Historic landscapes are more than just beautiful settings; they are expressions of cultural and personal history. But what happens when the living elements of these landscapes—trees, gardens and plantings—begin to age or become unsustainable?

Sunnylands Director, Michaeleen Gallagher, uses Sunnylands, the historic Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage, California, as a case study in managing living collections. The Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands exhibition (currently on display at Sunnylands Center & Gardens through June 6, 2027) highlights how the estate’s iconic trees, some nearing the end of their life cycle, reflect both the estate's history and the challenges of maintaining these living treasures.

As the desert climate shifts, curators are faced with difficult decisions. Should aging trees be replaced in kind or adapted to current conditions? How can change be introduced without compromising historical integrity?

Discover how historic sites like Sunnylands balance legacy with sustainability, making critical choices about preservation, adaptation and the future of their living collections. Join us for a conversation on the challenges, ethics and artistry of conserving landscapes that are both timeless and temporary.

Sunnylands.org