Joseph T. Bonadies: Home

Joseph T. Bonadies, a first-generation Italian American, born in Milltown, New Jersey, was appointed a student gardener at the New York Botanical Garden in 1940. Having attained general horticultural training at the State Institute of Applied Agriculture and practicum experiences planting trees, pruning and fertilizing lawns at the Flushing Cemetery Association, Bonadies gained knowledge in the horticulture and landscape departments.

As a student gardener, he completed courses such as: Cultivation of Trees and Shrubs, Plant Breeding, Economic Botany, Plants, Pests and Disease and excelled academically, scoring 85% and above. Horticulturist and Director of Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, Thomas H. Everett praised Bonadies stating, “I have always had the highest regard for Mr. Bonadies character and ability and I believe he is likely to prove successful in any phase of endeavor in which he engages. It is a personal pleasure for me to testify to the fine qualities of Mr. Bonadies...” Bonadies proved Mr. Everett correct, transitioning from student gardener to permanent staff gardener, a role he sustained up to 1946.

Upon leaving the Garden, Bonadies began employment as a Gardener and assistant to Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) Horticulturist, Robert Fisher (Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union, 1946). Positive compliments succeeded Bonadies, magnifying his aptitude and expertise. The Resident Director of MVLA, Charles Cecil Wall claimed, “Joe [Joseph] is well trained and is intelligent and conscientious and has proved to be a valuable addition to the garden staff.” (Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union, 1947)

A highly esteemed gardener, Bonadies work ethic caught the attention of the “most renowned nun in the world”, Sister Madeleva Wolff, CSC (Mandell, 2014). Sister Madeleva Wolff served as the third President of the Saint Mary College in 1934-1961. A poet, nun, educator, an advocate for women’s education, Wolff is prominently known for establishing the first institution in the United States in 1943, offering graduate degree in theology to women, the School of Sacred Theology.

Bonadies was specifically hired by Wolff to help bring her collegial landscape dream to life. Becoming the first gardener at Saint Mary College, “Joe transformed the already beautiful campus into a small Eden. Together, they devised massed plantings: of American beeches on the island in Lake Marian and a grove of pin oaks on the east side of campus. At her suggestion, he grafted a purple beech on a green one and planted it by the library, “to be seen in early spring,” she advised. Hemlocks, with their soft needles, were planted to be touched, a and Douglass firs for their scent.” (Mandell 1997, p. 232).

Four decades into his career at the college, Bonadies held positions as Superintendent of Grounds and Grounds Consultant from 1954-1991. Sadly, a year later post-retirement, he passed away. As one who took pride in his work, Bonadies was awarded Ground Manager of the Year (1982) from the oldest grounds professional organization, the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) (Obituary,1992). His work and professionalism was seen and felt around the seminary, prompting Saint Mary College to name a rock garden after him, the Bonadies Rock Garden. A master gardener in the field, Joseph T. Bonadies remains an influential individual during and after his time at the New York Botanical Garden.