Garden Sponsorship: West Terrace Beds

Surrounding the Bidwell House are terraced stone walls brimming with perennial beds. Installed in the 20th century when the house was restored, these provide a fabulous setting for this gem of a Georgian saltbox. The remaining acreage is woodlands laced with hiking trails and footpaths leading to historical landmarks throughout the property.

The gardens have been carefully developed and maintained over the years, starting with Jack Hargis and David Brush in the 1960s, followed by decades of wonderful gardeners and dedicated Museum volunteers. In order to ensure future enjoyment of the gardens, there are several projects that we are looking to fund to be undertaken in our upcoming 2022 season.

The West Terrace Garden, located just to the west of the house, is currently in rather rough shape. The soil needs to be amended and late-season flowering plants added, difficult beyond annuals, daisies, rudbekia, and asters. This is a highly viewed area because of its location off the House’s high ground. Visitors pause here for long periods of time, looking out to the barn site and beyond, both on tours and while exploring the property on their own. This garden has potential to become a focal point at the Museum.