Historic Gardens of Virginia 



that they needed in the way of plants and shrubs. Her knowledge 

 and experience which was lovingly given to the young couple was 

 of great value and a very extensive garden was laid out. 



Broad alleys were laid off to run between borders of flowers 

 and shrubs. These alleys or walks ran lengthwise and across the 

 garden with plots of vegetables between. 



After the War Between the States the changed conditions and 

 a different mode of cultivation made it necessary to do away with 

 the cross-walks and borders in order that the cultivators could 

 have room to move more freely in working the vegetables. 



As the garden now is one sees a long walk fifteen feet wide 

 bordered on each side with evergreen shrubs and all the old garden 

 favorites. In February begins the season of bloom, with the long 

 succession of daffodils and narcissi; next comes the breath of spring 

 and winter heliotrope, which mingles with the old world fragrance 

 of bloom and boxwood as do also the cowslips edging the borders. 



The gate of the entrance is covered with yellow jessamine or, 

 as it is called in England, woodbine. Surely dull care is driven 

 away when spring comes upon the James and our many beautiful 

 birds begin nesting in the old gardens. One's senses are bewildered 

 trying to tell from which comes that divine scent — calycanthus, 

 lilac, jessamine, or what not — when it is a combination of all. 



In the midst of this calm beauty came the horrors of war. 

 To Weyanoke marched a part of Sheridan's army after a recent 

 defeat at Cold Harbor. We can imagine the weary and wounded 

 soldiers who found rest in this garden. Under a rose bush the 

 young mistress found one who had there given up his life and gone, 

 we hope, to where flowers bloom eternally. 



In the years that have passed since then changes have come 

 not only in material things. For in this garden where once all 

 the bitter feelings called forth by war held sway, here come many 

 charming and cultured friends from that one-time land of the 

 enemy, and beneath the shade cast by the old shrubs here have 

 partaken of tea. Catherine Douthat. 



[42] 



