United States of America -- Nebraska -- Douglas County -- Omaha
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets, site plans, and other information.
General:
Located on less than an acre, Frances Dowd Gardens was originally an 80 acre dairy farm that was subdivided by Archibald Love into Loveland Subdivision in 1922. This property's home was built in 1941, and an additional 36 feet x 177 feet of land was purchased to square off the back yard in 1975. At that time, the owners began in earnest to create the garden. Vines, rogue trees and shrubs were removed. Healthy trees were trimmed and new trees were planted. Gardens were designed, dug and planted along with new fencing and trellises added. A vegetable garden was also started in a fenced off area.
In 2000 a request was made from an ad agency representing Coke to film a commercial in their garden. The fee for the use of their property was donated to the Lauritzen Garden at Omaha's Botanical Center.
From 1971-2008 many additions were added to the home and grounds.The grounds improvements include: a screened porch and gazebo, two level brick and stone patio, trellis covered garden seat and playhouse.
An overview of the plantings include: several Hydrangea, Roses, Lilacs, Yew's, Box wood and Holly shrub varieties. Sun and shade perennials such as: Astilbe, Columbine, Aster, Geranium, Hibiscus, Peony, Sedum and many Hosta varieties. Trees include: Maple, redbud, dogwood, Hawthorn, American beech, white ash, White pine, Red oak, Chinese elm and different viburnum.
Persons associated with the property include: William and Charlotte Montgomery (former owners, 1941-1958), Robert and Jane Finnman (former owners, 1958-1964), Mary and William Grady (former owners, 1964-1966), Jeffery Mink (landscape architect), Matthew Dowd (builder and designer).
Related Materials:
Frances Dowd Gardens related holdings consist of 1 folder (20 35 mm. slides)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
