We set off in search of Dumbarten Oaks but before we got there came across the garden at the Tudor Place on 31st Street NW. Originally opened by a granddaughter of Martha Washington. We only had time for walking the gardens rather than the guided tour of the house, but in between showers, it was beautiful. The house was built in 1815 and includes 5 1/2 acres of land. It remained in the hands of the same family until 1983. The plants are being accessioned into the museum holdings as a living collection. I loved the outdoor rooms (walked through but couldn’t sit down because everything was wet. Here are some highlights:
A gate like that would be welcoming…
The store had fascinators so you can outfit yourself for a royal wedding!
Old trees, formal beds…
Places to sit (they recently lost all their fish in the ponds because they do not know how to hide). Along with the formal parts there is also a dell
(And mosquitos…)
Love the boy and his dolphin…
My favorite plants…
And historic restored cold frames to grow them…
It was a beautiful stroll through history (I have a feeling I am going to be saying that a lot this week.
Lois Reynolds Mead 