The Formal Garden
The Poplar Allee
(photo: Susan Darrin)
Restored to its 1920s Colonial Revival style, The King's Garden teems with thousands of flowers and shrubs. The formal elements – a reflecting pool, manicured lawn and hedges, and brick walls and walkways – are softened by a profusion of annual and perennials, carefully arranged by color and form.
Trees, Plants & Flowers
Heirloom flowers and modern cultivars are used to recreate the historic planting scheme. Several varieties survive from the original installation and most are labeled.
Visitor favorites include the lavender border, towering hollyhocks, bearded irises, dinner plate dahlias and many types of phlox.
- View the 2008 plant list
- View the 1921 planting plan list
Structure & Ornament
The Young Diana
by Anna Hyatt Huntington
A garden is defined by its framework: walls, paths, beds, outbuildings, pools and patios. Our nine-foot brick walls create a backdrop for borders while geometrically shaped beds anchor the central lawn and reflecting pool. Stroll along paths to a shady seating area in the teahouse, a significant two-story architectural design element.
King's Garden teahouse
with Irises
Lord and Burnham greenhouse
and cosmos
Gates of wrought iron and steel, urns, benches, a lead watering trough and numerous plaques and ornaments decorate the garden. The Young Diana, a bronze by sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington is the garden's crowning jewel.
A Lord and Burnham greenhouse once used to start vegetables showcases turn-of-the-century craftsmanship in glass, metal and wood. Step inside for activities and displays about plant life.
