Map art by Spencer Lenfield, 2016. Additional Garden Video Tour credits.
Reflecting Pool
Mr. and Mrs. Yew
Plantings
Elizabethan Benches
Benches
Pineapple Ornaments
Provençal Fountain
Water Features
Stone Arch Bridge
Forsythia Gate
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 a 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.