Marian
Stroll through the gardens daily from dawn til dusk on your self-guided tour on this 6 acre estate. The gardens consist of a series of garden “rooms,” each with a unique character and purpose. There are hand-forged iron gates and railings and a collection of statuary, urns, and fountains to complete the design.
There is a marble staircase which sweeps down from the mansion to connect three terraces. A breathtaking view of the garden and its surroundings are arrived at by use of the Flagstone Terrace. This terrace is paved with marble and defined by an iron railing and exotic plants. Continuing down the terraces you will arrive at the Evergreen Terrace which displays a variety of evergreen shrub species as well as limestone urns and lead statures of mythological characters. Continuing down you will arrive at the Pool Terrace which features a reflecting pool, which occupies the site of the Sharp’s (owners of the estate at the time) swimming pool. The pool is a vision of beauty surrounded by purple and white blooms of Chinese Wisteria in the spring and African lilies in the Summer. The dolphin and cherub fountains that are in the pool splash water on the plants from their mouths offering the plants in the pool a refreshing sprinkling throughout the day.
There are wrought iron gates providing entry to the shaded area of the Bald Cypress Allee, where two rows of towering bald cypress trees parallel the 200 ft long walk to the Italian style garden pavilion. There are four rose colored marble columns, vaulted ceilings and shallow marble fountain with a single, elegant jet of water that set the stage for a beautiful retreat.
Guided tours are available by special arrangement for garden clubs, school groups, and other organizations. There are special events taking place throughout the year and for these and customer tours there may be a small admission fee.
Selected areas of the garden are handicap accessible.
Dogs, rollerblades, bikes, food and smoking are absolutely prohibited in the gardens.
Tours last an hour. Large motor coaches can not be accommodated at the gardens; space is available for small shuttle buses and cars.
There are no public bathrooms at
Single tours are $5.00 per person.
A 50 percent non-refundable deposit two weeks in advance is required when a date is held for your group.
Picnic facilities are NOT available at
Location: Kennett Pike (Rte 52) in
Phone: 302-651-9617 ext. 12.
Related posts:
About Editor