Last updated: March 12, 2024
Place
The Colonial Revival Garden
Quick Facts
Location:
1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Significance:
Colonial Revival
Designation:
National Monument
Gardens in the Colonial Revival era (1860-1940) were inspired by perceptions of historical, colonial gardens that were common and found everywhere. At George Washington Birthplace, the National Park Service and the Wakefield National Memorial Association both had ideas for the garden's layout.
The National Park Service landscape architects proposed a garden that would be divided into two sections and filled with period specific plants, surrounded by a brick walk and boxwoods that descended from original Washington hedges.
The Wakefield National Memorial Association planned a much different garden. The group wanted to restore the "old-fashion flower garden,” they believed had existed during the Washington period of occupation and to place seating areas throughout the garden to use for relaxation and reflection.
When work commenced on the garden in 1931, the garden took on more of the National Park Service's vision, however, the Wakefield National Memorial Association also made contributions to the overall appearance of the space, including adding a sundial in a prominent location.
Over ninety years later, the Colonial Revival Garden is one of the most visited locations in the park and is maintained by the Northern Neck Master Gardeners, who keep the garden looking as beautiful as when it was created.
The National Park Service landscape architects proposed a garden that would be divided into two sections and filled with period specific plants, surrounded by a brick walk and boxwoods that descended from original Washington hedges.
The Wakefield National Memorial Association planned a much different garden. The group wanted to restore the "old-fashion flower garden,” they believed had existed during the Washington period of occupation and to place seating areas throughout the garden to use for relaxation and reflection.
When work commenced on the garden in 1931, the garden took on more of the National Park Service's vision, however, the Wakefield National Memorial Association also made contributions to the overall appearance of the space, including adding a sundial in a prominent location.
Over ninety years later, the Colonial Revival Garden is one of the most visited locations in the park and is maintained by the Northern Neck Master Gardeners, who keep the garden looking as beautiful as when it was created.