Dumbarton Oaks. Georgetown, Washington, DC, US.
Beatrix Farrand was one of the great landscape designers. If you can get to only one of her gardens, make it Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC. This is where I first became aware of her work. The moment I passed through the orangery into the Green Garden, one of many garden rooms and spaces, I could feel her brilliance. She provides reassuring formal spaces, open naturalistic areas, and even works in a lovely orchard. Each space flows seamlessly into the next. And no detail is too small.
Counting down to tulip season! Legend Beatrix Farrand wrote in 1941, “In the spring, probably the best bulbs to use will be Tulips, in such colors as may be found attractive. The cheapest groups which can be bought in large quantities are those of the mixed Darwins, preferably running toward the yellows, bronzes, and oranges..." Her Plant Book for Dumbarton Oaks is full of garden advice...