Historic Gardens of Virginia 



In early days, one of the first requisites considered in building 

 the beautiful homes of Virginia was a desirable location. This 

 was not only from a practical, but from an aesthetic viewpoint. 

 At Prospect Hill, the many miles of swelling hills, smiling valleys, 

 whether dressed in spring verdure or autumn's glorious tints, make 

 a landscape so pleasing that even the glint of silvery water is not 

 needed. 



But there is more to Prospect Hill than the mere beauty of its 

 landscape. It has always held an unique agricultural value from the 

 excellent quality of the grain grown there and the special flavor 

 of its tobacco. Besides all these advantages, the place held a 

 stronger magnet for young Henry Fitzhugh, of Bedford, across 

 the Rappahannock. The rumble of his coach-and-four along the 

 drive at Prospect Hill was no infrequent sound, and on a fair day 

 in October, 1748, pretty Sarah Battaile became the bride of the 

 wealthy heir of Bedford. A few years later, Henry Fitzhugh was 

 appointed colonel of the Stafford County militia. 



Go to Prospect Hill in the early spring season, when Nature's 

 most pleasing plans have been perfected. Those splendid poplar, 

 locust, linden, and walnut trees have lately donned their spring 

 attire. Those symmetrical hollies guarding the entrance have fresh- 

 ened up their dress a bit. Those hedges, beyond the vine-clad 

 house, are brilliant now with the blossoms of early spring roses. 

 The robins, wrens, and bluebirds are caroling their song of satis- 

 faction. Mating time is here, and homes, whether in the tall tree- 

 tops, or in those picturesque bird-houses, scattered at intervals about 

 the trees and shrubbery, are reasons enough for joyful warble. 

 That lately trimmed hedge of privet, on the east side of the house, 

 is groomed to perfection, and the breeze is heavy with aromatic 

 odors from the dwarf-box, which borders the brick-paved path on 

 the west. 



And the bridal-wreath at Prospect Hill! Nowhere does this 

 beautiful shrub attain the same grace and luxuriance. In wreaths 

 and garlands and plumes it waves in the gentle wind on this Vir- 



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