Map art by Spencer Lenfield, 2016. Additional Garden Video Tour credits.
South Lawn
This grassy expanse is sculpted by the old driveway that approaches the house.
Orangery
This small greenhouse is one of the oldest structures still standing on the grounds of Dumbarton Oaks.
Green Garden
This grassy terrace, shaded by a tall oak tree, provides panoramic view of the entire estate.
Beech Terrace
The wide, shady branches of an enormous beech tree stretch over this quiet enclosed space.
Urn Terrace
The Urn Terrace serves as an ivied transition between the Beech Terrace, Box Walk, and Rose Garden.
Rose Garden
A riotous variety of roses fills this sunny space between the Urn and Fountain Terraces.
Fountain Terrace
A traditional flower garden in a blend of English Cottage and Arts and Crafts style.
Arbor Terrace
A wisteria-covered arbor opens onto a sunny terrace overlooking the lower gardens.
Terrior Column and Enclosure
The story of a terrier given to a Neapolitan girl by a French admiral inspired this column.
Lovers’ Lane Pool
A shallow pool sits at the bottom of a small brick amphitheater, bordered by a stand of bamboo.
Mélisande’s Allée
This narrow brick walk wends through a dreamlike woodland spotted with daffodils and hyacinths.
Herbaceous Border
These large flowerbeds explode with color the whole year round.
Orchard
Apples, cherries, pears, and plums blossom and bear fruit every year in this small orchard.
Prunus Walk
The plum trees on this walk guide a visitor through the Kitchen Gardens.
Kitchen Gardens
This area includes a cutting garden for flowers and a working vegetable garden.
Lilac Circle
Hidden near the edge of the gardens, Lilac Circle offers a secluded spot for rest and contemplation.
Cherry Hill
When the trees blossom in springtime, this hillside becomes one of the gardens’ most magical spaces.
Catalogue House
This small shelter at the edge of the gardens now houses educational displays.
Forsythia Dell
Blooming forsythia turns this corner of the gardens bright yellow at the beginning of spring.
Ellipse
A double ring of hornbeams encircles a fountain, creating a hypnotic sense of calm.
Box Walk
This gently descending staircase, flanked by boxwood hedges, is the gardens’ central axis.
Pebble Garden
Elaborate stonework and low flowerbeds play off trellises of wisteria in this stately courtyard.
Crabapple Hill
Farrand planned to feature a variety of similar blooms en masse here.
North Vista
Elegantly tapering walls project a grand view from the steps of the historic house.
Ondine’s Walk
Swirling brickwork surrounds a Japanese maple just outside the museum.
Star Garden
This small room features custom stonework, wrought-iron furniture, and a fountain ornamented with various constellations.
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
The brick and limestone ribbon walks simulate the quality of flowing cloth.
East Lawn
“One of the loveliest of the features of Dumbarton Oaks in its freedom from detail.”