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Green Garden

This grassy terrace, shaded by a tall oak tree, provides a panoramic view of the entire estate.

This video is closed-captioned in English and Spanish. Este video tiene subtítulos en inglés y español.

Soon after the Blisses purchased Dumbarton Oaks, they demolished the barn, which was located north of the Orangery, and began the conversion of the stable yard into a Green Garden, which would in a sense be a part of the rooms looking out on it . . . and attractive throughout the winter. The Blisses visualized the garden as an outdoor entertaining area beyond the Orangery.

This terrace, at the highest elevation of the property, allows views over the garden terraces below to the hillsides to the north and the city to the east. Paths lead from the Green Garden to the Beech Terrace, the Pebble Garden, the North Vista, the Star Garden, and the Swimming Pool and Loggia.

Plaque dedicated to Beatrix Farrand set into balustrade at southern end of Green Garden

Set within the balustrade is a plaque dedicated to the friendship between the Blisses and Beatrix Farrand. The inscription reads: “Dumbarton Oaks. Somnia sub patulis videant nascentia ramis sidera fausa ferant omnia et usque bona. Testimonio amicitiae Beatricis Farrand nec illorum immemores qui postero aevo vitas veritati erunendae impenderint. Hanc tabellam posuerunt Robertus Woods Bliss uxorque Mildred.”

In Garden Ornament at Dumbarton Oaks, the Latin is translated as “May they see dreams springing from the spreading bough; may fortunate stars always bring them good omens. Witness to the friend of Beatrix Farrand, not unmindful of those who in a later age shall have spent their lives bringing forth the truth. This tablet has been placed by Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred.”

Garden ornament in the shape of a vase with a shell and vegetation atop the balustrade at the the northwest corner of the Green Garden

Garden ornament in the shape of a woven basket with flowers atop a brick column
Basket of flowers ornaments (one of four), limestone and lead, Beatrix Farrand, Armand Albert Rateau, ca. 1930.

 
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More Exhibit Items

South Lawn
South Lawn

This grassy expanse is sculpted by the old driveway that approaches the house.

Orangery
Orangery

This small greenhouse is one of the oldest structures still standing on the grounds of Dumbarton Oaks.

Green Garden
Green Garden

This grassy terrace, shaded by a tall oak tree, provides a panoramic view of the entire estate.

Beech Terrace
Beech Terrace

The wide, shady branches of an enormous beech tree stretch over this quiet enclosed space.

Urn Terrace
Urn Terrace

The Urn Terrace serves as an ivied transition between the Beech Terrace, Box Walk, and Rose Garden.

Rose Garden
Rose Garden

A riotous variety of roses fills this sunny space between the Urn and Fountain Terraces.

Fountain Terrace
Fountain Terrace

A traditional flower garden in a blend of English Cottage and Arts and Crafts style.

Arbor Terrace
Arbor Terrace

A wisteria-covered arbor opens onto a sunny terrace overlooking the lower gardens.

Terrior Column and Enclosure
Terrior Column and Enclosure

The story of a terrier given to a Neapolitan girl by a French admiral inspired this column.

Lovers’ Lane Pool
Lovers’ Lane Pool

A shallow pool sits at the bottom of a small brick amphitheater, bordered by a stand of bamboo.

Mélisande’s Allée
Mélisande’s Allée

This narrow brick walk wends through a dreamlike woodland spotted with daffodils and hyacinths.

Herbaceous Border
Herbaceous Border

These large flowerbeds explode with color the whole year round.

Orchard
Orchard

Apples, cherries, pears, and plums blossom and bear fruit every year in this small orchard.

Prunus Walk
Prunus Walk

The plum trees on this walk guide a visitor through the Kitchen Gardens.

Kitchen Gardens
Kitchen Gardens

This area includes a cutting garden for flowers and a working vegetable garden.

Lilac Circle
Lilac Circle

Hidden near the edge of the gardens, Lilac Circle offers a secluded spot for rest and contemplation.

Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill

When the trees blossom in springtime, this hillside becomes one of the gardens’ most magical spaces.

Catalogue House
Catalogue House

This small shelter at the edge of the gardens now houses educational displays.

Forsythia Dell
Forsythia Dell

Blooming forsythia turns this corner of the gardens bright yellow at the beginning of spring.

Ellipse
Ellipse

A double ring of hornbeams encircles a fountain, creating a hypnotic sense of calm.

Box Walk
Box Walk

This gently descending staircase, flanked by boxwood hedges, is the gardens’ central axis.

Pebble Garden
Pebble Garden

Elaborate stonework and low flowerbeds play off trellises of wisteria in this stately courtyard.

Crabapple Hill
Crabapple Hill

Farrand planned to feature a variety of similar blooms en masse here.

North Vista
North Vista

Elegantly tapering walls project a grand view from the steps of the historic house.

Ondine’s Walk
Ondine’s Walk

Swirling brickwork surrounds a Japanese maple just outside the museum.

Star Garden
Star Garden

This small room features custom stonework, wrought-iron furniture, and a fountain ornamented with various constellations.

Swimming Pool and Loggia
Swimming Pool and Loggia

The swimming pool and beautifully decorated loggia attest to Dumbarton Oaks’ history as a private residence.

Garden Library and Ribbon Walk
Garden Library and Ribbon Walk

The brick and limestone ribbon walks simulate the quality of flowing cloth.

East Lawn
East Lawn

“One of the loveliest of the features of Dumbarton Oaks in its freedom from detail.”