This video is closed-captioned in English and Spanish. Este video tiene subtítulos en inglés y español.
Farrand described the Fountain Terrace as the one real flower garden of the terraces leading east from the house. Two paths from the Rose Garden terminate in iron balconies suspended over the borders of the Fountain Terrace ten feet below. Twin sets of flagstone steps lead to a landing with an oak and metal bench set beneath a lead and iron baldacchino. Above the bench is a plaque commemorating Matthew Kearney, the Irish-born superintendent of the gardens from 1949 to 1973. On the stone walls at the base of the staircases are reinforced concrete jardinières made in the 1920s by Maine potter Eric Ellis Soderholtz.
For the beds within the stone walls surrounding the Fountain Terrace, Farrand recommended a combination of flowers in shades of yellow, bronze, blue, and primrose, beginning with tulips in the spring followed by annuals in the summer and ending with chrysanthemums in the autumn. In the central lawn are two limestone pools, each featuring a lead sculpture of a putto holding a fish that spouts water from its mouth. In contrast to the earlier flagstone of the Rose Garden and the brick walkway of the Beech Terrace, the walkways within Fountain Terrace are turf.
More Exhibit Items
This small greenhouse is one of the oldest structures still standing on the grounds of Dumbarton Oaks.
This grassy terrace, shaded by a tall oak tree, provides a panoramic view of the entire estate.
The wide, shady branches of an enormous beech tree stretch over this quiet enclosed space.
The Urn Terrace serves as an ivied transition between the Beech Terrace, Box Walk, and Rose Garden.
A riotous variety of roses fills this sunny space between the Urn and Fountain Terraces.
A traditional flower garden in a blend of English Cottage and Arts and Crafts style.
The story of a terrier given to a Neapolitan girl by a French admiral inspired this column.
A shallow pool sits at the bottom of a small brick amphitheater, bordered by a stand of bamboo.
This narrow brick walk wends through a dreamlike woodland spotted with daffodils and hyacinths.
Hidden near the edge of the gardens, Lilac Circle offers a secluded spot for rest and contemplation.
When the trees blossom in springtime, this hillside becomes one of the gardens’ most magical spaces.
Blooming forsythia turns this corner of the gardens bright yellow at the beginning of spring.
Elaborate stonework and low flowerbeds play off trellises of wisteria in this stately courtyard.
This small room features custom stonework, wrought-iron furniture, and a fountain ornamented with various constellations.
The swimming pool and beautifully decorated loggia attest to Dumbarton Oaks’ history as a private residence.