Garden of NOLA

Paul Soniat was the founder of the New Orleans Botanical Garden and served as its director for just over 40 years. His dedication to curating the gardens is fueled by the reactions that he sees from visitors. 

They are constantly making efforts to craft unique experiences that will draw people in to enjoy nature. 

“It lowers their blood pressure and makes them feel more comfortable. It's that connection that's really special, you know?”

Plants are ever-changing, which means a lot of adapting for big gardens like this one, but Paul welcomes the challenge. 

“It's never staying the same, you know? So, you have to watch. You have to walk through. You have to see what's going on.”

In addition to his work with the gardens, Paul is also a musician. He was able to meld his two passions together by hosting concerts at the gardens - which many would say benefitted the plants growth. 

“Plants are sensitive to a lot of things, you know. So, yeah, they respond to music…you mix the music, you mix the gardens.”

A film by Declan Ryan.