FOREWORD 



O all who made the compilation of this book a 

 possibility, the James River Garden Club is deeply- 

 grateful, for it has but taken the garden histories, 

 which their owners generously unrolled that the 

 public might see, and bound them Into one volume, 

 hoping that in the future it may prove an inspira- 

 tion in garden lore. 



The revival of Interest in old-fashioned gardens, the enthusi- 

 asm which has recently developed for their restoration and pres- 

 ervation; the passion for the past which is in the air and is having 

 a marked influence on landscape architecture, encouraged our 

 Historic Committee to make a study of the old gardens of Vir- 

 ginia. This manifestation has led to our research with historical 

 and horticultural intent. 



Until now, the State possessing more colonial and early Re- 

 publican gardens than any other has made no attempt to preserve 

 their histories, though it must be remembered that the oldest were 

 planned and planted before the corner-stone of America was firmly 

 laid in Virginia soil. Their space was carved from the un-dated 

 forest; their designs were borrowed from countries abroad and 

 seeds for them journeyed from far overseas to bloom through the 

 years as the multi-great-grandchildren of their original wealth of 

 flowers. This is the only book which has undertaken to tell the 

 stories which should possess deep significance for every American, 

 as they have more than a mere local interest. And these stories 

 have been collected by personal visits paid by the authors to the 

 old gardens. Rare histories, valuable letters, garden records and 

 personal reminiscences have been placed at our disposal with a 

 gracious readiness, making of the task a sincere labor of love. 

 The pilgrimage to each garden has been fraught with a pleasure 

 which we hope, through these pages, to share with the reader. 



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