0 Photographic prints (black and white, 3 1/2 x 5 inches)
0 Photographic prints (black and white, 8 x 10 inches)
0 Contact sheets (black and white)
35mm slides (photographs) (color, 2 x 2 inches)
0 Negatives (35mm negatives, color)
0 Negatives (black & white, 4 x 5 inches)
0 Negatives (120mm negatives, black and white, 2 x 2 inches)
0 Film transparency (color, 4 x 5 inches)
0 Transparencies (120mm transparencies, color, 2 x 2 inches)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Photographic prints
Contact sheets
Negatives
Film transparency
Transparencies
Film transparencies
Color negatives
Black-and-white photographs
Photographs
Color photographs
Slides (photographs)
Black-and-white negatives
Date:
circa 1960-1994
Summary:
The Maida Babson Adams American Garden Collection documents the work of Molly Adams, a free-lance garden photographer who photographed hundreds of private and public gardens, many of them in the mid-Atlantic region, from the late 1950s through the mid-1990s. It includes slides, photographic prints, negatives and transparencies. A significant number of images document the work of landscape designers Nelva M. Weber, Alice Recknagel Ireys, and Friede Stege. Roughly 50 gardens do not have an identified location. Some images have captions and other information written on them.
Scope and Contents:
The Maida Babson Adams American Gardens Collection includes a total of 7,606 images documenting close to 400 gardens photographed by Molly Adams from the 1950s to the 1990s. Although most images document gardens in New Jersey, the collection also includes gardens in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. While the vast majority of gardens in the collection are private, there are also some public gardens and venues like the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in New Jersey, the International Flower Show in New York City, and the White House in Washington, D.C. A number of gardens were photographed during organized garden or horticultural tours or annual meetings of the Garden Club of America.
A significant number of images document the work of landscape designers Alice Ireys, Nelva Weber, and Friede Stege. Approximately 85 gardens in the collection are unidentified as to their location and/or client.
Relatively few images are captioned or dated; Adams often labeled a film envelope or back of a photograph or contact sheet with just a client surname and the designer (if it was Ireys, Weber, or Stege). In some cases, additional information about a garden's location or owner's full name was gleaned from the finding aids for the Alice Recknagel Ireys Papers or the Nelva Weber Papers. Some images were accompanied by clippings from newspapers or magazines that featured one or more related images by Adams; most of these clippings date from the 1950s and 1960s. There is also a file of general clippings of Adams' work; many of these do not identify the garden that is shown.
Most of the images are black and white, though there are a number taken in color. Adams' contact sheets and photo envelopes were sometimes marked with cropping marks or photo developing notes respectively.
Biographical / Historical:
Molly (Maida Babson) Adams (1918 - 2003) had a 40+ year career as a nationally recognized free-lance garden and wildlife photographer and conservationist. Her images were published under the name "Molly Adams." Adams was born in Orange, New Jersey and lived over fifty years in Mendham Township, New Jersey. As a teenager she became interested in photography; she later attended the New York Institute of Photography and became a member of the New York Camera Club.
Her photographs were featured in numerous newspapers and magazines including the "New York Times," "New York Herald Tribune," "House Beautiful," "Horticulture," "Home Garden," and "Audubon." During the Kennedy administration, she photographed the White House Rose Garden; these photographs were later published in "Flower Grower."
Adams provided hundreds of photographs for "How to Plan and Plant Your Own Property" (1967) by landscape architect Alice Recknagel Ireys and "How to Plan Your Own Home Landscape" (1976) by landscape designer Nelva M. Weber. Her images were also published in books including "The Reader's Digest Practical Guide to Home Landscaping," and "The Complete Illustrated Book of Garden Magic." Adams also occasionally wrote garden-themed articles. A longtime member in the Somerset Hills (NJ) Garden Club, which is part of the Garden Club of America, Adams once served as the latter's official photographer.
In the 1960's Adams' photographs drew attention to conservation issues related to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern New Jersey. These widely publicized photographs rallied public support against the proposed destruction of the Great Swamp for the construction of an airport. Adams was also active as a member of the Mendham Township Environmental Commission and the North Jersey Conservation Foundation. In the 1980's she was awarded the Buckley Medal of Merit for Horticultural Achievement by the Garden Club of America for her photographs used in the postcard campaign "Save Our Vanishing Wild Flowers."
Related Archival Materials Note:
The Alice Recknagel Ireys Papers in the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, include photographs by Molly Adams.
The Nelva Weber Papers in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections at Cornell University Library in Ithaca, New York, likely include photographs by Molly Adams.
Separated Materials:
The North Jersey History & Genealogy Center at The Morristown & Morris Township Library in New Jersey has a collection of images by Molly Adams showcasing nature scenes and birds.
Provenance:
Adams' family donated her collection of garden images to the Smithsonian's Archives of American Gardens after her death in 2003.
Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Morris County -- Mendham
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets, a magazine clipping, and other information.
General:
Spring Brook House was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wellington B. Hay. Noted especially for its extensive plantings of iris, the design of its gardens involved the work of both Fletcher Steele and Nelva M. Weber. In 1948 Steele designed expansive garden borders adjacent to the property's planting of strawberries and vegetables. Nelva M. Weber's later contribution involved a more intimate brick-walled garden area and featured a variety of perennials and shrubs. The property's rural setting provided views to the surrounding hills, while clipped linden trees highlighted the transition from the home to garden areas.
Persons associated with the garden include Fletcher Steele (landscape architect, 1948); Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, ca. 1957); and Mr. and Mrs. Wellington B. Hay (former owners, ca. 1945-1976).
Related Materials:
Spring Brook House related holdings consist of 1 folder (20 photographic prints; 1 film transparency; 33 safety film negatives)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- Connecticut -- Litchfield County -- Kent
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes work sheets and photocopies of articles about the garden.
General:
This 200-acre country estate's gardens were originally designed by Russell Page. Landscape architect Nelva Weber was also involved in certain aspects of the early design, while Caroline Burgess was involved with additional garden design and planting in the early 1990s. The garden, which blooms continuously from May to October, features herbaceous borders, a double aisle of crabapple trees, yew hedges, hosta-lined stone steps, a formal garden centered on an English fountain, and other design elements that complement and incorporate views of the surrounding landscape.
Persons and organizations associated with the garden include: Russell Page (landscape architect, ca. 1972); Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, ca. 1972); and Caroline Burgess (garden designer and horticulturist, ca. 1992-1994).
Related Materials:
Brook Hill Farm related holdings consist of 1 folder (2 35 mm. slides)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New York -- Westchester County -- Bedford
Scope and Contents:
Lockwood Garden related holdings consist of 2 folders (19 35 mm. slides; 2 photoprints; 1 120 mm. transparency; 29 negatives), The folders include worksheets, an abbreviated garden plan, a plan of the parterre garden, photocopies of articles about the garden, and a letter from Henrietta Lockwood to Nelva M. Weber.
General:
This garden in Westchester County was established in 1938 on an old farm. The owners, John and Henrietta Lockwood, began a process of remodeling, design, and land development that continued for over 60 years until Mrs. Lockwood's death. Growing places may be found throughout the multi-acre property (of the eventual 100+ acres all but 13 have been deeded to a local nature conservancy). A lean-to greenhouse on the north end of the kitchen wing provides the winter display area for streptocarpus, camellias and other potted plants. It is here that seeds of all sorts are sown and grown under fluorescent light until they are large enough to be taken to the much larger greenhouse across the drive. A winding path through a grassy meadow planted with apple trees leads from the house to the flower and vegetable gardens. The site now features a patterned design based on a medieval, four-part parterre garden--two diamond shapes and two round--using bricks as edging for the beds, and also includes four iron umbrella tripods that serve as supports for clematis. Beyond the flower garden is an extensive vegetable garden and berry patch that produce fresh summer harvests for the table as well as the freezer. Many varieties of clematis are found tumbling informally atop stone walls, weaving through bushes and climbing obediently up the tan house walls, reflecting the owner's passion for this plant. Daphne is another particular favorite.
Each fall on the east side of the guest house an ingenious portable greenhouse is erected to house many tender potted plants, particularly winter-flowering camellias. Nearby a rock ledge forms a terrace for the guest house; beyond is a severe drop into the cool, dark woods. Featured plants in this area include yellow corydalis, mimosa trees, ferns, and woodland flowers. Just outside the guest house potted fig trees and an arbor of grapes provide shade. Inside the main house is a tiny greenhouse. To the rear of the house, along the edge of the brick terrace, blue pansies bloom with spring flowers and are later joined by pots of standard fuchsias and roses. The old well house still stands in the middle of a brick terrace surround by white alyssum volunteers. Beautiful clay pots of unusual collected plants are everywhere. This is a perfect country garden with its meadow views and unusual plant combinations, a tribute to its owners' lifelong devotion to its design, development, and care.
Persons associated with the garden include: John E. and Henrietta Sedgwick Lockwood (former owners, 1938-2001); the Bulloch family (former owners, before 1938); Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect); and Robin Zitter (horticulturist and gardener, 1984 to date).
See others in:
Maida Babson Adams American Garden Collection, ca. 1960-1994.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- Connecticut -- Litchfield County -- Litchfield
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets, a photocopy of an article with images of the property, and additional information.
General:
Nelva M. Weber was the landscape architect responsible for garden design at Flying Brook Farm, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D'Assern. The spacious rural property, with views of the Litchfield Hills, featured an in-ground swimming pool set in the midst of an apple orchard. Weber designed a free-form poolside seating terrace to take advantage of the shade of one of the trees. A covered terrace adjacent to the house provided outdoor seating and was separated from the lawn by flower borders. Less formally, an enclosed vegetable garden maintained a country flavor while benefitting from clear delineation by fence and gate. The number of images taken of this site and its being featured multiple times in Weber's 1976 book may indicate that this was one of the landscape architect's favorite designs.
Persons associated with the garden include Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, ca. 1970) and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D'Assern (former owners).
Related Materials:
Flying Brook Farm related holdings consist of 1 folder (47 photographic prints; 75 safety film negatives; 2 slides (photographs))
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Morris County -- Morristown
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and other information.
General:
With design work by Nelva M. Weber, this was the home of Dr. Inglis Folger Frost, a well-known physician who practiced in Morristown, New Jersey. The site is assumed to have been in the Morristown area, but may have been in nearby New Vernon. The suburban home featured spacious lawns surrounded by trees, and also incorporated specimen trees in the lawn areas. A long driveway was lined on one side by a pleached hedge. A low brick wall at the end of one of the lawns enclosed a small pool accented by whimsical frog and squirrel statues. An awning overhung a modest patio and outdoor living area, while the front of the house was landscaped with randomly placed shrubs and trees.
Persons associated with the garden include Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, ca. 1965-1976) and Dr. Inglis Folger Frost (former owner, ca. 1965-1976).
Related Materials:
Frost Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (1 photographic print; 8 contact prints; 12 safety film negatives)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Morris County -- Morristown
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and photocopies of published images and a book excerpt about Robert Morris Park.
General:
This garden was located in the post-World War II Robert Morris Park development in Morristown, New Jersey. Shrubs, trees, ground cover plants, a lawn, and a patio for outdoor living complemented the contemporary-style house. The landscape design was by Nelva M. Weber.
Related Materials:
Gleason Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (10 safety film negatives)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Morris County -- New Vernon
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and other information.
General:
With design work by Nelva M. Weber, this site's key feature was a brick patio enclosed on three sides by its colonial revival house. Accented by a honey locust tree, the patio included ample outdoor seating On its open end stood a sundial and stairs climbing to a lawn, with a meadow and trees beyond. A brick walk led around the house to a lower level gated garden that appears to have featured an ornate wall fountain. Eventually one reached a boxwood bordered lawn area with an ornamental stone bench on one side. The site's spacious country setting provided numerous viewpoints across the lawns to surrounding trees and woodlands.
Persons associated with the garden include Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, ca. 1973) and Winston Keith (former owner, ca. 1973).
Related Materials:
Keith Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (1 photographic print; 20 contact prints; 18 safety film negatives)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Morris County -- New Vernon
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and other information.
General:
The home of Gustav H. and Jane Crowley Koven was photographed twice by Molly Adams: once before 1976 and again in 1985. Nelva M. Weber's design for the property featured a tree-lined driveway leading to house, which was slightly elevated from the driveway level and set off by a brick wall and stairs. By 1985 two garden areas had been developed adjacent to an in-ground swimming pool, one for flowers and the other for vegetables. Surrounding woods contrasted with the openness of the grounds around the house.
Persons associated with the garden include Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, ca. 1970-1975); and Gustav H. and Jane Crowley Koven (former owners, ca. 1960-2005).
Related Materials:
Koven Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (2 photographic prints; 16 safety film negatives; 7 slides (photographs))
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Morris County -- New Vernon
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and other information.
General:
Molly Adams labelled the sleeve in which the negatives for this garden were found "Weber Zenker July '73," so it is reasonably certain that the negatives are of this site and time. However, images of another garden, NJ108 (Buttonbrook in Far Hills, NJ) were also found in this same sleeve, while the three contact prints, which show a developed garden, may or may not be the same site depicted in the negatives. In the absence of further information all six images have been identified as the Zenker Garden. One of the contact prints is an image included in Nelva M. Weber's 1976 book, How to Plan Your Own Home Landscape, establishing an upper cutoff date for the garden images of 1976. The negatives depict the construction site of a new home, while the three contact prints show a raised bed garden, a driveway and parking area, and a vine covered areaway adjacent to tool storage.
Persons associated with the garden include: Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, 1973) and Dr. David Ogden and Jeanne Tucker Zenker (former owners, ca. 1973-2000).
Related Materials:
Zenker Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (3 safety film negatives; 3 contact prints)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Morris County -- New Vernon
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and other information.
General:
The McShane Garden featured design work by landscape architect Nelva M. Weber. The back of the irregularly shaped house was delineated by a stone wall outlining terrace and lawn areas. One free-form flagstone terrace, flush with its adjacent lawn, provided ample space for outdoor living and entertaining. Two sets of stone stairs led down to more lawns, a swimming pool, and an adjacent bath house and sunning area. Weber designed a wide paving border to the pool to prevent grass clippings from entering the water. The front of the house was reached by a curved walk from the driveway and featured a variety of shrubs, trees, and plant containers, including a window box. More shrubs and trees were found at the back of the house, with views of the property's adjacent woodlands.
Persons associated with the garden include: Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, 1973) and Gordon and Mary McShane (former owners, 1973).
Related Materials:
McShane Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (22 safety film negatives; 1 photograph)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Hunterdon County -- Oldwick
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and photocopies of correspondence.
General:
Possibly designed by Nelva M. Weber, this garden was situated in a rural setting, with views of surrounding hills and fields. A large lawn leading from the porch at one end of the house was surrounded on three sides by garden borders backed by a stone wall. Accent features included a bench, arbor, and sundial. Mature trees and shrubs were featured both inside and outside the walls. The garden was featured on the 1996 House and Garden Tour sponsored by the Garden Club of Somerset Hills.
Related Materials:
Taggart Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (7 slides (photographs))
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Somerset County -- Peapack
Scope and Contents:
The folders include worksheets, designs and planting plans from 1971-1973 and 1975, correspondence, and photocopies of an article about the property.
General:
Vernon Manor II was built around 1970 by Edith Blair Gambrill, whose former home, Vernon Manor I (she retained the name for her new home) is also included in the Archives of American Gardens (see NJ107). The gardens were designed by Nelva M. Weber and featured a marble fountain (brought from Vernon Manor I) in the midst of formal gardens and terraces, as well as plantings to provide cover and food for birds (reflecting a primary interest of the property owner).
The 1989 closing date reflects the date of duplication of some of the slides; original images were created between 1971 and 1979.
Related Materials:
Vernon Manor II related holdings consist of 2 folders (25 35 mm. slides; 35 negatives; 17 photoprints)
See others in:
Garden Club of America Collection, ca. 1920-[ongoing].
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
17 Negative prints (black and white, negatives,, 2 x 2 in. )
16 Prints (black and white, prints, 9 x 7 in, 2 x 2 in, 9 x 4 1/2 in.)
Type:
Archival materials
Negative prints
Prints
Place:
Horizon Hill (Bernardsville, New Jersey)
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Somerset County -- Bernardsville
Related Materials:
Garden is featured in Nelva W. Weber, "How to Plan Your Own Home Landscape," (Indianapolis/New York: Bobbs-Merrill, 1976).
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
Topic:
Gardens -- New Jersey -- Bernardsville Search this
Collection Citation:
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, Maida Babson Adams American garden collection.
United States of America -- New Jersey -- Somerset County -- Somerville
Scope and Contents:
The folders include worksheets, correspondence, a photocopy of a book section about the garden, and other information.
General:
Four Oaks Farm was the home of noted bibliophile Mary Morley Crapo Hyde, Viscountess Eccles. Gardener George Knapp was responsible for much of the five-acre site's design, although Nelva M. Weber and Alfred Geiffert also contributed their expertise. Surrounding an 18th-century farmhouse with an added Greek Revival portico, the garden was started in 1946. Existing brick and cobblestone terraces provided a basis for the overall design, which involved the development of individual garden areas adjacent to the terraces, among other features. Water was highlighted in several locations, including a small pool overlooked by a statue of Shakespeare, a pond made by damming an old creek, and another creek whose banks were planted with Japanese iris, hemlock, and other shrubs. Individual garden areas included a walled garden, a crabapple garden, a vegetable and cutting garden, and the Bear Garden, named for a bear fountain set against the brick wall of this space. Shade trees and views of surrounding sheep and cow pastures and the Raritan River enhanced the rural setting of the site.
Related Materials:
Four Oaks Farm related holdings consist of 2 folders (22 slides (photographs))
See others in:
Garden Club of America Collection, ca. 1920-[ongoing].
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
The folder includes worksheets and other information.
General:
This site was apparently a favorite of Nelva M. Weber, for it is featured several times in her 1976 book. Despite this prominence, however, its identification has proved to be elusive, although it was probably in New Jersey. Two outdoor living areas--a roofed brick patio and an open flagstone terrace--were highlights of the design that complemented the colonial-style house. The roofed patio provided a shaded space from which to view an expansive lawn with a gazebo on its far side. The flagstone terrace was built around a large shade tree, but also bordered a large lawn and was backed by other trees and shrubs. This country estate also featured grass walkways with hosta borders, a decorative brick walkway with a millstone center, and a wooden fence with espaliers at the entrance to the property leading in to the house from the driveway and parking area.
Persons associated with the garden include Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, ca. 1965-1973).
Related Materials:
Unidentified Garden in New Jersey, No. 3 related holdings consist of 1 folder (1 slide (photograph); 45 contact prints; 32 safety film negatives)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New York -- Westchester County -- Bedford
Scope and Contents:
The folders include worksheets, an abbreviated garden plan, a plan of the parterre garden, photocopies of articles about the garden, and a letter from Henrietta Lockwood to Nelva M. Weber.
General:
This garden in Westchester County was established in 1938 on an old farm. The owners, John and Henrietta Lockwood, began a process of remodeling, design, and land development that continued for over 60 years until Mrs. Lockwood's death. Growing places may be found throughout the multi-acre property (of the eventual 100+ acres all but 13 have been deeded to a local nature conservancy). A lean-to greenhouse on the north end of the kitchen wing provides the winter display area for streptocarpus, camellias and other potted plants. It is here that seeds of all sorts are sown and grown under fluorescent light until they are large enough to be taken to the much larger greenhouse across the drive. A winding path through a grassy meadow planted with apple trees leads from the house to the flower and vegetable gardens. The site now features a patterned design based on a medieval, four-part parterre garden--two diamond shapes and two round--using bricks as edging for the beds, and also includes four iron umbrella tripods that serve as supports for clematis. Beyond the flower garden is an extensive vegetable garden and berry patch that produce fresh summer harvests for the table as well as the freezer. Many varieties of clematis are found tumbling informally atop stone walls, weaving through bushes and climbing obediently up the tan house walls, reflecting the owner's passion for this plant. Daphne is another particular favorite.
Each fall on the east side of the guest house an ingenious portable greenhouse is erected to house many tender potted plants, particularly winter-flowering camellias. Nearby a rock ledge forms a terrace for the guest house; beyond is a severe drop into the cool, dark woods. Featured plants in this area include yellow corydalis, mimosa trees, ferns, and woodland flowers. Just outside the guest house potted fig trees and an arbor of grapes provide shade. Inside the main house is a tiny greenhouse. To the rear of the house, along the edge of the brick terrace, blue pansies bloom with spring flowers and are later joined by pots of standard fuchsias and roses. The old well house still stands in the middle of a brick terrace surround by white alyssum volunteers. Beautiful clay pots of unusual collected plants are everywhere. This is a perfect country garden with its meadow views and unusual plant combinations, a tribute to its owners' lifelong devotion to its design, development, and care.
Persons associated with the garden include: John E. and Henrietta Sedgwick Lockwood (former owners, 1938-2001); the Bulloch family (former owners, before 1938); Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect); and Robin Zitter (horticulturist and gardener, 1984 to date).
Related Materials:
Lockwood Garden related holdings consist of 2 folders (19 35 mm. slides; 2 photoprints; 1 120 mm. transparency; 29 negatives)
See others in:
Garden Club of America Collection, ca. 1920-[ongoing].
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
United States of America -- New York -- Suffolk County -- Islip
Scope and Contents:
The folders include work sheets, a 1963 description of the garden by Charles D. Webster, a garden plan, a map of the area, and a copy of an article about the property.
General:
Twyford was the home of Charles D. and Natalie Peters Webster on the south shore of Long Island. Although the entire property encompassed nearly 200 acres, the gardens, house, and outbuildings were confined to 10 acres, which in turn was part of a 30-acre tract of open fields, marshland, and woods. The Websters began gardening in 1936, when they moved to the late 19th-century house. Formal beds and paths and other designs were complemented by a greenhouse, potting house and tool shed, and an octagonal lathhouse. Other features included a swimming pool, extensive borders and planting of broad-leaved evergreens, lawns, a waterfowl pool, and a farmyard. The property was given by the Websters to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1968 (with life tenancy). The house and other buildings were demolished in 2002 despite the efforts of several preservation groups to save them.
Persons and organizations associated with the property include: Charles D. Webster (former owner, d. 1998); Natalie Peters Webster (former owner); and Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, c. 1960-1973).
Related Materials:
Twyford related holdings consist of 2 folders (18 35 mm. slides; 2 120 mm. slides; 29 photoprints; 143 negatives)
See others in:
Garden Club of America Collection, ca. 1920-[ongoing].
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
This otherwise unidentified site in Manhattan uses bamboo, sculpture, a water feature and clean lines to achieve an Asian-style design. The garden was designed by Nelva M. Weber.
Persons associated with the garden include: Nelva M. Weber (landscape architect, ca. 1960-1969).
Related Materials:
Unidentified Garden in New York, New York, No. 5 related holdings consist of 1 folder (5 photonegatives; 3 photoprints)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
This garden, whose location cannot be determined, appears to have been in a suburban or rural setting. The site included extensive perennial and annual borders, mature trees and shrubs, a patio and seating areas, and decorative elements such as an armillary sphere. The garden was designed by Nelva M. Weber.
Related Materials:
Cowan Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (15 safety film negatives; 7 photographic prints; 1 film transparency)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
