NEW IBERIA, La. — UPDATE: A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money to help repair the extensive damage done to Rip Van Winkle Gardens and neighboring Live Oak Gardens.
If you want to check it out,click here.
Due to extensive storm damage, Rip Van Winkle Gardens is requesting people to refrain from visiting until further notice.
Downed power lines have made the area unsafe. Only employees are permitted on-site, officials say.
Michael Richard, the owner's son told KATC he has fond memories of the gardens. "This was our favorite spot with all the really nice trees and beautiful scenery and now it's destroyed. It's heart wrenching," he said.
The gardens have suffered significant damage and will require considerable time to recover. Employees are working to repair the damage.
Visitors are asked to respect the efforts of the employees working on repairs by staying away from the gardens. The goal is to reopen the botanical gardens as quickly as possible.
A massive oak tree split in half and fell on top of Michael's house. "I went to check on my wife, the tree crashed through the ceiling while I was talking to her to get out of the room and then another piece of the tree fell," he said.
Michael's wife and son are safe and not injured.
Updates will be provided as progress is made.
Below is just some of the damage sustained by Rip Van Winkle Gardens.
