The notched elliptical pond with statuary, one of two, serves as the focal point of the Fountain Terrace, which is fringed
with tulip beds. Beyond is the wisteria-covered Arbor Terrace.
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.
The Ellipse
Arbor Terrace
An outdoor terrace interweaves refined limestone copings and rusticated stone walls, flagstone, and wood. The dramatically
arched wood arbor, masculine in scale yet feminine in its lines, is covered with wisteria contorted and gnarled by the passage
of time. The bare vine has distinctive character in the winter, striking lavender blooms in spring, then dense foliage to
block the summer sun. A small balcony of wood, wrought iron, and stone overlooks the English-style Herbaceous Border below.
Beneath the arbor, the sound of water emanates from a limestone wall fountain. Intimate seating areas, including niches of
built-in stone benches, invite reflection.
Rose Garden
A large retaining wall of stone and brick encloses the Rose Garden without obstructing an expansive view of tulip poplars,
oaks, sycamores, and other hardwoods on the ridge below. Geometric patterns of rose beds look fabulous, even as the roses
(nearly 1,000) are coming into leaf. Large boxwoods, strategically placed, carry the design through winter when the plants
are not in bloom. With five entries, the garden serves as a pivot point. The brick quoins of the walls intersect with rough
fieldstone laid horizontally. Large bluestone flags strewn loosely on the paths and upright pieces of bluestone curb define
the beds. The Bliss family motto, Quod Severis Metes (As You Sow, So Shall You Reap), is carved on the back of a bench, proving no detail was too small to escape Farrand's discerning
eye.
For more on Dumbarton Oaks, call 202/339-6401 or visit www.doaks.org.
RESOURCES: John Howard, Howard Design Studio, 404/876-7051, www.howarddesignstudio.com.
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