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Native Plant Synoptic Garden
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Being funded by such a large number of contributors is another major variable in
determining a budget. Since the Washington Park Arboretum is a public park, everyone in the
community as well as the state is essentially a stakeholder in the park, and as stakeholders have a
vested interest in the types of projects that are planned and completed within the arboretum. For
this reason, major plans can take years to implement; everyone involved, be it employees or
stakeholders, must come to agreement on if, what, how, why, where, and when something should
be done in the arboretum. Traditionally, feasibility of a particular project within a setting such as
the Washington Park Arboretum depends on the availability of current funds and the probability
of additional funding.
The maintenance budget is dependent mainly on four major factors: time, rates of
inflation, availability of funds, and the vested interests of stakeholders. Attracting and soliciting
donations can be the key to the success of a project such as the Native Plant Synoptic Garden.
Having highly trained gardeners and arborists is one way to ensure stakeholders that proper
maintenance techniques are being utilized to achieve optimal levels of plant health and aesthetics;
this is one example of how and why donations may be secured. Rising costs in part due to
inflation, coupled with changing maintenance practices will ultimately determine the overall
maintenance budget. To ensure long-term success of the Native Plant Synoptic Garden and
Master Plan implementation, it may be essential to consult an economist. An economist can
follow inflation rate trends and precisely calculate future costs, revenue, and interest from
endowments and donations. “A certified economist is an invaluable resource for preparing and
finalizing an accurate maintenance budget” (Young et la, 1990).