Fairfield -- Gund Garden

Object Details

General: Designed by Eloise A. Ray, the herb garden was a key feature in this property belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gund and was situated adjacent to the home's terrace. Culinary, cosmetic, and healing herbs were grown, giving a variety of colors, scents, and textures. Plant material varied from low-growing sweet woodruff to bushy yellow achilleas. A path of marble chips with scalloped edging (made from asbestos fiber!) outlined the plantings and led from the terrace's seating area along the house. It was roughly paralleled by a winding brick path farther from the house. From the herb garden an open meadow/lawn area led the eye to surrounding woodlands. In addition to the herb garden the home's landscaping featured what appears to have been extensive pleached hedging, lawn areas, and garden elements such as a rustic wooden garden shed. Molly Adams's photographs were apparently taken on assignment to accompany a newspaper article by Rhoda S[pecht Maxwell]. Tarantino; one (CT320024) was subsequently used in Tarantino's 1972 book (see citations below).; Persons associated with the property include Eloise A. Ray (landscape architect, ca. 1960-1969) and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gund (former owners, ca. 1960-1969).

Place: Gund Garden (Fairfield, Connecticut); United States of America -- Connecticut -- Fairfield County -- Fairfield

See more items in: Maida Babson Adams American garden collection.; Maida Babson Adams American garden collection. / Series 1: Garden Images / Connecticut

Collection Citation: Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, Maida Babson Adams American garden collection.

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. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Bibliography: Garden has been featured in Rhoda S[pecht Maxwell]. Tarantino, "A Home in the Sun Where Herbs Grow," The New York Times, August 24, 1969, p. D33. Garden has been featured in Rhoda Specht [Maxwell] Tarantino, Small Gardens Are More Fun (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1972), p. 14 and pp. 103-105.

Scope and Contents: The folder includes worksheets, a photocopies of a book excerpt and an article about the garden with photographs by Molly Adams, and other information.

Collection Restrictions: Access to original archival materials 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.

Related Materials: Gund Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (30 safety film negatives; 1 photographic print)