Client

Paul Soniat is the founding director of the New Orleans Botanical Garden (NOBG) and Celebration in the Oaks in City Park. He overseas volunteer and educational programs, strengthening plant collections, managing finance and fund raising efforts and developing a master plan for the Garden. For the past 23 years, he has been directing the efforts to turn an old forgotten garden into one of the country’s premier Botanical Gardens. Following the destruction from hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Paul, along with a team of volunteers and donors, began a painstaking restoration of the NOBG. In just over six months, on March 4, 2006, the Botanical Garden reopened to the public becoming an encouraging symbol of hope for a city in recovery. Soniat is also a self-taught piano player and gifted composer. He has composed multiple CD’s that reflect New Orleans traditional style of music. He also introduced the very popular “Thursdays at Twilight” concert series at the Botanical Garden.