The Garden Keeper
The squares of Savannah are often described as the “crown jewels” of the city, celebrated for their historic value and beauty. Now, the Ardsley Park / Chatham Crescent Garden Club adds another gem to this treasure chest with The Garden Keeper fountain. In honor of their founder, Mary R. Myrick, and in celebration of the club’s 50th anniversary, this ten-foot-tall, custom-designed, three-tiered fountain stands proudly in the middle of Kavanaugh Park, symbolizing one remarkable woman’s commitment to beautifying Savannah.
In 1973, Mary R. Myrick (Mrs. Shelby Myrick) coined the phrase “Savannah’s Beauty is our Duty,” encapsulating her lifelong dedication to civic restoration and beautification. With a handful of passionate individuals, she formed the Ardsley Park / Chatham Crescent Garden Club. Their mission—to promote the beauty and charm of the Ardsley Park area and to educate members on gardening, landscape design, civic improvements, and conservation—remains vibrant today. The Garden Keeper fountain was designed and erected in this spirit, celebrating Mrs. Myrick’s extraordinary contributions to Savannah and Georgia’s green spaces.
Mrs. Myrick’s legacy is profound. She was a founding organizer of the Fragrant Garden for the Blind in Forsyth Park, which opened in 1963, and a pivotal force in the state’s “Keep Georgia Beautiful” campaign. Her column, “The Garden Corner,” ran for decades in the Savannah News-Press. As a civic leader, she lent her organizational talents to the women’s division of Civilian Defense in Georgia during WWII and served as the state president of both the Garden Club of Georgia and The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.
To honor Mrs. Myrick, a diverse and talented committee came together to design and create The Garden Keeper fountain. This new addition joins other iconic statues in Savannah. The fountain features a female figure inspired by Flora, the goddess of flowers and flowering plants. She is associated with Spring; a symbol of hope and perseverance. She stands holding a bowl of water which represents giving life, while the base of the fountain blooms with flowers – a reminder that preserving our beautiful city is indeed our duty and inspires those who see it to cultivate growth and appreciate Savannah’s historical charm.
The project was a collaborative effort. Spearheaded by Trish Lawrence, the committee worked with the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the City of Savannah Council for approval. Designer Rose Marie Woulfe worked with Robinson Iron to bring her vision to life through her artistry. Long-time member Jan Bradley provided invaluable historical knowledge. Nora Missroon served as the copy editor, and Laura Stafford managed funding and expenses. Veronica Carr Soto, the landscape team lead, designed and implemented the garden style, reminiscent of Mrs. Myrick’s formal garden at her country home, Wild Heron.
The Garden Keeper stands surrounded by four beds outlined with Pringle Podocarpus, a petite hedge. The interior beds feature purple Encore Azaleas, a nod to Mrs. Myrick’s favorite color. Granite block edging mimics the curbs in Ardsley and the neighborhood’s entrance pillars. The pathway, a mixture of sand and granite, is sustainable and ADA approved which was a key planning aspect for the build.
Funding for the project came from the garden club’s annual fundraiser, community grants, and a “Friends of the Fountain” campaign. The dedication on June 12, 2024, attracted over two hundred attendees, including Savannah city officials, club members from GCG headquarters, the Oleander District, APCCGC, Friends of the Fountain, and the Myrick family. Savannah’s Mayor Van Johnson led the countdown, and Mrs. Myrick’s great-great-grandson, Gus Scardino, had the honor of turning on the water, officially incorporating The Garden Keeper into the city’s cherished landmarks.
