Of all the American gardens that have inspired my
work as a landscape architect, none surpasses Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown
in the outer limits of our nation's capital. The garden, which takes
precedents from great examples in England, France, and Italy, remains
quintessentially American with bold displays of plant material, sensitivity
to the terrain, and classic garden concepts that can be found at every
turn.
Beatrix Farrand, one of the earliest women to
practice landscape architecture in the United States, created the garden
between 1921 and 1948 for Robert and Mildred Bliss. Now open to the public,
Dumbarton Oaks represents her best-known work.
I first visited Dumbarton Oaks 20 years ago and
remember my initial impressions of the dramatic plantings, the extreme
terrain dropping off into Rock Creek Park, and the connectivity of
garden rooms, perfect for strolling, sitting, or meditating. Now having
seen the garden in every season over many years, I find my most lasting
inspirations come from its use of axis, focal points, vistas, enclosure,
hardscape detail, a lavish mix of materials, and the sequencing of spaces.
A trip to Washington, D.C., last spring would not
have been complete without my requisite walk to the highest point in
Georgetown to see the garden. With pen and notepad in tow, I jotted down
reminders of the genius of this place. Here are notes from my journal. I
invite you to join me on my tour.
North Vista
Characterized by a great sequence of terraced lawns leading away from the house, the strong axis of the North Vista terminates
with an ancient tulip poplar whose massive limbs spread beyond the width of
the lawn. I especially admire Farrand's mix of hardscape materials.
For example, the stonework in the walls leading away from the house subtly
progresses from smooth, civilized brick and limestone to more rugged,
natural stones laid loosely as one follows the paths into the distant
gardens.
Farrand also designed turf steps using brick risers.
The green steps act as a sort of "ha-ha" (the English technique
of using structure to conceal grade change and allow for a longer view).
Low walls of stone and brick with chains supporting wisteria vines partially enclose the vista but allow views of the hills. The axis is
equally strong in the opposite direction with four levels of terraced lawns
culminating with a view of the Federal-style mansion. Espaliered magnolias
create a geometric and textured pattern against the grand brick
façade.
