like to go? Why?
- Have you ever read a book or seen a show about gardens or nature? If so, what did you learn? If not, would you like to read one?
- Do you agree that local plants are better for the environment?
- Why do you think it is important to keep both history and nature in a park?
- What could happen if people do not care for old parks and gardens?