The folder includes worksheets, photocopies (with photo illustrations) of book sections and articles about the gardens, and other information.
General:
Woodhaven was the estate of Robert Foster and Laura Baxter Maddox and at the time it was first developed, in the early 1900s, lay about six miles north of downtown Atlanta in what is now the Buckhead section of the city. Beginning with a 75-acre property where woods ended in a deep ravine, the owners (with Laura Maddox doing the design work) adapted the site to more favorable landscape conditions. The ravine was terraced to prevent erosion and became an expansive, terraced sunken garden, the first formal garden of any significance in Atlanta. Native trees were augmented with ornamental trees and shrubs, while the bowl of the ravine became a pool to hold the water that naturally drained there. The circular surrounding area was frequently used as a natural theater. In addition to this sunken garden there was also a "Pergola Garden." Roses, perennials, hedges, lawns, walkways, sculpture, and other features made this a garden of interest in all seasons. After World War II the property was subdivided, with the Maddox family retaining 25 acres. In the 1960s the State of Georgia purchased about 20 acres as the site for a new governor's mansion. The Maddox house was demolished, although the gardens and carriage house were retained (noted landscape architect Edward L. Daugherty designed the site immediately around the new governor's mansion). Significant enhancements to the gardens were made in the 1980s.
Images of the garden as it existed during the ownership of the Maddox family were used to create the slide copies in the Archives of American Gardens' collection, which apparently date to 1987.
Persons associated with the garden include Robert Foster and Laura Baxter Maddox (former owners and landscape designer, 1906-1965).
Related Materials:
Woodhaven related holdings consist of 1 folder (23 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.
