Beatrix Farrand's Plant Book for Dumbarton Oaks: Revised Edition

by Beatrix Farrand, Jonathan Kavalier (Editor), Thaïsa Way (Preface by)

Overview

The Plant Book for Dumbarton Oaks was prepared by Beatrix Farrand as a resource for those charged with maintenance of the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens following their acquisition by Harvard University in 1941. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gardens, and in conjunction with the Farrand’s 150th birthday, this new edition contains updated commentary and new contemporary and historical photography, showing the gardens in all their current beauty and as they were conceived and created. Accompanying the original plant lists, Farrand’s text carefully explains the reasoning behind her plan for each of the gardens and shares how each should be cared for in order that its basic character should remain intact. While she provides suggestions for alternative plantings, strictures concerning pruning and replacement, and exposition of the overall concept that underlies each detail, Jonathan Kavalier’s thoughtful commentary provides context for changes that have affected new plant choices for the gardens, such as new, disease resistant cultivars and recognition that some plants are now considered invasive. This book is an excellent companion to a stroll through the garden for any lover of plants and landscape architecture, and any fan of Farrand’s garden design.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780884024811
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	07/19/2022
Series:	Dumbarton Oaks Other Titles in Garden History
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.55(d)

About the Author

Jonathan Kavalier is Director of Gardens and Grounds at Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection.

Thaïsa Way is the Director of Garden and Landscape Studies at Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection.

Table of Contents

An Attempted Evocation of a Personality Mildred Bliss 1

Foreword to the 1980 Edition Diane Kostial Mcguire 5

Foreword to the 2022 Edition Thaïsa Way 15

Introduction Jonathan Kavalier 25

The Plant Book

The South Front 37

Planting around the South Side of Dumbarton Oaks House 37

The South Front of the Orangery 43

The South Lawn 48

The East (Entrance) Drive 51

The West (Exit) Drive 54

Planting Along the R Street Wall between the Entrance and Exit Gates 56

The Inner Edges of the East Lawn 60

The Path around the East Lawn 62

The Inner Edge from the Entrance Gate to the Terrior Column 62

The Outer Edge from the Entrance Gate to the Terrior Column 66

The Terrior Enclosure 70

Path Edging from the South Gate of the Fountain Terrace to the Orangery 72

Enclosed Gardens 85

The Green Garden and the North Front of the Orangery 85

The Star Garden 91

The North Vista 94

The Terrace Adjoining the House 94

The Cedar Terrace and the Terrace Below 101

The North Section 103

The Tunnel 104

Planting Beyond the West Wall 105

The Swimming Pool and Its Surroundings 106

The Stairway East of the Orangery 117

The Beech Terrace 120

The Box Terrace 124

The Rose Garden 128

The Fountain Terrace 137

The Herb Garden and Wisteria Arbor 143

The Box Walk 151

The Box Ellipse 155

Informal Gardens 159

Crabapple Hill 159

The Walk Leading from the Garage Court to the Box Ellipse 167

The Forsythia Dell 175

The Walk Along the North Side of the Box Ellipse, Over the Catalogue Hill 178

Cherry Hill, North and West of the Frameyard 181

The Steps from the Kitchen Garden to the Lilac Circle, the Lovers' Lane Trellis, and the Fence 189

The North End of Mélisande's Allée, Below the Change of Level 194

The Upper Level of Mélisande's Allée 199

The Lovers' Lane Screen Plantations 201

The Lovers' Lane Pool 205

The Orchard 211

The Goat Trail and the Steps to the Herbaceous Border 215

The Herbaceous Border 219

The Walk Connecting the Herbaceous Border with the Box Walk 225

The Museum Wing and Area Not Generally Open to the Public 229

The Museum Courtyard 229

The Service Entrance at 1701 Thirty-Second Street 231

Inside the Thirty-Second Street Wall 235

Plantings North of the Music Room 237

The Copse North of the Music Room 239

The Director's House and Terrace 246

The Service Driveway from Thirty-Second Street to the Garage Court 249

The Garage Court 252

The Superintendent's Cottage 255

The Knoll to the West of the Superintendent's Cottage 258

The Cottage Northeast of the Fellows' Quarters 260

The Fellows' Quarters 263

The Enclosed Yard to the North of the Fellows' Quarters 269

Editorial Reviews

The publishing of the Plant Book contributes significantly to the literature of twentieth-century landscape architecture in this country.

Radcliffe Quarterly