Far Hills -- Bittersweet Hill

Object Details

General: The home of John J. and Martha Virginia McEwan Gaerste, Bittersweet Hill was a country estate that afforded Virginia Gaerste ample opportunity to develop her two-acre garden with plantings for year-round interest. Pear and apple trees from an old orchard added a picturesque note to rolling lawns, while close to the house a brick terrace enclosed by yews served as an entrance court and outdoor dining area. Garden borders and beds featured a variety of perennials including lilies, delphiniums, roses, clematis, and peonies. Hedges defined space while not preventing the eye from gazing on views of adjacent woodlands and hills. Spring flowering bulbs were planted throughout, under trees and against walls to heighten their artistic appeal. Other garden features included a small herb garden near the kitchen, a cutting garden, and a vegetable garden. Because of the large number of images and their comparatively early date this was probably one of Molly Adams first major garden shoots; she is also credited with bringing the garden to the attention of Popular Gardening's editors.; Persons associated with the garden include John J. Gaerste and Martha Virginia McEwan Gaerste (former owners, ca. 1955-1975).

Former owner: Gaerste, Martha Virginia McEwan, 1898-1982; Gaerste, John J., 1897-1981
Collection Creator: Adams, Molly, 1918-2003

Place: Bittersweet Hill (Far Hills, New Jersey); United States of America -- New Jersey -- Somerset County -- Far Hills

Former owner: Gaerste, Martha Virginia McEwan, 1898-1982; Gaerste, John J., 1897-1981

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

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 Virginia Gaerste, "A Friendly Garden," Popular Gardening (March 1959), pp. 39-41+. Garden has been featured in Nelva M. Weber, How to Plan Your Own Home Landscape (Indianapolis/New York: Bobbs-Merrill, 1976), pp. 39, 81-82.

Scope and Contents: The folder includes worksheets, a copy of an article by Virginia Gaerste about the garden, 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: Bittersweet Hill related holdings consist of 1 folder (56 safety film negatives; 17 photographic prints; 4 film transparencies)