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National Trust Cliveden

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National Trust Cliveden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

National Trust Cliveden

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National Trust Cliveden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

National Trust Cliveden

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NATIONAL TRUST CLIVEDEN: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

National Trust Cliveden

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National Trust Cliveden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Cliveden of the National Trust

THE WALLS OF CLIVEDEN sheltered British troops from American attack during the Battle of Germantown, as well as seven generations of Philadelphia’s Chew family in the years that followed.

Cliveden tells a story of America’s continuing struggle for freedom.

About Cliveden

A site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a proud member of Historic Germantown, Cliveden opened to the public in 1972. Built in 1763-1767, Cliveden was home to seven generations of the Chew family and the men and women who worked for them, was the site of the Battle of Germantown in October 1777, and is an important example of Philadelphia Georgian architecture. Cliveden focuses on telling the multiple narratives of the property by interpreting the buildings and grounds; giving a voice to the men and women—black, white, free, enslaved, and indentured—who played a role in the Cliveden story.

11 may 10:30 am 4:00 pm Cliveden: Spotlight Tour "The Architecture of Service Spaces with Willie Graham / Second Saturday Cliveden of the National Trust , 6401 Germantown Avenue 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

Event Details

Featuring Spotlight Tours, free tours of the Main House, and a free guided activity for young children and their caregivers. Click here for more info on Cliveden Second Saturdays

May 11, 2024 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

6401 Germantown Avenue

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08 jun 10:30 am 4:00 pm Cliveden: Spotlight Tour "Cliveden Property Walking Tour" / Second Saturday Cliveden of the National Trust , 6401 Germantown Avenue 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

June 8, 2024 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

13 jul 10:30 am 4:00 pm Cliveden: Second Saturday Cliveden of the National Trust , 6401 Germantown Avenue 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

July 13, 2024 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

10 aug 10:30 am 4:00 pm Cliveden: Second Saturday Cliveden of the National Trust , 6401 Germantown Avenue 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

August 10, 2024 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

14 sep 10:30 am 4:00 pm Cliveden: Second Saturday Cliveden of the National Trust , 6401 Germantown Avenue 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

September 14, 2024 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

12 oct 10:30 am 4:00 pm Cliveden: Second Saturday Cliveden of the National Trust , 6401 Germantown Avenue 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

October 12, 2024 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

ADDRESS 6401 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144

MAP AND DIRECTIONS PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

CONTACT phone: 215.848.1777 email: [email protected]

Walk-in tours are available in the spring, summer, and fall from 12 PM to 4 PM, beginning on the hour. No appointment is needed. The last tour of the day begins at 3 PM.

• May-August: Thursday-Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM
• September-November: Friday-Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM

Group and school tours are available year-round by appointment. Call our office at 215-848-1777 or email [email protected] to schedule a tour.

• Adults & Seniors: $10
• Students & AAA members: $8
• National Trust Members: $5
• Children 6 years and under: FREE

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Cliveden is accessible by SEPTA bus routes 18, 23, H, and XH and regional train routes Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West. 

© Copyright 2024 | Historic Germantown. All rights reserved

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The Enduring Legacy of Cliveden House: A Historian‘s Perspective

• by history tools
• May 26, 2024

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Buckinghamshire, England, Cliveden House stands as a magnificent testament to a bygone era of aristocracy, political intrigue, and high society glamour. With a rich history spanning over 350 years, this stately home has witnessed the rise and fall of dukes, played host to world leaders and celebrities, and even found itself at the center of one of Britain‘s most notorious political scandals. As a historian, I invite you to join me on a journey through the fascinating past of Cliveden House, exploring its architectural grandeur, illustrious owners, and the indelible mark it has left on British history.

Architectural Marvel: The Evolution of Cliveden House

The story of Cliveden begins in 1666 when the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers, commissioned the construction of a grand hunting lodge on the site. However, this original structure fell victim to a devastating fire in 1795. Undeterred, a new house was built in 1824, only to meet the same fiery fate a few decades later in 1849. It wasn‘t until 1851 that the iconic Cliveden House we recognize today began to take shape (National Trust, 2021).

The architectural style of Cliveden House is a harmonious blend of English Palladian and Roman Cinquecento, featuring stunning Italianate motifs. The exterior is adorned with pristine colonnades, intricate carvings, and elegant balustrades, while the opulent interiors showcase priceless artworks, antique furnishings, and exquisite tapestries. One of the most striking features is the Grand Hall, with its soaring 50-foot ceiling and magnificent fireplace, which was once described by King Edward VII as "the finest drawing room in England" (Crathorne, 2011, p. 23).

Throughout its history, Cliveden has undergone numerous renovations and additions, each leaving an indelible mark on the property. In the 1890s, the prominent Astor family acquired the estate and embarked on extensive renovations, including the addition of the iconic clock tower and the creation of the luxurious French Dining Room, which boasts an impressive collection of 18th-century Rococo panels (Girouard, 2009).

The Illustrious Owners: From Dukes to Astors

Cliveden House has been home to a succession of notable families, each contributing to its rich tapestry of history. The earliest owners were the Dukes of Buckingham, who used the estate primarily as a hunting lodge. In the 18th century, Cliveden passed into the hands of the Dukes of Westminster, who transformed it into a fashionable country retreat (Crathorne, 2011).

However, it was under the ownership of the Astor family that Cliveden truly flourished. William Waldorf Astor, a wealthy American expatriate, purchased the estate in 1893 and spared no expense in restoring it to its former glory. The Astors were renowned for their lavish parties and gatherings, which attracted the cream of British society, including royalty, politicians, and celebrities (National Trust, 2021).

One of the most influential members of the Astor family was Nancy Astor, the first female Member of Parliament to take her seat in the House of Commons. She used Cliveden as a political salon, hosting meetings and discussions that shaped the course of British politics in the early 20th century (Fox, 1984).

Scandal and Intrigue: The Profumo Affair

Cliveden‘s most infamous moment came in 1961 with the eruption of the Profumo Affair, a political scandal that rocked the British establishment. At the center of the storm was John Profumo, the Secretary of State for War, who had an illicit affair with Christine Keeler, a young model he met at a Cliveden party. The scandal deepened when it was revealed that Keeler was also involved with Yevgeny Ivanov, a Soviet naval attaché (Knightley & Kennedy, 1987).

The Profumo Affair had far-reaching consequences, exposing the moral hypocrisy of the ruling class and contributing to the downfall of the Conservative government. It also forever linked Cliveden House with the scandal, cementing its place in the annals of British political history.

Cliveden During the World Wars

Cliveden House played a significant role during both World Wars. In the First World War, the estate served as a military hospital operated by the Canadian Red Cross. The Astors opened their doors to wounded soldiers, providing them with the best possible care and comfort. Today, a small Canadian World War I cemetery on the grounds stands as a poignant reminder of this chapter in Cliveden‘s history (National Trust, 2021).

During the Second World War, Cliveden was once again at the forefront of political events. The Astors hosted a series of influential meetings and discussions, known as the "Cliveden Set," which brought together politicians, diplomats, and intellectuals to debate the pressing issues of the day (Rose, 2000). While the exact nature and impact of these gatherings have been the subject of much speculation, there is no denying that Cliveden played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the time.

The Gardens: A Masterpiece of Landscape Design

No account of Cliveden House would be complete without mentioning its magnificent gardens. Spanning over 376 acres, the grounds are a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring a stunning array of formal gardens, woodland walks, and riverside vistas (National Trust, 2021).

The Parterre, a formal garden created by the renowned landscape architect Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe in the 1970s, is a particular highlight. Its intricate geometric patterns, formed by carefully clipped box hedges and vibrant flower beds, are a testament to the skill and artistry of the gardeners who maintain it (Jellicoe, 1995).

Other notable features include the Long Garden, a serene oasis of topiary and sculpture, and the Water Garden, a tranquil haven centered around a picturesque lake. The gardens also boast an impressive collection of rare and exotic trees, including a majestic cedar of Lebanon, which has stood watch over the estate for over 300 years (Crathorne, 2011).

The Art Collection: Treasures of Cliveden

Cliveden House is home to an exceptional collection of art, spanning centuries and encompassing a wide range of styles and mediums. From priceless tapestries and Old Master paintings to exquisite porcelain and rare antiquities, the collection is a testament to the refined tastes and connoisseurship of the estate‘s former owners (National Trust, 2021).

One of the most significant pieces in the collection is the Waldegrave Doll‘s House, an astonishingly detailed miniature replica of Cliveden created in the 1980s by the renowned doll‘s house maker Betty Pinney. The doll‘s house features exact replicas of the rooms and furnishings of Cliveden, providing a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of the estate (Gemmell, 2013).

Preservation and Restoration: The National Trust Era

In 1942, the Astor family generously donated Cliveden House and its grounds to the National Trust, ensuring that this iconic property would be preserved for generations to come. Since then, the Trust has worked tirelessly to restore and maintain the estate, undertaking extensive conservation projects to safeguard its architectural and artistic treasures (National Trust, 2021).

Recent restoration work has included the repair and conservation of the Grand Hall ceiling, the restoration of the Blenheim Pavilion, and the ongoing maintenance of the gardens and woodlands. The National Trust also operates a comprehensive program of guided tours, exhibitions, and events, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and beauty of Cliveden House (Brogan, 2019).

Cliveden House stands as an enduring symbol of Britain‘s rich heritage, a magnificent estate that has witnessed the triumphs and tribulations of a nation. From its early days as a hunting lodge to its role as a political and social hub, Cliveden has left an indelible mark on the history of England.

As a historian, I am endlessly fascinated by the stories and secrets contained within these ancient walls. Each room, each painting, each carefully tended garden holds a piece of the puzzle, contributing to the grand narrative of Cliveden House.

Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Trust, Cliveden remains a living, breathing testament to the past, a place where visitors can step back in time and immerse themselves in the grandeur and romance of a bygone era. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a well-preserved stately home, Cliveden House is an essential destination.

As you wander through the halls, gardens, and woodlands of this magnificent estate, I invite you to pause and reflect on the countless lives that have intersected here, the stories that have unfolded, and the history that has been made. For in the end, that is the true legacy of Cliveden House – a testament to the enduring power of place to shape our understanding of the past and our vision for the future.

• Brogan, B. (2019, September 10). The National Trust‘s ongoing restoration of Cliveden House. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/england/berkshire/articles/cliveden-house-restoration-national-trust/
• Crathorne, J. (2011). The Mistresses of Cliveden: Three Centuries of Scandal, Power and Intrigue in an English Stately Home. Random House.
• Fox, J. (1984). Nancy Astor and Her Friends. Weidenfeld and Nicolson.
• Gemmell, N. (2013, November 17). The Waldegrave Doll‘s House at Cliveden. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/17/waldegrave-dolls-house-cliveden
• Girouard, M. (2009). Cliveden. National Trust Books.
• Jellicoe, G. (1995). Cliveden: Gardens and Woodlands. National Trust Books.
• Knightley, P., & Kennedy, C. (1987). An Affair of State: The Profumo Case and the Framing of Stephen Ward. Jonathan Cape.
• National Trust. (2021). Cliveden. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
• Rose, N. (2000). The Cliveden Set: Portrait of an Exclusive Fraternity. Jonathan Cape.

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IDMS 2024: Public Tours of Cliveden of the National Trust

Cliveden 6401 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia , PA 19144 United States

Cliveden's spring tour season doesn't begin until May 2nd. Our grounds are open for free daily to the public and we have interpretive signs around the grounds that discuss the site's history. Our Carriage House also has exhibit space and panels sharing more information about the history of the site and is free to view.

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Visit a great historic site!

The grounds are free and open to the public.

Tours are now available Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm to 4pm, beginning on the hour. Visit the Tours page to learn more.

Directions to Cliveden

Our 5.5-acre property takes up a full city block, within the perimeters of Germantown Avenue, Cliveden Street, Morton Street and Johnson Street, in Philadelphia’s Historic Northwest.

Driving Directions

Via PA Turnpike (I-276): Take exit 333 and follow Germantown Pike east for 7 miles to Cliveden Street on the left.

Via Schuylkill Expressway (I-76): Take exit 340 to Lincoln Drive. Turn right onto Johnson Street (third light) then left onto Germantown Avenue (fourth light). Take the first right onto Cliveden Street.

Public Transportation

SEPTA Bus:  The  23 bus  makes a stop directly in front of Cliveden on Germantown Avenue. Cliveden is also accessible on the  H ,  XH , and  18  bus routes. 

SEPTA Regional Rail:  Cliveden is a short walking distance from the  R7 (Chestnut Hill East) line , Washington Lane stop.

The grounds can be accessed by the main gate located on Germantown Avenue and the side gate on Cliveden Street; they are also wheelchair accessible.

Street parking is generally available.

Exhibitions

Exhibits are available on the grounds and along the Cliveden Street gate for your enjoyment.

Programs such as Cliveden Conversations  and more available. 

In-person tours are available Thursdays - Sundays, 12pm to 4pm. Visit the Tours page to schedule your tour.

Group Tours

Adult tours and school group tours are offered. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

The best National Trust gardens to visit for spring flowers

S ome countries have a fleeting spring, summer heat quickly taking over from the winter freeze. But here we have a long, slow build-up. So although there might be lots to do in your own garden, there is also time to go out and take a deeper draught. In the National Trust’s gardens and woodlands, with their acres of bulbs and blossom, there is the opportunity for full-scale immersion – and invariably a planting idea to bring back, too. Here are 15 to visit for inspiring and uplifting displays of spring flowers. 

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Nothing is done by halves at Anglesey Abbey . Avenues, plantations, statuary and flower displays in this 20th-century garden are all eye-poppingly lavish. The massed cherry trees create clouds of blossom. Spring bulbs are planted literally by the ton, with bluebells, snowdrops and scented pheasant-eye daffodils creating swathes of white and blue along the grass walks and under the trees. In the formal gardens, usually just two varieties of tulip or hyacinth are chosen, but they are bedded out by the thousand.

Bodnant, North Wales

This scenic garden , covering some 80 acres, contains one of the world’s richest collections of woodland plants. The view across the Victorian terraces and lily pools to the Snowdonia mountain range is little short of epic, and beyond is a river valley speared by giant conifers. Both the formal walks and the banks of the dell are thickly clad in camellias and rhododendrons (many of which were raised here), giving a panoply of spring colour. Tree magnolias add their huge waterlily blooms early in the season, and at Easter the Old Park is flushed yellow with daffodils.

Cliveden, Berkshire

Below the Italianate house, the ground plunges through beechwoods down to the Thames. In the late 17th century, a large area was levelled to create a platform of lawn, and in the 1850s this was decorated with wedge-shaped beds in which the head gardener at the time, John Fleming, pioneered the practice of “spring bedding” – planting bulbs and other plants in the autumn to create a spring display in advance of the annuals and tender exotics of summer (previously, gardeners just used evergreen bushes). His schemes, rekindled by the Trust , feature ever-changing mixes of tulips, forget-me-nots, pansies and much else – some 30,000 plants in total.

Cotehele, Cornwall

The old walls of the low-lying buildings, and the handsome domed dovecote silhouetted against the Tamar Valley, make an atmospheric setting for this garden . Camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and other flowering shrubs create a lively spring scene, but they are domesticated by the abundance of wildflowers, fruit trees and meadow. Generous drifts of daffodils and a large collection of apple trees (a Mother Orchard was planted with 270 traditional varieties in the winter of 2007-8) reflect Cornwall’s long history of horticultural commerce.

Dyffryn, South Wales

This early-20th-century garden, once referred to as the Welsh Hidcote, is currently in the process of restoration . Designed by Thomas Mawson and his knowledgeable client Reginald Cory, it is a large and varied composition packed with botanical and architectural incident. Sheets of daffodils and blue chionodoxa border the grass paths of the 22-acre arboretum, which features groupings of thorn trees, paperbark maples and a fine Magnolia x veitchii sporting pink-flushed white flowers in spring. Tulips, crown imperials and other bulbs join the cast in the beds and containers of the terraces and numerous outdoor rooms which flow down the western side of the garden below the compartmented greenhouse with its vines, cacti and tropical orchids.

Emmetts, Kent

The views from this Victorian garden , perched high above the Kentish Weald, are panoramic, and the varied grounds have plenty of spring action. Lawns are carpeted in native daffodils, the cherry orchard is planted with some 5,000 red, pink and purple tulips, and the limestone rock garden sports alpine plants and early bulbs. A network of paths snakes through the estate woodlands, which stage a spectacular show of bluebells.

Erddig, North Wales

Adjoining the Georgian house is a walled garden in the formal Dutch style, with a central canal and a crisp pattern of fruit trees, pleached limes and Portugal laurels in Versailles tubs. The fruit trees, both free-standing and espaliered on the walls, include some 200 varieties of apple, as well as pears and plums, so blossom time is a high point. Daffodils accompany them – pheasant’s eye narcissus in the orchard, wild Welsh daffodils on the banks of the canal, and in the borders a number of pre-1914 varieties. Among the yew domes and mossy fountains of the parterre there is also a lively display of tulips and spring bedding.

Glendurgan, Cornwall

It is a rarified world here on Cornwall’s south coast, and this wooded, stream-fed valley rolling down to the Helford estuary provides an exceptionally mild microclimate. The tender Southern-hemisphere conifers, half-hardy scented rhododendrons, self-sowing myrtles and luxuriant tree ferns have every plantsman drooling . Spring sees an eruption of colour from camellias (massed in a camellia walk), arboreal rhododendrons, magnolias and cherries, while primroses, violets and bluebells spangle the ground in typical Cornish profusion. During the circuit tour there is the challenge of navigating the Victorian maze, three quarters of a mile in length.

Greys Court, Oxfordshire

Flint walls, cobble paths and old stone fountains create an atmospheric series of enclosures to accompany this Elizabethan house. In one, you walk through a tunnel of pink and white cherry blossom, while in the kitchen garden and orchard you meet an avenue of ‘Ballerina’ apples, among many other flowering fruit trees. An assortment of bulbs grow through the grass, and the adjoining Chiltern woods are carpeted in bluebells. In late spring, the wisteria is a sight to see – a vast, gnarled and twisted apparition, supported by an arbour and known as “the Beast”.

Knightshayes, Devon

Partnering Knightshayes’ potently Victorian architecture, including fairytale tower and turreted walled garden , are some 25 acres of walks and glades known as the Garden in the Wood. Developed gradually from the early 1950s (an area about the size of a tennis court was absorbed annually), this presents a series of thoughtfully designed associations of trees, flowering shrubs, bulbs and perennials. Magnolias are an early highlight, joined by the electric yellows of mahonias and euphorbias, the unfurling fronds of numerous ferns, and sheets of wood anemones, violets, scillas and cyclamen.

Lanhydrock, Cornwall

The granite house, parkland, church and obelisk-capped gatehouse make a handsome composition, further enhanced by a rising backdrop of wooded slopes. In spring these are studded with colour from magnolias, thickets of camellias and enormous stands of arboreal rhododendrons. Winding paths lead you through the extensive collection , and on into bluebell woods. The river of white poet’s narcissus is a memorable feature. Beside the house there is contrasting formality, with a box-edged parterre traditionally filled with vibrant blocks of tulips and forget-me–nots.

Nymans, Sussex

Magnolias feature prominently in the lawns and wooded fringes surrounding the romantic ruins of the manor house (destroyed by a fire in 1947); indeed, one of the most widely grown garden varieties, lilac-pink ‘Leonard Messel’, was bred here. Woven into the hillocks and dells above the croquet lawn are a restored Rock Garden, extensive beds of heathers and dwarf rhododendrons, and a collection of Kurume azaleas collected in Japan by the plant hunter Ernest Wilson a century ago (“Wilson’s Fifty” they were known as, though Nymans has only tracked down about 30 so far). Late in spring, the long wisteria pergola comes into bloom, the Japanese mood fuelled further by stone lanterns acquired from the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910.

Sheringham, Norfolk

The undulating parkland of this coastal estate was shaped by the great landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who composed one of his famous Red Books of proposals, watercolours, and before-and-after overlays in 1812. The spring spectacular, however, arrived later, with successive owners planting a large rhododendron collection in the woods flanking the approach drive. This now spans 50 acres, and since many of the plants are now enormous, closely-packed and hard to appreciate from below, there are two viewing towers from which to enjoy them. The colour builds through the spring season leading to a May climax, when the family used to hold champagne parties in celebration.

Trelissick, Cornwall

It is fun to reach Trelissick via the King Harry Ferry, which crosses the River Fal from the Roseland Peninsula and takes you almost to its gate. The mild, moist climate kick-starts the spring season early with tree magnolias and displays of camellias in their many red, pink and white forms, fuelled by ever-swelling numbers of arboreal and other rhododendrons through the woods and arboretum. Pools of daffodils, anemones and other bulbs join them. The foliage features are equally dazzling in this garden, ranging from huge-leaved rhododendron species to tree ferns, dating back to the mid 19th century and growing up to 30 feet high.

Wallington, Northumberland

This 18th-century estate , bisected by the moorland road from Hexham to Rothbury, is full of botanical interest. On one side of the road is the Palladian mansion, with its grand clock-tower courtyard and sweeping views towards Hadrian’s Wall. The accompanying woods are awash with bluebells, and in the new woodland garden along the entrance drive primroses and daffodils flower among the emerging leaves of ferns and grasses. Across the road there are flashes of rhododendrons and azaleas towards the lake, and eventually the surprise is sprung: hidden down the bank is a large sloping Walled Garden of formal beds and streamside shrubberies, with tulips, crown imperials and, early in the season, a crocus lawn among the spring highlights.

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Restoring the President Woodrow Wilson House Garden in a Changing Climate

• More: Historic Sites
• By: Rebecca Ortenberg

Elizabeth Karcher, executive director of President Woodrow Wilson House in Washington D.C., likes to say that at this National Trust Historic Site, “Not much has changed, except the conversation.” Through tours and programming, the historic house museum serves as a backdrop to discuss contemporary issues . Recently, the site adopted this approach when embarking upon a reimagining and renovation of the House’s garden. After a consultation with Perfect Earth Project , the site has replanted the garden with plants native to the Mid-Atlantic area using environmentally friendly methods, all while maintaining its original formal design.

This unique approach to a garden’s redesign places the Wilson House in an excellent position to address one of the 21st century’s most pressing challenges: climate change. “I feel very strongly that it's our civic responsibility to take care of our planet,” said Karcher. “So having a native plant garden at the Wilson House is part of our civic responsibility.”

photo by: Woodrow Wilson House

The landscape plan for the restored Woodrow Wilson House garden.

Completed in 1916, Woodrow and Edith Wilson purchased the house from its original owner, Henry Parker Fairbanks, after Wilson left the White House in 1921. At that point, the formal garden in the back of the house already existed. It featured hedges cut into conical and round shapes, as well as lush beds of annual and perennial flowers that Fairbanks tended to himself.

Edith Wilson put significant thought into renovations to the house itself—most notably, she converted a trunk shaft into a custom-built elevator to accommodate her husband who was still uncomfortable with using stairs after his infamous 1919 stroke. That being said, she didn’t focus very much on any major garden renovations. “Edith and Woodrow Wilson were much more practical than [Fairbanks],” said Karcher. “They were not interested in creating a lush, macho garden.” They cared for what they added, and even grew crabapple trees, from which Edith had jam made.

After the house became a National Trust Historic Site and opened as a museum in 1963, the staff worked hard to maintain the original design. Yet over time, the garden became overgrown, and was often an afterthought when compared to the house itself. By 2020, Karcher had decided that a new approach was necessary.

Volunteers planting the new native plants along the east wall of the Wilson House garden.

Reimagining the Outdoor Space

As was true in so many historic sites, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the value of having a thriving, usable outdoor space for visitors to enjoy. In 2020 and 2021, the Wilson House held a number of events in both the front and rear gardens and produced an outdoor exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment —but they wanted to do more. “I wanted a place at the Wilson House where children could roll around in the grass and not worry that ‘Oh, my goodness, we just fertilized,’ or ‘Oh, my God, we just put chemicals down,’” Karcher explained.

With the help of a gift from longtime National Trust supporters Marge and Joe Grills, the Wilson House set about revitalizing the garden. The first step was to clean out areas that had become overgrown and were beginning to interfere with the structural integrity of the house itself.

Then came the fun part: deciding what plants they wanted to use in their new garden design. For this part of the effort, they enlisted the expertise of Edwina von Gal, landscape designer and founder of the nonprofit Perfect Earth Project.

Perfect Earth Project was the ideal partner for such an enterprise. Founded in 2013, they advocate for nature-based land care and seek to educate and inspire individuals, organizations, and government officials to adopt landscaping and gardening practices that are toxic-free and sustainable.

Along with advising owners of personal, private gardens, they often work with public spaces, museums, and historic homes to help them rethink how they might use their land. “You’re not a blank slate on which to impose an aesthetic vision of what a landscape could be,” noted Toshi Yano, Perfect Earth Project’s executive director. “You are part of a larger environmental landscape, and it’s important to support that landscape as much as possible."

A group of volunteers standing together in the Wilson house garden.

How Does Your Garden Grow

The Wilson House had to consider a number of factors, from practicality to aesthetics, when selecting the plants to include in the new garden design.

A Washington D.C. Master Gardener, Leslie Getzinger is very familiar with these factors. She is also a member of the Wilson House’s Advisory Council, and took a leading role in both determining the garden’s plant selection and organizing its execution. “The Master Garden program is all about citizen action,” she said. “We’re trying to leave our gardens and community spaces better than we found them.”

View of the Wilson House garden following planting.

She emphasized that selecting native plants that don’t require special fertilizers or extreme interventions isn’t just altruistic, it’s also practical. “The Wilson House, like a lot of National Trust properties, has a small staff and a small budget. We wanted to use this space in a way that beautifies it, but also makes it easy to maintain and isn’t a draw on resources.”

After considering environmental factors, cost, and the look and feel of the house’s interior, the Wilson House and Perfect Earth Project settled on a palette of white flowering plants native to the region. These include hydrangeas, indigo, aster, wild ginger, and American beauty berry. Most of the plants were sourced from Colesville Nursery, which specializes in native plants.

Getzinger noted the playful contradiction in keeping the garden’s original layout, but swapping out the plants with something very different. “There are a lot of wildflowers, but it's a formal garden, right? These are informal plants, but we planted them in rows in a very formal way.”

View of the blooming Purple Palace Coral at the newly restored garden at Wilson House.

Over the course of two bright fall days in November 2023, 25 volunteers came together to bring the design to life. This hardworking group, which included Getzinger’s fellow Master Gardeners, as well as neighbors and Wilson House supporters, spent all day planting over 200 native perennials, shrubs, and trees. ‘It was a really great group of people,” said Getzinger. “I made chili, and I brought cookies, and we had drinks and we just dug in. Literally.”

Looking to the Future

When the garden was unveiled in late April 2024, the Wilson House held an event to introduce visitors to the garden and share the sustainable landscaping principles that this project has taught them.

But the Wilson House isn’t done planting. In fact, they see this garden overhaul as just the first phase of a much larger project. Both Karcher and Getzinger are excited to continue developing the garden, as well as taking on new gardening projects entirely. In particular, expanding upon a project Getzinger led in 2020, they hope to develop a permanent vegetable and herb garden in the style of “Victory Gardens” that were popular in World War I and World War II.

The Woodland Aster blooming at the restored Wilson House Garden.

Two purple Iris blooming in the Wilson House Garden.

Getzinger is also excited to see sustainable gardening practices become popular at more National Trust sites and hopes that continues to be the case into the future. “It helps make these places community hubs where people can learn [about sustainability]. It helps make these places living spaces.”

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Rebecca Ortenberg is a public historian, digital storyteller, and wrangler of people and ideas. She has served as the managing editor for Lady Science, a magazine and podcast about women in the history of science, and has written for the Science History Institute's Distillations magazine. Though she has adopted Philadelphia as her home, she will always be a West Coaster at heart.

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Since 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has celebrated the month of May as National Preservation Month, hosting tours, programs, and events locally, statewide and nationally. Although there’s an emphasis on buildings, efforts in preservation are not limited to historic sites and structures — it’s equally important to collect and maintain archives in the form of documents, photographs, media, and oral histories.

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