Falling Forward

" We couldn't have asked for a more smooth process while building our pool "

Written by Burkholder Brothers Landscaping Friday, September 23 2011 11:15

Happy First Day of Fall! As we move away from summer and approach fall, it's nice to take a moment and look back on the highlights of summer events. Summer is a great time to catch up with friends and visit new places, and one summer trip we'd like to emphasize involves a road trip down to Washington, DC to visit the grounds of Dumbarton Oaks. Dumbarton is one of those hidden gems amidst the busyness of a city that everyone should visit at least once in life. The detail and beauty of the gardens are astounding. After hearing from multiple sources that this place was on the "must see" list, it was great to finally visit the grounds.

Before entering the estate, you get the sense that you are about to enter into something worthwhile. Nestled in the Georgetown area of DC, the grounds of Dumbarton are surrounded by large privacy walls and an intricate wrought iron gate. The details of the entrance alone are enough to set the stage for what's to come once inside. Upon entering the estate, you are led on a scavenger hunt as you follow the elaborate design that is meant to lead you from one outdoor room to another.

Ornate design of a gate leading from one outdoor room to another

Dumbarton Oaks was purchased by Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss in June of 1920. After buying the property, the couple hired Beatrix Farrand to transform the land surrounding the house into terraced garden rooms and vistas. Over time, a wonderful working relationship between Mildred Bliss and Beatrix Farrand blossomed to create a continuous development of the estate property. Through design and implementation, the land was separated into garden rooms, each with its own personality and use. Plant material and garden ornaments such as urns, benches, and finials were used to define space and lead the viewer from one space to another.

In 1959, Bliss began working more closely with Farrand's associate, Ruth Havey. As an associate of Farrand, Havey approached Farrand's design concepts with respect and understanding as she built upon the original designs by adding layers of complexity. One of the highlights at Dumbarton is the Pebble Garden near the estate pool which was designed by Havey. The intricacy of this design is undeniable, as it is created with pebbles imported from Mexico that are set into distinct patterns and colors. Curved limestone edgings enclose beds of thyme and sedum that are inlaid between the pebbles.

The Pebble Garden at Dumbarton Oaks, created by Ruth Havey

Seeing the attention to detail and carefully thought-out planning of this estate was a refreshing change to the often hurried and budget conscious designs of today. When great talent meets freedom and encouragement it usually creates a monumental result. Bliss clearly trusted Farrand and gave her the freedom to stretch her creative boundaries within the context of the property. The end result is a property full of energy, personality, and timeless beauty.