This video is closed-captioned in English and Spanish. Este video tiene subtítulos en inglés y español.
When the Blisses purchased Dumbarton Oaks, the South Lawn was filled with oaks and elms. Robert Bliss commented that “the house had no particular charm and the grounds [were] unkempt and in places overgrown but the beautiful trees gave promise of possibilities to a gardener.” Because many of these old specimens died within the next twenty years, Farrand suggested planting a considerable number of small trees among the roots of the larger trees, but this planting was never implemented.
To create additional privacy and to frame the view of the house from the street, Farrand added a mixture of evergreen trees to the existing deciduous. Along the R Street border, she planted a screen of trees and shrubbery arranged so that “passersby will not feel crudely excluded and yet privacy will be secured for the owners.”
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.