View examples of the Downing and Scott gardens by clicking on the links below.
Frank Scott dedicates his book to the memory of A.J. Dowing, his friend and instructor, this book is dedicated, with affectionate remembrance, by the author. Scott believed firmly in a well trimmed lawn, stating a smooth, closely shaven surface of grass is by far the most essential element of beauty on the grounds of a suburban home. Scott preferred the transparency of iron fencing; the Mansion displays such fencing. The use of fruit trees close to the house is shown in Scott’s plans many times over; therefore, the Mansion garden features two apple trees, a pear tree and a cherry tree along with a grape arbor and run of red currents, all protected by an arborvitae screen. Another feature of the 1870 Mansion garden is a hemlock arch formed by two hemlock trees trained together. Under restoration is the “ribbon garden” under the fruit trees; this large flower bed using the swag shapes was made popular at the time of the Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia.
