Rudy Favretti Receives Jainschigg Award

The Janet Jainschigg Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation for 2008 was presented to Rudy J. Favretti, FASLA, a leading authority in the field of historic landscape preservation whose work restoring some of the country’s most well known gardens and landscapes have set the standard for accurately recreating these tangible links to the past. The presentation took place at the Connecticut Trust’s annual meeting, held April 28 at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington.

A native of Mystic, Favretti holds degrees in horticulture, landscape architecture, and regional planning from the University of Connecticut, the University of Massachusetts, and Cornell University. In 1955, he joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut where he served for 33 years as professor of landscape architecture, and founded the nationally accredited landscape architecture program, the first academic program in the country devoted to historic landscapes.

He also conducted a private practice specializing in landscape preservation. Connecticut commissions include Roseland Cottage, in Woodstock; the Jonathan Trumbull house, in Lebanon; the Governor’s Mansion, in Hartford; the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer house, in Stonington; and numerous private properties around the state.

Outside of Connecticut, Favretti has worked on nationally significant historic landscapes at Old Sturbridge Village, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Montpelier, Strawberry Banke, the Emily Dickinson house, Bartram’s Garden, the Nathaniel Russell house, Shelburne Farms, and Spanish Point (the Potter Palmer estate), in Osprey, Florida.

Favretti has written numerous books and articles for both professional and general audiences, ranging from New England Colonial Gardens (1964), Colonial Gardens (1972), Highlights of Connecticut Agriculture (1976), For Every House a Garden (1977), and Landscapes and Gardens for Historic Buildings (1979) to his most recent publication, Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect (2007).

Presenting the award, Executive Director Helen Higgins said, “Beginning at a time when preservationists concerned themselves principally with buildings, you helped expand our concept of what is significant to include landscapes. As a practicing landscape architect you have studied and restored historic landscapes, including some of our nation’s most valued landmarks. As an author you have created an awareness of historic landscapes in homeowners as well as professionals. And as an educator you have helped ensure the continuation of your work through the careers of your students at the University of Connecticut.”

The Jainschigg award commemorates Janet G. Jainschigg, a founder and benefactor of the Connecticut Trust as well as a regional leader in historic preservation. She was a mentor and inspiration to many of us and, though a volunteer herself, insisted on the highest standards of professionalism. Rudy Favretti exemplifies the professional excellence that the Janet Jainschigg Award celebrates.