The successful regeneration of Samuel Johnson’s favourite tree at prestigious sites in the United States of America has been honoured at two special ceremonies.
We have collaborated with The Johnson Society on the project to see cuttings from Johnson’s Willow planted at Vassar College, New York and Graeme Park, Pennsylvania.
The initiative was inspired by the poet Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson, who in 1787 expressed the wish that “Some thriving, blooming, verdant, Sprig” from the willow would one day reach America to symbolise the transmission of culture from Britain to the New World.
Sitting beside Lichfield’s Stowe Pool, the willow would always be visited by Johnson when he returned to the city as an adult. Originating around 1700, the fifth generation of the tree was planted at the pool in 2021 after nurturing by Lichfield District Council community gardener Paul Niven.
It is cuttings from the fourth generation that were transported to the USA in 2022 where they were quarantined for two years by the US Department Of Agriculture before the planting last year.
Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson lived at Graeme Park while Vassar College is the institution where Robert DeMaria, Jr, Professor of English, former President of The Johnson Society and Johnson scholar, teaches.
Earlier this month ceremonies were held at both sites to honour the cuttings, and to formally present bronze plaques for them, supplied by The Johnson Society which encourages interest in and study of the life and writings of Lichfield’s most famous son.
The ceremony in Graeme Park (11 September) was introduced by Beth MacCausland, President of The Friends of Graeme Park, and the Vassar College ceremony (13 September) by Robert DeMaria, Jr.
Speakers at both ceremonies expressed their appreciation of the effort which had gone into the project and thought that the story of the final fulfilment of Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson’s wish was a remarkable and moving one.
John Winterton, The Johnson Society’s Heritage Secretary, said:
“Six years after I first suggested this project, seeing the cuttings thriving in their new homes was for me the realisation of a dream. The project has been an excellent example of heritage teamwork, with bodies on both sides of the Atlantic working together to make it happen. I hope that the willow’s presence in America will enable many more people to learn about the tree and its connections with both Johnson and Fergusson.”
Paul Niven, Lichfield District Council’s Community Gardener, said:
“I am delighted that the Johnson’s Willow cuttings have been honoured with these special ceremonies in America. It’s lovely to know that the propagation of the tree in the United States has been a success.”
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste, said:
“Vassar College and Graeme Park are fitting locations for cuttings of Johnson’s Willow to be situated. Thank you to John Winterton and The Johnson Society and Paul Niven for all their work in completing this excellent project.”