Post-Katrina Changes
Hurricane Katrina caused a massive loss of plant life and damage to facilities that seriously injured the Garden's abilities to continue normal operation. Although nearly all of the buildings and sculptures were preserved, the storm's floodwaters of up to 3 feet remained for approximately 2 weeks, killing nearly 90% of the plant life contained in the gardens. Such a significant loss of flora resulted in a large resurgence of volunteerism and donations working to rebuild the grounds.
Post-Katrina, individuals from all over took it upon themselves to fight for the New Orleans Botanical Gardens and tried to raise money in anyway they could. One garden enthusiast from Alaska set up a donation center for New Orleans Botanical Gardens in his home and single-handedly raised thousands of dollars. Due to the combined efforts of many, few other costs to the visitor have been made since Katrina except for a dollar rise in the admission price. The same Garden Shows, concerts, and celebrations are still held here and almost all of the same classes are still offered.
Following a brief reopening for Celebration in the Oaks, The Botanical Garden reopened March 4, 2006, just nearly half a year after Katrina. Upon reopening, new classes were offered to teach New Orleanians how to successfully replant their gardens and how keep their plants alive, even with all the damage from brackish water. Also, the Botanical Garden held ongoing plant sales for the first time, offering everything from flowers to shrubs to trees.
Read more about this topic: New Orleans Botanical Garden