spruces are juxtaposed by a large Arbovitae and a bench with climbing hydrangea . The bench provides a phenomenal resting point , which is perfect for reflective contemplation in all seasons .
Walking up the steps from the Alpine and rock garden , one will find a large patio with intricate ironwork by Chaz Perkins . Perkins ’ flowerboxes were all made on-site , and the views through the “ Wisteria ” archway are certainly breathtaking . A jaunty stroll down a brick walkway , which is surrounded by astilbe , hemlock , a cedar bush , a Serbian spruce , peonies , and black-eyed Susans , leads to a juniper topiary and a group of “ Hildene ” peonies . Walking past , guests will lay eyes on the “ Gods
of Laughter and Sadness ” sculpture , a symbolic monument to Cooper ’ s love of theatre . After passing through the final two archways , a Celtic cross boxwood topiary signals the end of the immersive and breathtaking tour .
Cooper ’ s Commitment to Community
In addition to planting beautiful perennials and trees in the Rogerland gardens , Cooper has also planted powerful seeds of change through his philanthropic efforts . In an effort to help his developmentally-disabled son , Robin , Cooper played an integral role in the foundation of a Mount Kisco , NY-based nonrpofit , Community
Living Corporation ( CLC ), which provides quality care for disabled adults . “ I became Chairman of CLC in 1991 and I ’ ve been Chairman ever since ,” says Cooper . “ We started out with just helping 14 people . Today , we service about 2,500 people . We work with seven different affiliated organizations , such as the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York , Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center , and others under the ‘ CLC Group .’ We also do trust work to help create trusts for disabled people , and we oversee a 40-home residential program in Westchester as well as art education and transportation programs .”
Cooper finds immense fulfillment in his work with CLC . “ It ’ s probably the thing
FOR THE LOVE OF VERMONT THE LYMAN ORTON COLLECTION
FORTHELOVEOFVERMONT . COM | JULY - NOVEMBER 2023
1 Collection , 2 Exhibitions
Over 200 artworks featuring Vermont ’ s unique character , people , traditions and landscape . View the largest private collection of Vermont art at two of Vermont ’ s most celebrated museums .
Bennington Museum 802-447-1571 benningtonmuseum . org
Southern Vermont Arts Center
802-362-1405 svac . org
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