Cultural Landscape Report

for the Vanderbilt Mansion

Formal Gardens

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

“The highest personal note in 

the art of landscape design is 

the flower garden...” 

Robert Cridland

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Vanderbilt Mansion

Formal Gardens

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

Site History

Existing Conditions

Analysis and Evaluation

Treatment

Prepared by 

John W. Hammond, Historical Landscape Architect

Margie Coffin Brown, Historical Landscape Architect 

Brona Keenan, Conservation Associate

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

National Park Service, Boston, Massachusetts, 2011
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

ii

The Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation promotes the stewardship of 

significant landscapes through research, planning, and sustainable preservation 

maintenance. The Center accomplishes its mission in collaboration with a network 

of partners including national parks, universities, government agencies, and private 

nonprofit organizations. Techniques and principles of preservation practice are made 

available through training and publications. 

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Boston National Historical Park

Charlestown Navy Yard, Quarters C

Boston, MA 02129

www.nps.gov/oclp/

Publication Credits: Graphics from sources other than federal repositories may not 

be reproduced without the permission of the owners noted in the captions. Other 

information in this publication may be copied and used with the condition that full 

credit be given to the authors and publisher. Appropriate citations and bibliographic 

credits should be made for each use. 

National Park Service, Denver Technical Information Center Report NPS 382/109439

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hammond, John W. (John William), 1971-

 Cultural landscape report for the Vanderbilt Mansion formal gardens : Vanderbilt 

Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York : site history, existing 

conditions, analysis and evaluation, treatment / prepared by John W. Hammond, 

Margie Coffin Brown, Brona Keenan.

 p. cm.

 Includes bibliographical references.

 1. Formal gardens--Conservation and restoration--New York (State)--Hyde Park 

(Dutchess County) 2. Historic gardens--Conservation and restoration--New York 

(State)--Hyde Park (Dutchess County) 3. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site 

(Hyde Park, Dutchess County, N.Y.) 4. Cultural landscapes--New York (State)--Hyde 

Park (Dutchess County) 5. Landscape assessment--New York (State)--Hyde Park 

(Dutchess County) 6. Landscape protection--New York (State)--Hyde Park (Dutchess 

County) 7. Vanderbilt family--Homes and haunts--New York (State)--Hyde Park 

(Dutchess County) 8. Hyde Park (Dutchess County, N.Y.)--Buildings, structures, etc. 

I. Brown, Margie Coffin. II. Keenan, Brona. III. Title. 

 SB466.U7V26 2011

 712.09747’33--dc23

 2011036224

Cover Photo: Contemporary view of the formal gardens from the palm house terrace 

(Bill Urbin, 2005).

Title Page: Two girls and one boy leaning on an urn on the south side of the rose house 

terrace, circa 1920s (VAMA).
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS v

List of Figures v

List of Drawings xiii

List of Tables xiii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xv

FOREWORD xvii

INTRODUCTION 1

Project Scope and Methods 2

Report Organization 2

Summary of Existing Documentation 4

Summary of Findings 9

Site History 10

Existing Conditions 13

Analysis and Evaluation 13

Treatment 14

1. SITE HISTORY 17

Settlement and the Development of a Country Estate, 1705–1828 17

John Hosack and Andre Parmentier, 1828–1935 21

Langdon Ownership, 1840–1895 24

Vanderbilt Ownership, 1895–1938 30

Early Years of the Vanderbilt Period: 1895–1902 35

James L. Greenleaf and the Italian Garden: 1902–1904 37

Replacement of Greenhouses: 1904–1910 46

Thomas Meehan and Sons: 1910–1913 49

Robert Cridland: 1913–1938 59

Formal Gardens in 1938 99

Post-Vanderbilt Years, 1938–Present 100

2. EXISTING CONDITIONS 111

Physical Setting 111

Landscape Characteristics 112

Spatial Organization 112

Buildings and Structures 120

Circulation 129

Vegetation 136

Small-Scale Features 142

Views and Vistas 148
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

iv

3. ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 159

National Register Evaluation 159

Summary of Existing National Register Documentation 159

Statement of Significance 160

Evaluation of Landscape Integrity 163

Analysis of Landscape Characteristics and Features 166

Spatial Organization 166

Buildings and Structures 167

Circulation 176

Vegetation 182

Small-Scale Features 187

Views and Vistas 190

4. TREATMENT 195

Framework for Treatment 196

Relationship to Park Planning 196

Treatment Philosophy and Principles 198

Primary Treatment: Rehabilitation 201

Treatment Date 203

Treatment Tasks 205

Buildings and Structures 205

Circulation 211

Vegetation: Trees, Shrubs, Hedges, and Vines 214

Vegetation: Seasonal Plantings 224

Small-Scale Features 234

APPENDICES 255

Appendix A: Estate Purchase Ledgers 255

Appendix B: “Revised Key to Plan No. 2011” 309

Appendix C: Existing Conditions Field Notes 313

Appendix D: Annuals in Estate Purchase Ledgers 325

Appendix E: Perennials 341

Appendix F: Mowing and Hauling Equipment 349

Appendix G: Sample Source for Concrete Garden Benches 351
v

List of Illustrations

LIST OF FIGURES

Introduction

0.1 Map showing the location of Vanderbilt Mansion National 

Historic Site

3

Site History

1.1 Period Plan showing Bard estate and farm in 1821 20

1.2 Period Plan showing Hosack estate and farm in 1835 23

1.3 Period Plan showing the farm and estate during the Langdon 

ownership in 1894

25

1.4 Frederick W. Beers, Atlas of New York and Vicinity, 1867, Plate 

45, Hyde Park

26

1.5 Perspective View of Proposed Greenhouse for Walter Langdon, 

Esq., Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N.Y. Drawing, Boston, 9 

December 1874, Sturgis and Brigham, Architects

27

1.6 West Elevation of Gardener’s Cottage, greenhouse known as 

the Grapery, and Tool House. Plan no. 5, Sturgis and Brigham, 

Architects, 1875

28

1.7 Hyde Park Gardens, 1897, traced by Landscapes, Inc. from 

faded blueprint of survey, with labels added by OCLP

29

1.8 Axonometric of the formal gardens from 1897, John Robbins, 

NPS North Atlantic Region, 1981

30

1.9 Vanderbilt Core Area Composite for the period of 1897 to 1905 32

1.10 “Grading, Drainage, Path and Soil Plan, Gardens of F.W. 

Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.,” James L. Greenleaf. 

Landscape architect, Plan #48, April 13, 1903

38

1.11 “Masonry and Timbering of North Pergola, Gardens of F. W. 

Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson,” James L. Greenleaf, 

Landscape Architect, Plan #13, March 24, 1903

39

1.12 Diagram of the classical proportioning system employed in the 

Italian garden by James Greenleaf

40
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

vi

1.13 Axonometric of the formal gardens 1905-1907, showing 

Greenleaf constructions in the Italian Gardens, Vanderbilt 

greenhouses on upper terraces and sloping terrace edges

41

1.14 Drawing entitled “Cherry Tree Walk, Pergolas and Trellis, 

Gardens of F.W. Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.,” James L. 

Greenleaf, Landscape Architect, Plan 16

42

1.15 “Details of Axis Path and Catch Basins in the Gardens of F. 

W. Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.,” James L. Greenleaf, 

Landscape Architect, Plan #3, October 26, 1902

43

1.16 View looking north showing the Italian Garden pool in 

foreground and north pergola in background without vine 

cover, circa 1904

44

1.17 Watercolor of the upper perennial garden in 1903 shortly after 

completion of Greenleaf’s design

47

1.18 Watercolor of the lower perennial garden in 1903 shortly after 

the completion of Greenleaf’s design

47

1.19 View looking south showing the Italian garden, circa 1904. Two 

Corinthian capitals are set in the central walk and the statue of 

the odalisque is not yet placed in the pool house

48

1.20 View looking west showing new twin palm houses at right and 

remaining Langdon era greenhouses at left, circa 1906. The 

fountain terrace is visible in the center of the image and the 

upper annual garden is in the foreground

50

1.21 “Proposed Greenhouse for F. W. Vanderbilt,” Plan No. 1250. 

Pierson U-Bar Co., Madison Avenue, New York City

50

1.22 View looking southwest showing the new twin rose houses at 

left and one of two palm houses at right, post 1908

51

1.23 View looking southwest showing the south palm house and the 

statuary that ornamented the greenhouse and fountain terraces, 

post 1908

51

1.24 View looking northeast showing the upper annual garden in 

the foreground and the twin palm houses, tool house, and 

carnation house in the background, post 1908

52

1.25 View looking north showing the upper annual garden, post 

1908

53

1.26 View looking north showing the Italian garden central walk and 

north pergola, circa 1911

53

1.27 View looking south showing the Italian garden central walk and 

pool house, circa 1911

54

1.28 “Garden Plan prepared for F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, 

NY.,” June 10, 1910, Thomas Meehan and Sons, Mount Airy, 

Philadelphia, Landscape Architects, Plan 2011

55

1.29 View looking west showing the frog fountain in the rose garden, 

circa 1918

57
vii

1.30 View looking west showing the frog fountain and rose garden, 

circa 1918

58

1.31 View looking north showing a garden bench in the rose garden 

with the wire fence in the background, circa 1920s

58

1.32 Plan 133 by Robert Cridland dated February 15, 1916 entitled 

“Detail Arrangement of Gardens prepared for F. W. Vanderbilt, 

Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson, N.Y.”

61

1.33 View looking west showing the lower annual garden with 

geometric planting beds surrounding a central circular bed, 

circa 1910

62

1.34 View looking north showing the lower annual garden with 

perforated ring beds surrounding a central circular bed, circa 

1910

63

1.35 View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, circa 

1922

63

1.36 View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, circa 

1922

64

1.37 View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, post 

1922

64

1.38 View looking northwest showing the lower annual garden, post 

1922

65

1.39 View looking north showing the lower annual garden, post 1922 65

1.40 View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, post 

1922

66

1.41 View looking southeast showing the lower annual garden with 

solid center bed layout and Cridland’s arborvitae hedge and 

three trellis structures in the background, circa 1930s

66

1.42 View looking southeast showing the upper annual garden, post 

1922

67

1.43 View looking southeast showing the upper annual garden, post 

1922

67

1.44 View looking northeast showing the upper annual garden, circa 

1920s

68

1.45 View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, post 

1922

68

1.46 “Proposed Improvements in Formal Garden, for F.W. 

Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson, N.Y.,” April 15, 1922, 

Robert B. Cridland, Landscape Architect, Philadelphia, No. 430

70

1.47 “Proposed Improvements in Formal Garden, for F.W. 

Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson, N.Y.,” April 15, 1922, 

Robert B. Cridland, Landscape Architect, Philadelphia, No. 430

71

1.48 “Proposed Improvements in Formal Garden, for F.W. 

Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson, N.Y.,” April 15, 1922, 

Robert B. Cridland, Landscape Architect, Philadelphia, No. 430

73
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

viii

1.49 “Pergola Plan for F. W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, New York, 

Plan #V30A, Scale 1/2”=1 ft, Robert B. Cridland, Landscape 

Architect, Philadelphia and Atlanta,” showing specific 

dimensions for overhead pergolas in the gardens

74

1.50 View looking southeast showing the upper annual garden with 

Cridland’s arborvitae hedge and three trellis structures in the 

background, circa 1922

75

1.51 View looking southeast showing the upper annual garden with 

Cridland’s arborvitae hedge and three trellis structures in the 

background, circa 1922

75

1.52 View looking northeast in the lower annual garden with 

Cridland’s arborvitae hedge in the background, circa 1924. 

Note the dense stand of evergreens in the Italian garden beyond 

the new hedge

76

1.53 View looking north showing Cridland’s arborvitae hedge 

and wire trellis arches between the lower annual and lower 

perennial gardens, circa 1939

76

1.54 Design for Remodeling Pergola, for F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde 

Park, New York,” no date, Robert B. Cridland, Landscape 

Architect, Philadelphia, circa 1922

77

1.55 “Garden Plan for Frederick W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, 

New York,” no date, Robert B. Cridland, Landscape Architect, 

Philadelphia, Agnes D. Russell, Associate

78

1.56 View looking north showing the beds along the central walkway 

to the north pergola, circa 1930s

79

1.57 “Planting Plan prepared for F. W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde 

Park, N.Y.” September 1934, Robert B. Cridland, Landscape 

Architect, Agnes D. Russell, Associate, Philadelphia, Plan 1-20

80

1.58 Detail for dry laid stone retaining wall to be planted from 

Cridland’s book, Practical Landscape Gardening, 1925

81

1.59 View looking south showing the upper perennial garden as 

redesigned by Cridland with rows of flowering cherry trees, dry 

laid stone retaining walls and mixed perennial beds, 1930s

81

1.60 View looking north showing the upper perennial garden as 

redesigned by Cridland, 1930s

82

1.61 View looking northeast showing delphiniums at the lower 

end of the dry laid stone wall between the upper and lower 

perennial gardens, 1930s

82

1.62 View looking north showing the delphiniums at the lower end 

of the dry laid stone walls and the central walkway to the north 

pergola, 1930s

83

1.63 Planting plan for the lower perennial garden by Robert B. 

Cridland, Landscape Architect, 1000 Bailey Bldg., Philadelphia, 

circa 1916

84
ix

1.64 View looking south showing the lower perennial garden 85

1.65 View looking northeast showing the lower and upper perennial 

garden beds, circa 1930s

86

1.66 View looking southeast showing the lower perennial garden 

after the arborvitaes had been removed, circa 1934

86

1.67 View looking south showing the pool house and reflecting pool 

with potted bay plants and iris blooming, circa 1920s

87

1.68 View looking northwest showing the reflecting pool with water 

lilies, iris, and sheared arborvitae in the adjacent bed, and one 

of two potted bay plants, circa 1920s

87

1.69 View looking east showing John Moore in the pool and two 

gardeners tending the adjacent bed, circa 1920s

88

1.70 View looking south showing the pool house and statue of an 

odalisque, with iris in the foreground, post 1904

88

1.71 “Rose Garden Arrangement for F. W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde 

Park, N.Y.,” no date, Robert B. Cridland

90

1.72 View looking east showing the rose garden loggia flanked by 

ornamental vases with the frog fountain at center, circa 1922

91

1.73 View looking east showing the loggia without vases or bay 

plants, circa 1930s

91

1.74 View looking southeast showing the rose garden 92

1.75 View looking northeast showing the rose garden and loggia 

with beds of canna visible in the foreground, circa 1924

92

1.76 Drawing of the rose garden with handwritten rose varieties, 

circa 1916. The drawing is unattributed and is written in a 

different hand than Cridland’s

94

1.77 Planting plan by Robert B. Cridland for trees and shrubs 

surrounding the rose garden prepared April 30, 1917 with 

twenty flowering shrubs and evergreen trees specified

96

1.78 View looking east showing the southwest corner of the garden 

and south ends of the rose houses, circa 1920s or 1930s

97

1.79 View looking northwest showing one of the decorative vases by 

the south end of the rose house, circa 1920s

97

1.80 Aerial view of the formal gardens and surrounding landscape, 

late 1930s

98

1.81 View looking southeast showing the abandoned rose house 

with the a Corinthian capital at the southern edge of the palm 

house terrace, circa 1940s

98

1.82 View looking east showing three gardeners standing at the 

southwest corner of the formal gardens near the Rose House, 

circa 1920s

99
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

x

1.83 Axonometric of Formal Gardens 1922-1923 showing Meehan 

addition of Rose Garden structures and Cridland modifications 

to Italian Garden structures and walls, John Robbins, NPS 

North Atlantic Region, 1981

99

1.84 View looking west showing one of the abandoned palm houses 

with missing and broken glass, circa 1940s

100

1.85 View looking south showing the perennial garden maintained 

as lawn, circa 1970s

101

1.86 View looking west showing Cridland’s wire arbors above the 

lower perennial garden, circa 1970s

102

1.87 View looking northeast showing the damaged Potting Shed 

with stockpiled elements including columns and bluestone 

steps, circa 1970s

102

1.88 View looking southeast showing the remnants of the north 

pergola, circa 1970s

103

1.89 View looking north showing the north pergola under 

rehabilitation, circa 1970s

103

1.90 View looking east showing the rose garden area maintained as 

lawn, circa 1970s

104

1.91 View looking south showing repairs being made to the garden 

wall, circa 1970s

104

Existing Conditions

2.1 Oblique aerial view north of the formal gardens which descend 

from the greenhouse terraces (left) to the loggia (right)

115

2.2 View east from the west gate and path that formerly led between 

the Palm Houses

115

2.3 View west from the palm house terrace of the west gate and an 

ancient finial in its historic location near the palm houses

116

2.4 View west of the greenhouse terraces from the site of the 

former Rose House

116

2.5 View northeast of the Tool House and site of the former 

Carnation House

117

2.6 View southeast of two terraces, the palm house fountain 

terrace with the boy dolphin fountain, planted with roses and 

marigolds; and the upper annual terrace, planted with cannas, 

pennisetum grass, zinnias, begonias, and blue salvia

117

2.7 View south of the upper annual terrace beds 118

2.8 View northeast of lower annual terrace. Parterre beds are 

referenced by FVWGA as hearts (foreground), crescents 

(center and right), and socks (left)

118

2.9 View east of the upper perennial garden central walk framed by 

perennials and cherry trees

119
xi

2.10 View east of the pool and pavilion in the lower perennial garden 119

2.11 View southeast of the rose garden and loggia 120

2.12 View north of the Tool House, an Italianate building 

constructed in circa 1875

122

2.13 View northeast of the Gardener’s cottage, an Italianate building 

constructed in circa 1875

122

2.14 View east of the potting shed at the southwest corner of the 

garden

123

2.15 View north from within the north pergola, which is topped with 

heavy timbers and vines

123

2.16 Close up view of the vines encircling the brick piers of the 

north pergola

124

2.17 View east of the pergola surrounding the pool house 124

2.18 View northeast of the triple arched rose garden loggia, which 

was designed and built in 1916 under the direction of Robert 

Cridland

125

2.19 View north of the garden entrance at the upper west end of the 

garden

125

2.20 View east of a remaining red clay finial on top of the garden wall 126

2.21 View south of the lower annual terrace, the south stair arbor, 

pool house, and the missing wall section along the south side of 

the garden

126

2.22 View south of the beds and a bench in the lower rose garden 127

2.23 View southeast of the central stair pergola 127

2.24 Close-up view of the south stair pergola with rot in one of the 

beams

128

2.25 Close-up of a drain in the north pergola, a detail specified on 

the original construction drawings by James Greenleaf

128

2.26 View northeast of the north pergola and mature vines 129

2.27 View north of pea stone walkway and granite steps between the 

annual and fountain terraces

132

2.28 View south of the upper annual terrace edged by a pea stone 

walkway and trellis structure

132

2.29 View east of the cold frames along the outer side of the south 

wall of the garden near the former greenhouse site

133

2.30 View east from the south stair pergola through the brick piers of 

the pool pergola to the reflecting pool

133

2.31 View north of the reflecting pool and lower perennial garden 

with the central walkway leading to the north pergola

134

2.32 View east of the reflecting pool, lower perennial garden and the 

brick pillars along the east edge of the garden space

134

2.33 View south of repairs to the retaining wall on the upper west 

end of the rose garden

135

2.34 View north of the el-shaped steps leading from the lower 

perennial garden down to the rose garden

135
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

xii

2.35 View east of the loggia at eastern lower edge of the rose garden 136

2.36 View looking northeast showing the plantings in the lower 

annual garden

138

2.37 View east of the lower perennial garden 138

2.38 View northwest of the iris along the edge of the pool 139

2.39 View north of a tangle of vines and shrubs growing along the 

steep slope on the east side of the wire lattice wall between the 

upper annual terrace and upper perennial garden

139

2.40 View east of the shady steps in the central stair pergola 140

2.41 Close-up of a wisteria vine encircling a brick support on the 

north pergola

140

2.42 Close-up of a trumpet vine by the south stair pergola 141

2.43 View north of the lower annual terrace and upper annual 

terrace in the distance, with mature pines framing the north 

side of the garden

141

2.44 View south of sandstone pieces that were once part of late 

nineteenth-century Baroque style vases

143

2.45 Close-up of elements of sandstone vases set along the edge of 

the palm house terrace

144

2.46 One of a pair of antique Corinthian capitals of the Eastern 

Roman Empire that dates to the second or third century AD

144

2.47 View east of an antique white marble Corinthian capital from 

the Eastern Roman Empire that dates to the second or third 

century AD

145

2.48 View east of the brecciated stone Italian garden fountain on the 

terrace overlooking the upper annual garden

145

2.49 View southwest of cast faux wellhead with decorative wrought 

iron overthrow

146

2.50 View north of an antique white marble cistern with a bas 

relief of a lion devouring an antelope with a trumpeter in the 

background

146

2.51 View south of the Italian white marble sculpture of an 

Odalisque

147

2.52 The shell of the Orpheus fountain in the lower rose garden is 

cracked and in need of repair

147

2.53 A cast stone bench with dolphin supports placed at the 

northwest end of the pool pergola

148

2.54 View east from the arched window of the rose garden loggia 149

2.55 View southeast from the arched window of the pool house 149
xiii

2.56 View east of the brick piers and wire scrolls that frame the view 

of rose garden from the lower perennial garden

150

Treatment

4.1 Photo simulation showing the location and design of the 

missing wall on the southern edge of the lower annual garden

207

4.2 Drawing showing the placement and design of the hedge to be 

replaced between the upper and lower perennial gardens as 

well as the juniper shrubs on the slope in front of the hedge

213

4.3 Conceptual drawing of a concrete bench 240

LIST OF DRAWINGS

1. 1938 Period Plan 109

2. Existing Conditions 151

3. Existing Conditions, Upper Perennial Garden 153

4. Existing Conditions, Lower Perennial Garden 155

5. Existing Conditions, Walls, Circulation, and Small-Scale 

Features

157

6. Treatment Plan 243

7. 2008 Existing Conditions 245

8. Treatment Plan, Upper Perennial Garden 247

9. Treatment Plan, Lower Annual Garden 249

10. Treatment Plan, Rose Garden 251

11. Treatment Plan, Small-Scale Features 253

LIST OF TABLES

1.1 Plants specified by Greenleaf in 1903 45

1.2 Rose Varieties 95

3.1 Landscape Features 192

4.1 Vines Specified on Greenleaf Planting Plan 223
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

xiv
Acknowledgments

xv

Acknowledgments

The Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens 

was a collaborative effort by the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, 

the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, and the Frederick W. Vanderbilt 

Garden Association, Inc. At the Olmsted Center, the report was prepared by 

John W. Hammond, Historical Landscape Architect with assistance from Brona 

Keenan, Student Conservation Associate and Gardener for the National Trust for 

Scotland. Margie Coffin Brown, Senior Project Manager also contributed to the 

report and served as the project manager. Robert Page, Director provided project 

oversight.

At Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, David Hayes, Chief of Resource 

Management served as project coordinator. Sarah Olson, Superintendent and 

Carol Kohan, Deputy Superintendent provided overall project guidance. Henry 

Van Brookhoven, Facility Manager and Dave Cerasaro, Grounds Foreman 

provided input on current grounds operations. Ann Jordan, Chief Curator and 

Frank Futral, Curator participated in meetings and provided information on 

objects in the landscape. Scott Rector, Chief of Interpretation and Allan Dailey, 

Supervisory Park Ranger participated in project meetings. Michele Ballos, 

Collections Manager and Tara McGill, Museum Technician assisted with historical 

research. Bill Urbin, Photographer provided the cover image.

From the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association, Inc., Margi Delafield, 

President; Kay Cangemi, Head of Historic Research; and Martha McConaghy, 

Treasurer assisted with gathering historical information. Many additional 

members participated in meetings and provided information for the report 

including Marion Asher, Board Member; Charlotte Daley, Head Annual Gardener 

and Vice President; Judy Dobbie, Head of Grounds; Shirley Downing, Garden 

Coordinator; Suzanne Gillespie, Member; Evelyn Kohuth, Volunteer Coordinator; 

Anita Mannion, Volunteer; Elaine Parker, Master Gardener; JoAnn Wheate, Head 

Perennial Gardener; and Anita Whelan, Secretary. 

This report builds upon two published reports and one draft report. Excerpts 

are incorporated into the history of the formal gardens from the Vanderbilt 

Mansion National Historic Site Cultural Landscape Report prepared in 1988 by 

Rieley & Associates, Rudy J. Favretti, and Reuben M. Rainey, as well as from the 

Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Volume 

1, prepared in 1992 by Patricia M. O’Donnell, Charles A. Birnbaum, and Cynthia 

Zaitzevsky, Ph.D. Recommendations are also revisited from the draft “Landscape 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

xvi

Preservation Treatment Recommendations,” prepared by Patricia O’Donnell, 

Barbara Wilson, and Peter Viteretto in 1994.
Foreword

xvii

Foreword

Certainly one of the highlights of a visit to the Hudson Valley is exploring the 

grounds at the Vanderbilt Mansion. A stroll along the stunning overlook of 

the Hudson River will lead you to the magnificent gardens that are the subject 

of this new report. People had begun writing about this remarkable landscape 

long before the Vanderbilt period and the gardens, too, were envisioned and laid 

out well before the Vanderbilts’ arrival. Franklin Roosevelt also admired this 

landscape and, following Frederick Vanderbilt’s death, paved the way for the 

establishment of the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in 1940. But in the 

1940s and 50s the Park Service found it necessary to abandon the upkeep of the 

gardens. Enter the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association which brought 

the gardens back to life and, today, remain its caretakers. 

This report reveals the history and significance of the gardens in splendid 

documentary and photographic detail, and presents plans for their restoration as 

they looked during Frederick Vanderbilt’s lifetime. Our sincere thanks go to the 

NPS’ Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, particularly John Hammond, 

Margie Coffin Brown and Brona Keenan, who skillfully assembled this volume. 

Their thorough research and insightful analysis uphold the Olmsted Center’s 

unmatched reputation for treating important landscapes with sensitivity and skill. 

Thanks also to our park resource manager, Dave Hayes, who oversaw the project 

from start to finish. 

Several of our partners in the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association 

reviewed drafts of the report along the way and were able to provide the 

important perspective of the working gardener. The Association is already at work 

restoring the Cherry Walk as an early step toward bringing back the 1930s garden. 

These gardens unfold gradually and offer unexpected delights as you travel 

along their winding paths. They invite people back again and again to explore 

this historic landscape gem in greater detail. Once the gardens are fully restored, 

discovering all that lies within their walls will only grow more enriching for those 

lucky people who visit. 

Sarah Olson

Superintendent
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

xviii
Introduction

1

Introduction

Located in the town of Hyde Park, New York, on a terrace above the Hudson 

River with views to the distant Catskill Mountains, the Vanderbilt Mansion 

National Historic Site preserves the former home and estate grounds of Frederick 

and Louise Vanderbilt. The estate is one of many built along the river by influential 

families who were drawn to Dutchess County for its fertile soils, outstanding 

views, access to the river corridor, and proximity to New York City. The property 

reflects the consecutive developments by several affluent landowners, including 

the Bards, Hosacks, Langdons, and Vanderbilts and is significant for its association 

with the Gilded Age and as an example of Country Place Era landscape design as 

practiced at the end of the nineteenth century. The site includes the Vanderbilt’s 

54-room palatial Mansion, an exceptional collection of mature specimen trees, 

winding drives, expansive views, and ornate formal gardens. 

Set apart from the Mansion and framed with elaborate walls and pergolas, the 

terraced formal gardens are the focus of this report. The earliest built features in 

the garden date to 1875, when the property was owned by Dorothea and Walter 

Langdon, Jr. The Vanderbilts purchased the property in 1895 and retained 

ownership until 1938. During this period they hired a succession of landscape 

architects to expand the formal gardens with design principles adopted from 

Italian and French gardens. The National Park Service assumed management of 

the property in 1940 with the legislated intent to explain the significance of the 

Gilded Age, interpret the lifestyle of the Vanderbilts as reflected by their estate, 

and to illustrate a phase of human interaction with the environment. 

Much of the historic character of the formal gardens has been preserved 

by the ongoing efforts of Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association, Inc. 

(FWVGA). Formed in 1984, the Association has worked in collaboration with the 

National Park Service to restore the gardens as closely as possible to their 1930s 

appearance, with thousands of volunteers hours devoted to the upkeep of the 

garden. The extent of the gardens is a challenge to maintain however, and there 

is some loss of the historic character of the garden as a result of missing features 

such as walls, greenhouses, plants, and ornamentation. Many extant features are 

deteriorating and are in need of repairs or rehabilitation.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

2

PROJECT SCOPE AND METHODS

The Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens 

serves as the primary treatment document for the formal gardens and the primary 

tool for their long-term management. It provides treatment guidance within the 

context of the site’s history and significance, extant historic features, and current 

planning objectives and management goals. In addition to providing specific, 

targeted treatment tasks to address immediate identified issues, this document 

establishes an overall treatment philosophy and principles to guide future 

treatment decisions. Together, the treatment guidance will help articulate goals, 

establish priorities, and focus resources.

This report addresses the walled formal gardens, a component of the larger 

landscape of the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. The historic site is 

situated along the bank of the Hudson River in a long north-south parcel a quarter 

mile wide and over a mile long (Figure 0.1). The Mansion sits 170 feet above the 

river on the edge of a terrace characterized by open lawns, mature deciduous 

trees, formal gardens, serpentine drives, and neo-classically styled buildings. A 

site-wide treatment plan addressing the historic site as a whole was completed in 

2009. This report builds on the 2009 treatment plan to provide more detailed and 

focused documentation and treatment for the complex landscape of the formal 

gardens.

The methodology used in this report follows A Guide to Cultural Landscape 

Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques (1998). The treatment guidelines and 

tasks are consistent guidelines established by the National Park Service Director’s 

Order 28: Cultural Resource Management (1999), NPS-28: Cultural Resource 

Management Guideline (1997), and The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for 

the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural 

Landscapes (1996).

REPORT ORGANIZATION

This report is organized into four chapters beginning with a detailed history of 

the evolution of the formal gardens, followed by documentation of the existing 

conditions, an analysis and evaluation of the integrity of the formal gardens with 

respect to the historic period of 1895 to 1938, and treatment guidance on the 

ongoing management of the garden. Additional detailed information is included in 

appendices. The four chapters are summarized below: 

Chapter 1: Site History synthesizes information on the formal gardens extracted 

from previous cultural landscape reports and includes historic plans, photographs, 

and 1938 period plans. These 1938 period plans identify, as best as possible using 

historical documentation, the historic plant cultivars used in the formal gardens by 

the Vanderbilts until 1938, including trees, ornamental shrubs, evergreens, roses, 
Introduction

3

Figure 0.1. Map showing the location of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site as well as the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National 

Historic Site and Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. The three national park units are managed together as a single administrative 

unit, Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites. The Roosevelt Farm and Forest and the Top Cottage properties are part of the Home of 

Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site (OCLP 2009).

9

9G

9W

Vanderbilt 

Mansion

National 

Historic Site

Home of 

Franklin D. Roosevelt

National Historic Site

Eleanor Roosevelt

National Historic Site

Roosevelt

Farm and Forest

Top

Cottage

H

u

d s o n

R i v e r

vines, perennials, and annuals. The plan also identifies architectural components, 

including walls, steps, walkways, pergolas, benches, fountains, and statuary. 

Chapter 2: Existing Conditions provides a narrative overview of the garden area 

as it currently exists. Contemporary site operations and features are described 

including manipulated topography, circulation, and vegetation. Photographs and 

an existing conditions plan supplement the narrative.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

4

Chapter 3: Analysis and Evaluation summarizes existing National Register 

documentation for the property and evaluates the condition of key features and 

their contribution to the significance of the landscape. 

Chapter 4: Treatment describes the preservation strategy for management 

of the formal gardens. It includes a framework that establishes a treatment 

character date, a preferred treatment of rehabilitation, and an overall philosophy 

that guides the individual treatment tasks. The treatment tasks are presented 

by landscape characteristic and include tasks for buildings and structures, 

circulation, vegetation, and small-scale features. The narrative treatment tasks 

are supplemented by annotated treatment plans, photographs, and drawings to 

illustrate selected tasks, and tables of recommended bedding plants.

SUMMARY OF EXISTING DOCUMENTATION

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is particularly well documented, 

both in primary sources and in secondary source documents that have been 

written in the past seventy years. Primary sources include drawings and written 

descriptions of the landscape that date as far back as the 1830s, surveys and plans 

for the formal gardens and the larger estate, photographs from the late nineteenth 

century through the 1940s, and careful records of estate financial transactions in 

the form of detailed estate purchase ledgers. Secondary sources include numerous 

histories, cultural landscape reports, and park master plans, which to varying 

degrees recount the site history, analyze the landscape, and provide management 

direction for the park. 

This Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens 

builds on the existing documentation to provide complete and coherent analysis 

and treatment guidance for the formal gardens. Where noted, information 

was extracted from previously compiled histories and supplemented with new 

information and analysis gathered from review of primary documentation, 

including historic photographs and the estate purchase ledgers.

Cultural Landscape Reports

The first cultural landscape report for the Vanderbilt Mansion was prepared in 

1988 by Rieley and Associates, Rudy Favretti, and Reuben Rainey. One of the first 

of its kind prepared for a park service-managed landscape, the study focused 

on the formal gardens at Vanderbilt Mansion and included a site history and 

extensive analysis of historic garden plans and planting lists. 

A property-wide cultural landscape report was authored by Patricia O’Donnell, 

Charles Birnbaum, and Cynthia Zaitzevsky and published in 1992 by the North 

Atlantic Region Cultural Landscape Program, the predecessor to the Olmsted 

Center for Landscape Preservation. The 1992 volume incorporates the earlier 

research completed by Rieley and Associates and includes a site history, existing 
Introduction

5

conditions, and analysis for the landscape from 1764 to 1991 as it evolved during 

its ownership by the Bards, Hosacks, Langdons, Vanderbilts, and the National 

Park Service.

In 1994, a draft of a second volume to the Cultural Landscape Report, Volume 

2: Landscape Preservation Treatment Recommendations was prepared by Patricia 

O’Donnell, Barbara Wilson, and Peter Viteretto. Although never finalized, 

the draft provides treatment recommendation for many issues identified in 

the landscape of the park as a whole and in the formal gardens specifically. 

Treatment recommendations from the 1994 draft were carefully considered in the 

preparation of this report. 

In 2009, the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation completed the Cultural 

Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Volume II: 

Treatment. The 2009 treatment plan serves as the second volume to the 1992 

cultural landscape report and provides treatment recommendations for the entire 

historic site property. Although the formal gardens are addressed cursorily in the 

treatment plan, the gardens’ complexity warrants the more detailed analysis and 

treatment guidance that a dedicated cultural landscape report can provide.

Master Plans

Three master plans, written in 1941, 1961, and 1976, were developed to help guide 

the development and management of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. 

These documents provide valuable records of existing conditions at the times 

they were written and articulate the park’s priorities and plans for the short-term 

future.

The first master plan for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site was completed 

in 1941, shortly after the estate’s acquisition by the National Park Service. The 

formal gardens were carefully documented in 1940 by the National Park Service 

Branch of Plans and Designs, resulting in the only written documentation of 

the contents of the Vanderbilts’ gardens. Preservation of the grounds was a high 

priority. In a letter to Regional Director Roberts in 1940, President Franklin D. 

Roosevelt expressed his belief that the property “should remain permanently in 

its present condition,” Yet, at this time there was considerable concern that the 

park would not have enough funds to maintain and heat the greenhouses. Shortly 

thereafter, as part of the 1941 Master Plan, Associate Landscape Architect Walter 

A. J. Ewald completed a “Planting Guide for Perennial Borders for the Vanderbilt 

Gardens,” which was neither a restoration nor a preservation plan, but a 

reinterpretation of the gardens which favored economy and ease of maintenance.1

Due to limited funds and resources, and the onset of World War II, the master 

plan was curtailed and the formal gardens closed.

A new master plan was completed in 1961 as part of the Mission 66 effort to 

revitalize the national park system. Despite what was typically an influx of funds 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

6

associated with Mission 66, the park still did not have enough resources to restore, 

or even maintain, the gardens. The master plan describes dilapidated buildings 

that were considered safety hazards and recommends removal of structures as 

their maintenance became unmanageable. The gardens were recognized in the 

plan as significant resources despite their poor condition, and recommendations 

for their interpretation included rehabilitation of some of the structures and an 

outlining of garden beds. As a result, in the early 1970s work began on the repair, 

repointing, and refacing of the garden structures and some of the beds were edged 

and delineated, but not planted. 

The 1976 master plan once again describes gardens in poor condition and a park 

without the means to maintain them. Modest and stepwise recommendations are 

offered for the rehabilitation of the gardens, beginning with the rehabilitation of 

the basic structural elements:

The formal gardens cannot be restored to their early 20th century magnificence, but a 

partial effort can be made. Rehabilitation of gravel paths, walls, and piers could establish 

the basic outlines. Next could come the identification of more detailed features by use 

of ground cover or grass patterns. Other low-maintenance features that act as focal 

points could be restored, such as arbors, trellises, pergolas, etc. Later stages could 

introduce a selected number of planting beds, to illustrate the types of plants used in the 

prime historic period.2

Of note, the 1976 master plan recommends the use of volunteer assistance for the 

rehabilitation and maintenance of the gardens. This management direction led to 

the formation of the FWVGA in 1984, and the subsequent rehabilitation of the 

formal gardens as they appear today. 

Historic Photos

Information contained in the secondary sources has been supplemented with 

available primary sources. Information about the content, arrangement, and 

character of the formal gardens during the historic period was gleaned from a 

number of historic sources, including historic photographs, garden plans, the 

estate purchase ledgers, and oral histories. These sources offer valuable primary 

information about the formal gardens and provide a rich picture of conditions 

during the Vanderbilt period. These sources, however, have their limitations and 

provide an incomplete record of historic conditions. This section describes the 

primary sources consulted for the treatment recommendations, the conclusions 

that can be drawn from them, and the areas where their information is incomplete.

A number of historic photos remain from the Vanderbilt period, covering nearly 

every portion of the formal gardens. These photos are invaluable for showing 

the gardens as they were, reducing the need for much of the speculation about 

historic conditions. In many of the cases, the photos clearly show the garden 

arrangements, plant materials, paths, steps, walls, greenhouses, and other garden 
Introduction

7

features. Some of the information that may be gained from the photos includes 

plant species, bed arrangements, plant heights, flower size, and foliage texture. 

Placing these photos in roughly chronological order can help determine how the 

gardens evolved over time and in what ways they remained constant throughout 

the historic period. Furthermore, the photos reveal the character of the gardens, a 

quality that is often difficult to discern from other sources.

The photos cover a period from about 1906 through the end of the historic period 

in 1938, as well as the early years of the National Park Service ownership in the 

1940s. Unfortunately, few of the photos are dated and do not evenly cover the 

entire historic period. Although one photo can be definitively dated to before 1908 

and a few likely date to the 1910s, the majority of the photos date from the 1920s 

and 1930s. 

The photos have other limitations on the information they can provide. Many of 

the photos are grainy or blurry, obscuring details of the features and vegetation. 

The photos also reveal no information about flower color. And while some of the 

plant species can be discerned from the shape of the flowers and foliage, many of 

the plants do not show clearly enough to be identified.

Historic Garden Plans

A number of surveys and garden plans survive from the historic period. These 

include site surveys from 1897 showing the garden configuration at the time 

Vanderbilt bought the property as well as garden plans by James L. Greenleaf, 

Thomas Meehan and Sons, and Robert Cridland. These plans give valuable 

information about the two- and three-dimensional layout of the gardens as well 

as construction details, materials, and planting plans. Detailed as they are, they 

only show the gardens as the designers intended them to be, not necessarily as 

they were. Vanderbilt had several plans drawn up during his residency at Hyde 

Park, some of which were never implemented. Furthermore, it is believed that 

Vanderbilt and his gardeners had significant input in the garden designs, adding 

to or altering the plans developed by the designers and guiding the incremental 

development of the gardens in between design plans. These alterations, additions, 

and omissions were typically not documented. Some sense of which aspects of 

the garden designs were implemented can be garnered from cross-referencing the 

historic photos and estate purchase ledgers, but because of the limitations of those 

sources it is not possible to determine as-built conditions with certainty.

Plans that are of particular use in guiding treatment recommendations include 

those drawn by Greenleaf and Cridland. Greenleaf’s drawings of the upper 

and lower perennial gardens in 1902 and 1903 document in detail the structural 

features he proposed, including the north pergola, pool pergola, pool and pool 

house, stair pergolas, and the lattice wall. The drawings also detail the grading, 

circulation features, and drainage system and gave specifications for vines and 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

8

hedges. The structural elements depicted in the drawings correspond well 

with historic photos and existing conditions, suggesting that the plans were 

implemented as drawn. While the vegetation of the perennial gardens changed 

during the historic period, many of the structural components remained 

unchanged through the end of the period. Greenleaf’s drawing are therefore 

important sources for the preservation and restoration of walls, pergolas, paths, 

drainage features, and other structures in the upper and lower perennial gardens.

Robert Cridland worked for the Vanderbilts for more than twenty years, 

generating a number of designs and redesigns for the formal gardens. Some, 

like his comprehensive 1916 planting plan for the entire gardens, appear to have 

been, at most, only partially implemented. Others, including the 1922 plan for 

the double arborvitae hedge and the 1934 plans for the redesign of the upper 

perennial garden, correspond closely with historic photos. Cridland’s drawings 

typically contained detailed planting plans and plant lists, which were specific 

in varieties, quantities, sizes, and locations of trees, shrubs, and bedding plants. 

The temporal nature of vegetation and the fact that it was frequently changed 

during the historic period make it hard to determine if the planting plans were 

implemented exactly as prescribed by Cridland. By referencing historic photos 

and the estate purchase ledgers, however, it is possible to be reasonably confident 

in the types of perennials selected for the gardens and how they were used.

Although the garden plans may not depict definitive as-built conditions of the 

gardens during the historic period, they do provide guidance on the location, 

arrangement, and construction details of structural elements, trees, shrubs, and 

hedges, and offer a palette of plants that were available and favored by the garden 

designers, and that were likely, in some place and at some time, located within 

the garden. This provides an excellent source for choosing suitable plants for the 

gardens today.

Estate Purchase Ledgers

Frederick Vanderbilt and the managers of his estate kept detailed records of all 

items bought or sold for the estate. This included everything from large purchases 

for the farm to everyday household items. Within the ledgers are hundreds of 

entries for plant materials, including trees, shrubs, perennials, seeds, and vines 

for both the estate grounds and the formal gardens. The ledgers provide a record 

of items actually planted at Vanderbilt’s estate and establish a chronology of 

development. The ledgers contain information on plant species, variety, quantity, 

and size, and enable a high level of specificity and accuracy in selecting plants for 

the gardens today (Appendix A). 

The estate purchase ledgers, however, have limitations to the information they 

provide. Although the ledgers cover the period to some extent from 1901 to 

1938, they do so with varying degrees of details. Some of the ledgers contain no 
Introduction

9

information about plant materials purchased, while others contain numerous 

detailed entries. It is possible that not all of the ledgers survived, or that there 

was inconsistency over the years in what sort of purchases were recorded in 

the ledgers. It is also possible that over certain periods, most of the plants were 

propagated on site and in the greenhouses, and that few plants were actually 

purchased. 

Plants purchased for the estate were used in a number of ways, including planting 

in the gardens, planting in the larger estate landscape, and for use as cutting or 

show flowers. Cutting flowers were grown either in the greenhouses or in the 

cutting garden south of the formal gardens and were not typically planted in the 

formal garden beds. In many instances, these various uses are not specified in the 

ledgers, leaving to speculation whether a purchased plant was ever used in the 

formal gardens.

Like the other historic sources, the estate purchase ledgers provide an incomplete 

record of the development of the formal gardens. However, they do provide 

valuable information about the species and varieties that were favored by 

Vanderbilt and bought and used in some way during the historic period. When 

used in conjunction with the other sources, the ledgers help complete the picture 

of the historic conditions and become an important source for selecting plants for 

garden treatment.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is a designed landscape with a nearly 

250-year history, dating to 1764 when Dr. John Bard first established his farm on 

the lands next to the Hudson River. Since then, four families made Hyde Park 

their home, developing over time a stately landscape of grand mansions, scenic 

grounds, and lush gardens. The formal gardens, located in their current location 

since at least 1875, were both showcase and refuge for its owners. Like the larger 

landscape, they evolved over the years under the guidance of several noted 

architects and landscape architects as well as the owners and their gardeners.

The formal gardens are a contributing resource to the property-wide cultural 

landscape, which is significant as an early example of picturesque landscape 

design in America and for exhibiting the distinctive characteristics of Country 

Place Era landscapes, and for its association with the Gilded Age of American 

wealth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The gardens retain a 

high degree of integrity, due in large part to rehabilitation efforts in the 1980s and 

to ongoing management by the FWVGA.

Treatment for the gardens focuses on stabilization and preservation of extant 

historic features, the reinstatement of lost structural and vegetation features, and 

the selection and planting of seasonal bedding plants. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

10

SITE HISTORY

While the extant features of the formal gardens date to 1875, the gardens were 

developed within the context of the estate as a whole. The following summarizes 

the history of the Hyde Park estate from its inception in 1764 to the present.

Dr. John Bard, 1764-1799

When Dr. John Bard acquired the property in 1764, it included the land of the 

current estate grounds along the Hudson River bank on the west side of Albany 

Post Road (today Route 9) in addition to a large area of land on the east side of 

the road, a total of 3,600 acres. 3 Dr. Bard first developed the eastern portion of 

the property, land well suited to agriculture. He built and lived in the Red House 

just east of Albany Post Road and developed a farm, which included a barn and 

other farm structures, a fruit orchard, and cultivated fields. Landings on the 

Hudson River were made at the south end of the property at Hyde Park Landing 

or at the north end of the property at a large flat rock outcropping known as Bard 

Rock. Bard Lane, a road built to access Bard Rock from Albany Post Road was 

constructed during this period. 

Dr. Samuel Bard, 1799-1821

John Bard’s son, Dr. Samuel Bard, inherited the Hyde Park property upon 

his father’s death in 1799. Unlike his father, the younger Dr. Bard was clearly 

interested in the scenic value of the western portion of the land overlooking 

the Hudson River. He built a grand house on the property’s highest point at the 

precipice of the terrace above the rolling fields and forests that descended to the 

river. Illustrations from the period show Dr. Bard with his family on the grassy 

terrace near the house peering through a telescope at the view of the river and its 

activity of boats and steamships. In addition to the house, Dr. Bard built barns, 

stables, and other outbuildings, a store at Bard Rock, and a system of roads 

connecting the two river landings with the house and other structures. Dr. Bard 

also kept gardens and greenhouses to support his pursuit of horticulture and 

the collecting of rare and exotic plants, and he planted ornamental trees, vines, 

shrubs, and grasses to beautify his estate grounds.

Dr. David Hosack, 1828-1835

David Hosack purchased Hyde Park from the heirs of his friend and colleague, 

Samuel Bard, in 1828. Like Bard, Hosack showed an enthusiasm for horticulture, 

having established in 1801 the Elgin Botanical Garden, the first public botanical 

garden in the country. After enlarging and rebuilding Samuel Bard’s house and 

adding gate lodges, a pavilion, stables, gardens, and greenhouses, Hosack turned 

his attention to the estate grounds, soliciting the help of landscape designer and 

nurseryman Andre Parmentier. 
Introduction

11

Parmentier, an immigrant from Belgium, had been operating a nursery in 

Brooklyn since 1824. He specialized in country seats, designing estate landscapes 

in the fashion of European country estates. Parmentier espoused the principles 

of picturesque landscape design, in which elements of the landscape are arranged 

according to compositional rules borrowed from landscape painting to give 

the impression of a natural landscape vista. In picturesque landscape design, 

naturalistic forms and arrangements are preferred over geometric or formal 

arrangements. Parmentier followed these tenets when laying out the grounds at 

Hyde Park. The main drive from Albany Post Road to the house was realigned to 

curve gently through the pastoral landscape and approach the Mansion obliquely. 

Other drives followed geographical features, like Crum Elbow Creek and the ridge 

line at the top of the bluff. Parmentier also favored the placement of classically 

inspired landscape ornamentation in the form of pavilions and sculptures. 

A number of these ornamental structures were placed throughout the estate 

grounds, including two rotunda pavilions. As a testament to the skill with which 

Parmentier composed the landscape at Hyde Park in the style of picturesque 

landscape design, drawings of the property made shortly after Dr. Hosack’s death 

bear remarkable similarity to landscape paintings done during the same period, 

often intended to represent an idealized natural or pastoral landscape.

Walter and Dorothea Langdon and Walter Langdon, Jr., 1840-1895

After Dr. Hosack’s death, the property was purchased from his heirs by John 

Jacob Astor, who then gave it to his daughter and son-in-law, Dorothea and Walter 

Langdon, in 1840. The northern portion of the estate grounds, later known as the 

Sexton tract, was retained by Magdelena Hosack and then sold separately to a 

series of owners before being reunited with the rest of the property by Frederick 

Vanderbilt in 1905. Many of the changes to the overall layout of the grounds were 

done in the early years of the Langdons’ ownership to accommodate this change 

in boundary. These changes included a new north gate and gatehouse and the 

realignment of the entry road to the north gate. The Langdons also built a new 

mansion after the Hosack mansion burned in 1845. The new house was built in 

the same site as the previous house.

Walter Langdon died in 1847, leaving Hyde Park to his many children. Over the 

next five years, Walter Langdon, Jr. bought the interest from his siblings so that by 

1852 he was the sole owner. He also purchased other land that had been separated 

from the estate, including Crum Elbow Creek and the farm property on the east 

side of Albany Post Road. Walter Langdon, Jr.’s most significant contribution 

to the estate was the construction of new formal gardens and greenhouses. 

The complex consisted of two cottages (a Gardener’s Cottage and a Tool 

House) connected by a greenhouse, a conservatory, and enclosing walls. These 

architectural elements enclosed a series of six rectangular terraces that stepped 

down the hill, each containing a formal garden of geometric beds. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

12

Frederick W. and Louise Vanderbilt, 1895-1938

The Vanderbilts purchased the estate and farm from Langdon’s heirs in 1895 and 

immediately began updating the property with new buildings. The Langdon house 

was demolished and a new mansion was built in its place. Other new buildings 

include a guest house called the Pavilion, the Coach House, two gatehouses, a 

perimeter wall and gates, and a pump and power house on Crum Elbow Creek. 

Structures associated with the creek that were constructed in the early years of the 

Vanderbilts’ ownership include the White Bridge, the Coach House Bridge, and 

four dams that created a series of ponds. Frederick Vanderbilt planted numerous 

trees over the course of his residency. These included specimen trees throughout 

the property, an allée of sugar maples along the entry drive, and a white pine 

buffer along Albany Post Road. The overall layout and character of the estate 

grounds, however, appears to have been largely retained.

The Vanderbilts also employed a series of landscape architects to redesign the 

formal gardens constructed by Walter Langdon, Jr. in 1875. Early changes to the 

gardens included the replacement of the greenhouses with three new greenhouse 

structures: the carnation house, the rose house, and a pair of palm houses. The 

gardens were also redesigned and extended eastward, with major redesigns of the 

two eastern-most terraces designed by James L. Greenleaf and the addition of 

the rose garden designed by Thomas Meehan and Sons and Robert B. Cridland. 

New structures in the gardens included walks, walls, arbors, pavilions, pools, 

and fountains. Changes to the gardens were carried out over several years from 

1905 to about 1932, when the Italian garden designed by Greenleaf, with its 

dense plantings of evergreen shrubs and hedges, was redesigned by Cridland as a 

flowering cherry allée with perennial border beds.

After Louise Vanderbilt died in 1926, Frederick Vanderbilt is said to have 

spent more time at Hyde Park and probably gave even closer attention to the 

management of the landscape. A tree survey of the property completed in 1941 

indicated a significant number of young trees, less than 13 inches in diameter, 

that were likely planted during the last twenty years of Frederick Vanderbilt’s 

ownership. Plant purchases for the gardens documented in the estate’s purchase 

ledgers during the late 1920s and 1930s also indicate a continued interest in the 

upkeep of the estate grounds. Cridland’s redesign of the Italian garden mentioned 

above was also undertaken during this period. When Frederick Vanderbilt died 

in 1938, he left his estate to his niece Mrs. James Van Alen, who gave it to the 

National Park Service in 1940.

National Park Service, 1940-Present

The National Park Service acquired the 211-acre estate property west of Albany 

Post Road as a National Historic Site in 1940. The farm property east of the road 

was not included in the acquisition and continued to be held in private ownership. 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a friend and neighbor of Frederick Vanderbilt, 
Introduction

13

was instrumental in securing the estate as a National Historic Site, offering his 

strong endorsement and guiding the process through the legislature. Shortly 

after acquisition, the National Park Service conducted a thorough site inventory, 

including a detailed tree inventory, and developed a master plan for the park, 

although no substantial changes to the organization or character of the landscape 

were carried out. Over the years the greenhouses and several other secondary 

structures throughout the property were removed. 

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Today the formal gardens comprise numerous historic features, including 

buildings, walls, steps and walkways, arbors and pergolas, garden pavilions, a pool 

and fountains, and numerous ornamental objects. In addition to these structural 

features, the gardens feature trees, shrubs, vines, and seasonal planting beds filled 

with annuals, perennials, and roses. While these vegetation features do not date 

to the historic period, they have been planted and are being maintained by the 

FWVGA in a manner that enhances the historic character of the gardens. The 

product of these structural and vegetation features is a complex of formal gardens 

that help convey the significance of the landscape at Vanderbilt Mansion National 

Historic Site.

The gardens are organized on a series of rectangular terraces that step down the 

hill slope toward the east. The top terraces, which once held greenhouses, are 

now open turf grass. Below these, the terraces are divided into geometric planting 

beds which are planted each year with colorful flowering annuals, perennials, and 

roses. The terraces are defined by steep banks and walls, and are connected by a 

system of walkways and steps. 

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

The formal gardens contribute to the significance of the larger Vanderbilt Mansion 

National Historic Site. The site is significant at the national level under National 

Register of Historic Places Criterion A, association with a historic event or pattern 

of events, for its association with the Gilded Age of American wealth in the late 

nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Country estates such as the Vanderbilt 

Mansion National Historic Site were the product of the economic, social, and 

cultural developments resulting from American industrialization following the 

Civil War. The site is also nationally significant under Criterion C, distinctive 

design, as a rare example of early picturesque landscape design in America and 

for exhibiting the distinctive characteristics of Country Place Era landscapes. The 

period of significance spans the years from 1828, when then-owner David Hosack 

and landscape designer Andre Parmentier began developing the site layout, to 

1938, when Frederick Vanderbilt died. While the history of the development of 

the site dates at least to 1797, extant design characteristics such as the circulation 

system, location of the main house, and overall landscape character were 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

14

established with the Hosack-Parmentier design beginning in 1828. Characteristics 

of the earlier designs do not appear to have survived with sufficient integrity to 

be included in the period of significance. The period of significance end date of 

1938 marks the end of the site’s association with Frederick Vanderbilt and the 

beginning of the transition to the National Park Service. 

The formal gardens are a major character-defining feature of the designed 

landscape. Since the end of the eighteenth century, the Hyde Park estate was 

used to showcase the horticultural hobbies of its owners. Both Samuel Bard and 

David Hosack maintained conservatories and ornamental gardens filled with 

exotic and remarkable specimens collected from around the world. The current 

gardens were originally laid out in 1875 by Walter Langdon, Jr. in an enclosed 

rectangular arrangement that stepped down the hillside in a series of terraces. 

These gardens were subsequently altered and expanded by the Vanderbilts from 

about 1900 through the 1930s. The gardens as they appeared at the end of the 

period of significance in 1938 were the culmination of almost sixty-five years 

of development that displayed important characteristics of Gilded Age estates 

and Country Place landscape design. The gardens represent the work of several 

important landscape designers and horticulturists of the period, including James 

L. Greenleaf, Thomas Meehan and Sons, and Robert Cridland.

TREATMENT

The goal of the treatment guidelines and tasks for the formal gardens is to 

reestablish the character of the landscape as it developed through the period of 

the Vanderbilts’ residency. Emphasis is on the preservation of extant historic 

features, reestablishment of missing architectural and vegetation elements, and 

the cultivation of seasonal plantings that create full and vibrant gardens. The 

treatment guidance endeavors to establish and maintain a character consistent 

with historic conditions while allowing variation and flexibility to make the 

implementation and maintenance of the gardens feasible. 

In accordance with guidance in the General Management Plan (2010), the 

recommended treatment approach is rehabilitation, which acknowledges the 

need to meet continuing or changing uses through alterations or new additions 

while retaining the historic character of the formal gardens. The reference date for 

treatment is 1938, the year Frederick Vanderbilt died and the end of the period 

of significance. In 1938, the landscape retained much of the character it had 

attained during the Vanderbilts’ time there and incorporates all major changes to 

the landscape that happened during the historic period. While this date does not 

establish a static picture for restoring the gardens, it does provide a reference point 

when making treatment decisions.

Key treatment tasks for rehabilitation of the formal gardens include rebuilding 

missing wall and fence sections, including a section of the perimeter wall along 
Introduction

15

ENDNOTES

1 Patricia O’Donnell, Charles Birnbaum and Cynthia Zaitsevsky, Ph.D., Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion 

National Historic Site (Boston, MA: National Park Service Cultural Landscape Program) 1992, 214.

2 O’Donnell, 250, quote from “Final Master Plan, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site,” January 1976, 22.

3 The property was originally patented in 1705 by Peter Fauconnier through a grant from Sir Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury. Although Fauconnier doesn’t appear to have implemented any physical improvements to the land during his sixtyyear ownership, it is likely that it was he who named the estate Hyde Park in honor of Lord Cornbury, a century before 

the nearby town of Stoutenburg was renamed Hyde Park in 1812. The name Hyde Park would continue to be used to 

refer to this particular estate property throughout its history.

the south side of the lower annual garden and the trellis fence around the rose 

garden. Recommendations are given for the inclusion of gates for garden access, 

as well as the repair of garden steps and the installation of handrails to improve 

safety. Key recommendations for garden vegetation include the reestablishment 

of hedges, trees, and shrubs that once divided the terraces and defined enclosed 

garden spaces. These include a double arborvitae hedge along the west side of the 

lower annual garden, a hedge separating the upper and lower perennial gardens, 

juniper shrubs along the terrace slopes around the lower perennial garden, and 

ornamental shrubs that lined the east and west sides of the upper perennial 

garden. Recommendations are also given for the selection and arrangement 

of annuals, perennials, vines, and roses in their respective garden beds. These 

recommendations focus on providing palettes of appropriate plants that are 

compatible with historic conditions while allowing flexibility to accommodate 

availability and maintenance needs. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

16
Site History

17

1. Site History

This history of the Vanderbilt’s formal gardens is partially extracted from two 

reports, the Vanderbilt Mansion Cultural Landscape Report prepared in 1988 by 

Rieley and Associates and the Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion 

National Historic Site, written in 1992 by Patricia O’Donnell, Charles Birnbaum, 

and Cynthia Zaitzevsky, Ph.D. Where noted, the narrative is expanded with 

new information gathered from the estate purchase ledgers, photographs, 

and newspaper and magazine articles. The ledgers list items purchased by the 

Vanderbilts between 1901 and 1938.1

 The contents of these ledgers are included 

in Appendix A. The history relates the remarkable layering of garden elements, 

and how four subsequent property owners expanded on the work of their 

predecessors.

SETTLEMENT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COUNTRY 

ESTATE, 1705–1828

Before European settlement, the Hudson River Valley was inhabited by the 

Algonquian-speaking Mahican and Munsee Native American group, known 

collectively as River Indians. They lived in small villages along the high terrace 

and banks of the Hudson River, which flows southward through the northern 

extension of a geological region known as the Great Valley. Underlain mostly by 

shales and carbonate rocks, the lowland river bed contained a surficial cover of 

fertile alluvial deposits that were well suited for agriculture.2

Europeans began settling in the region in the early 1600s. In 1609, Hendrik 

Hudson undertook the first documented trip by a European up the river that was 

later named after him. Hudson was employed by the Dutch India Company and 

sailed up the river in search of an expedient route to Asia. The Dutch subsequently 

settled in the region in the 1610s and established a trading post south of 

present-day Albany. Thereafter the Hudson Valley formed the heart of the New 

Netherland colony operations, with present-day New York City becoming a port 

for supplies and defense of the upriver operations.

EARLY PROPERTY OWNERS: FAUCONNIER AND BARD

The Vanderbilt estate is located on a portion of the Fauconnier Patent, a tract of 

land granted in 1705 to Pierre Fauconnier and three other partners by Sir Edward 

Hyde, Lord Cornbury, then Governor of New York. A Huguenot who left France 

for England, Fauconnier appears to have held the patent as an investment as there 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

18

were no documented improvements to the property. It was probably Fauconnier, 

however, who named the estate “Hyde Park” in honor of Lord Cornbury. Upon 

Fauconnier’s death in 1746, the property passed to his daughter, then to his 

granddaughter, Suzanne Valleau, who married Dr. John Bard.3

John Bard was a respected physician in New York City and, late in life, he served in 

partnership with his son as attending physician to President George Washington 

during his first term. Suzanne and John Bard acquired both Fauconnier’s share of 

the patent as well as those owned by his partners, and by 1764, the Bards were sole 

owners of the 3,600-acre patent. Intending to retire from medicine and pursue 

an agrarian life, John Bard established a farm on the east side of what would later 

be Albany Post Road. The farm included a farm house, barn, and an orchard 

of between five hundred and six hundred apple trees, as well as meadows and 

uplands. He also had three boat landings on the Hudson River, including Bard 

Rock, a large flat rock outcrop that served as a natural wharf and was capable of 

landing large boats.

Between 1768 and 1799, John Bard sold about 1,500 of the 3,600 acres, retaining 

the farm property and the portion along the river. In 1772, he built a house 

near his farm complex, which came to be known as the Red House. Although 

financial struggles prevented him from retiring to Hyde Park as planned, he 

kept the property as a country seat and maintained the farm. Bard finally retired 

permanently to Hyde Park in 1798, a year before his death. Prior to his death, their 

remaining land in Hyde Park was transferred to his son, Dr. Samuel Bard.4

Samuel Bard showed an interest in the discipline of landscape design early in his 

father’s ownership of Hyde Park. In letters that he wrote home to his father while 

studying medicine in Edinburgh in 1764, Samuel excitedly implores his father to 

consider aesthetic attributes when laying out his estate grounds. 

Next, I think straight lines should be particularly avoided, except where they serve to 

lead the eye to some distant and beautiful object – serpentine walks are much more 

agreeable. Another object deserving of attention seems to be, to place the most beautiful 

and striking objects, such as water, if possible, a handsome green-house, a grove of flowering shrubs, or a remarkably fine tree, in such situations, that from the house they may 

almost all be seen; but to a person walking, they should be artfully concealed until he 

suddenly, and unexpectedly, comes upon them; so that by the surprise, the pleasure may 

be increased: and if possible, I would contrive them so that they should contrast each 

other, which again greatly increases their beauty.5

He also describes the importance of the connections between garden areas:

. . . grow the flower garden, kitchen, and fruit garden, and if possible, the whole farm, 

into one, so that they may appear as links of the same chain, and may mutually contribute to the beauties of the whole.6

More practical advice included the placement of plants in the topographic and 

climatic conditions which suited them. Samuel writes:
Site History

19

I mean, to distribute my plants according to the soil they most delight in; to place such 

as flourish most in a warm exposure and dry soil, upon the sunny side of a hill; while 

such delight in shade and moist ground, should be placed in the valleys. By this single 

precaution, one of the greatest beauties of a garden is obtained, which consists in the 

health and vigour of the plants which compose it. By considering well the predominant 

winds and storms of the country, we are directed where to plant our large trees, so that 

they shall be at once an ornament, and afford a useful shelter to the smaller and more 

delicate plants.7

While it does not appear that John Bard implemented any of his son’s suggestions, 

Samuel got the chance to put his theories into practice when he inherited the 

land in 1799. Appreciating the scenic value of the western portion of the land 

overlooking the Hudson River, Samuel built a large house on the highest point 

of the property at the edge of the terrace. The house commanded panoramic 

views of the river and the mountains beyond, the rolling meadows below, and 

magnificent forest trees overhanging the ridge on either side. The scenic virtues 

of this location were acknowledged by each of Samuel Bard’s successors at Hyde 

Park, who one by one built their mansions on the same site.

In addition to the house, Samuel Bard’s estate contained several outbuildings, 

including barns and stables and a store at Bard Rock. He also built a garden and 

greenhouse, though the exact location is not known. Bard’s son-in-law and 

biographer, John McVickar, writes about Bard’s “enjoyment of his garden and 

conservatory, which were stored with the choicest native and exotic plants.”8

In the flowers and fruits of the garden, he became a learned and skilful horticulturist,—

conversed, read, and wrote, upon the subject,—laid exactions on all his friends who 

could aid him in obtaining what was rare, beautiful, or excellent, in its kind—drew from 

England its smaller fruits,—the larger ones from France, melons from Italy, and vines 

from Madeira,—managing them all with a varied yet experimental skill...9

McVickar writes also about Bard’s conservatory:

In the construction of a conservatory, he displayed much of this talent, it being the first 

in that northern climate, which substituted, with success, the heat of fermentation for 

the more expensive and dangerous one of combustion. In this, during the severity of the 

winter, he would often pass the greater part of the day, engaged in his usual occupation 

of reading and writing, or his favorite amusement of chess; and welcoming his friends 

who called on him, to use his own sportive language, to the little tropical region of his 

own creation.10

Figure 1.1 indicates the approximate location of Bard’s greenhouse and garden, 

set apart but visible across the flat terrace from the main house. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

20

Figure 1.1. Period Plan showing Bard estate and farm in 1821 (OCLP 2009).

BARD ESTATE

BARD FARM

Albany Post Road

Bard Rock Store House

Possible Location of 

Gardens and Greenhouse

House

Possible location of

Red House

Barn, Stables, and 

Carriage House
Site History

21

ESTABLISHING A COUNTRY ESTATE: JOHN HOSACK AND 

ANDRE PARMENTIER, 1828–1935

Upon Samuel’s death in 1820, his only surviving son, William, inherited the 

property and, eight years later, sold it to his father’s former student and partner, 

Dr. David Hosack.11 Dr. Hosack’s ownership of the 700-acre property spanned 

only seven years, from 1828 until his death in 1835, yet it was one of the most 

influential with respect to the overall layout of the estate grounds. Like Samuel 

Bard, Hosack was an accomplished physician as well as an avid horticulturist. 

Hosack was a professor at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia 

University and established the Elgin Botanical Gardens in 1801, the first botanic 

garden in the United States, on the site of the present Rockefeller Center in New 

York City. With the ample funds from his third wife, Magdelena Coster, Hosack 

purchased the Hyde Park property. Hosack invested in numerous landscape 

improvements and welcomed visitors. Soon the site became “an obligatory 

stopping point on the Hudson.”12

Hosack consulted with the landscape gardener Andre Parmentier to lay out 

his estate grounds. Parmentier came from a family of French and Belgian 

horticulturists. Immigrating to the United States in 1824, he established a nursery 

in Brooklyn and was the first in this country to call himself a landscape gardener. 

Dr. Hosack’s interest in botany no doubt led him to Parmentier. 

Parmentier brought with him to America the principles of picturesque landscape 

design that had become popular in Europe. These principles were first developed 

at the grand country estates in England in the eighteenth century, and by the late 

1820s, the style had come to the United States, strongly influencing the design of 

private estates. Parmentier was one of the earliest practitioners of picturesque 

landscape design in America, and although the number of landscapes he designed 

in the country appears to be rather modest, he had a discernable impact on 

the practice of landscape design. Andrew Jackson Downing, in his book first 

published in 1841, A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening, 

states, “We consider Mr. Parmentier’s labors as having effected directly far more 

for landscape gardening in America than any other individual whatever.”13 The full 

extent of Parmentier’s contribution to the design of Hyde Park is unknown, but it 

is almost certain that he is responsible for the layout of the drives, the locations of 

the main buildings, and the arrangement of the major vegetation. 

Hosack’s estate also contained a conservatory and gardens. The conservatory was 

described in 1830:

At an equal distance south, is to be seen the green house and hot house, a spacious 

edifice, constructed with great architectural taste and elegance, and well calculated for 

the preservation of the most tender exotics that require protection in our climate. It 

is composed of a centre and two wings, extending 110 feet in front and from 17 to 20 

feet deep. One apartment is appropriated to a large collection of pines. Among the rich 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

22

display of rare shrubs and plants are the magnolia grandiflora, the splendid strelitzia, the 

fragrant farnesiana, and a beautiful tree of the ficus elastica or Indian rubber, about 8 

feet high, 5 years old.14

and the gardens:

Contiguous to the greenhouse is an extensive ornamental garden, in which is arranged 

in fine style, a beautiful variety of trees, shrubs and flowers, among which stands that 

glory of the forest, the magnolia glauca, bearing large white flowers, perfuming the 

atmosphere with a delightful fragrance.15

Andrew Jackson Downing also described Hosack’s gardens in his 1841 Treatise 

on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening. Illustrating a planting style he 

calls beautiful and that he differentiates from picturesque, Downing describes the 

arrangement of shrubs “similar to herbaceous flowering plants, in arabesque beds, 

along the walks...”16 Of Hosack’s gardens, he writes:

Those who have seen the shrubbery at Hyde Park, the residence of the late Dr. Hosack, 

which borders the walk leading from the mansion to the hot-houses, will be able to 

recall a fine example of this mode of mingling woody and herbaceous plants. The belts 

or borders occupied by the shrubbery and flower-garden there, are perhaps from 25 to 

35 feet in width, completely filled with a collection of shrubs and herbaceous plants; 

the smallest of the latter being quite near the walk; these succeeded by taller species 

receding from the front of the border, then follow shrubs of moderate size, advancing 

in height until the background of the whole is a rich mass of tall shrubs and trees of 

moderate size. The effect of this belt on so large a scale, in high keeping, is remarkably 

striking and elegant.17

Not all accounts of Hyde Park where positive, however. A visitor in 1835, Patrick 

Sherriff writes:

The conservatory had been dismantled a few days before our arrival, by placing the 

plants in the open air; the collection seemed extensive and well kept. The flower garden 

is small, the walks limited, and both destitute of beauty. I am aware that most of the 

evergreens that impart loveliness to the residences in Britain cannot withstand the 

rigors of an American winter, but this circumstance is no excuse for the nakedness of 

Hyde Park walks, the aid of many native plants having been disregarded. The matchless 

beauty of the situation having not only been frequently neglected, but destroyed by stiff 

formal naked walks and the erection of temples resembling meat safes, without a climbing plant, which the country produces in endless variety, to hide their deformity, and 

harmonise them in the surrounding scene.18

Parmentier’s role in laying out and stocking the gardens around the conservatory 

is unknown. Downing says that Parmentier was responsible for laying out 

the grounds at Hyde Park, but doesn’t mention him in conjunction with his 

description of the gardens. Parmentier was a nurseryman and maintained a 

large retail nursery in Brooklyn, which was described in numerous articles in 

horticultural journals, and the plan was also published repeatedly. Because of 

its role as a nursery, the twenty-four acre triangular site offers few points of 
Site History

23

Figure 1.2. Period Plan showing Hosack estate and farm in 1835 (OCLP 2009).

HOSACK ESTATE

HOSACK FARM

Albany Post Road

Bard Rock

Gardens and

Greenhouse

Garden 

Pavilion

House Coach 

House

Gate House

Gate House

Cottage

Coach 

House

Red House

Farm 

Structures
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

24

comparison with a residential design, although it did feature a curvilinear pathway 

system through the extensive vineyards and orchards. In light of this, Parmentier 

may have indeed been involved in laying out and/or supplying plants for Hosack’s 

gardens, but the historical record does not indicate so.

The exact location of Hosack’s gardens and conservatory are also not known, 

but the description of them being “an equal distance south” from the main house 

as the coach house, which was located just north of the main house, would have 

placed the gardens somewhat further north than the current gardens. Figure 1.2 

indicates the approximate location of Hosack’s greenhouse and garden. 

DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMAL GARDENS: LANGDON 

OWNERSHIP, 1840–1895

Upon Dr. John Hosack’s sudden death from a stroke in 1835, the Hyde Park estate 

passed to his wife and children, who retained the property for five additional 

years. In 1840, the estate was acquired by Walter Langdon through his wife 

Dorothea Astor Langdon and her father John Jacob Aster. Prior to the transfer, 

Hosack’s heirs divided the property and retained the northern sixty-four acres. 

This portion of the property, often called the Sexton Tract for its last owner, was 

developed as a separate estate and remained separate from Hyde Park until it was 

purchased by Frederick Vanderbilt in 1905 and reunited with the rest of the estate.

The primary changes to the landscape effected by Langdon in the early years of his 

ownership appear to be the reorganization of the northern edge of the estate to 

accommodate the separation of the northern portion of the property (Figure 1.3). 

This included the realignment of the exit road and a new north gate. Langdon 

also built a new house to replace Hosack’s house, which burned in 1845. The 

new house was built in the same location as the old one, at the edge of the terrace 

overlooking the Hudson River. Walter Langdon died in 1847, the same year his 

new house was completed, and passed the estate to his children. Over the course 

of several years, Walter Langdon, Jr. bought the interests of his siblings, so that by 

1852 he was the sole owner. 19

The Langdon’s were occasional residents at Hyde Park and spent extended 

periods away from the estate, sometimes staying years at a time in Europe. 

Improvements to the estate were apparently made sporadically when the 

Langdon’s were in residence. They also apparently valued their privacy, and 

accounts of their estate by visitors and by local press are sparse during these 

years. This resulted in a dearth of historical materials documenting the landscape 

at Hyde Park while Langdon owned the property. Documentation of the 

Langdon period consists of a couple of photographs of the house, fragmentary 

descriptions, and drawings of the structures in the formal gardens.
Site History

25

Figure 1.3. Period Plan showing the farm and estate during the Langdon ownership in 1894 (OCLP 2009).

SEXTON TRACT

LANGDON ESTATE

LANGDON FARM

Albany Post Road

Bard Rock

Boat 

House

Gardens

Langdon

House

Hyde Park 

Landing

Coach

House

Gate House

Farm 

Buildings

Coach

House

Torham

(Sexton House)

Greenhouses

Superintendent’s 

Cottage

Gardener’s 

Cottage

Farm 

Buildings
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

26

Figure 1.4. Frederick W. Beers, Atlas of New York and Vicinity, 1867, Plate 45, Hyde Park (detail). Indicated on the left side of the 

map along the river bank is Walter Langdon’s estate and “Hot House.” 
Site History

27

The earliest record of Walter Langdon Jr.’s improvements is a supplement 

to Downing’s treatise, written in 1859 by H. W. Sargent. He records that Dr. 

Hosack’s greenhouses had been replaced by Mr. Langdon. No mention was made, 

however, of the location of either the old or new greenhouses.20 On the 1867 Beers 

Atlas, a “hot house” appears some distance south of the Mansion (Figure 1.4). The 

hot house’s location relative to the estate drives indicates that it was in the general 

location of Hosack’s conservatory, north of the current gardens.

In 1874, Langdon began the development of a new complex of greenhouses 

and gardens. The location of the new gardens was further south than Hosack’s 

gardens, just southwest of the main sweep of the entrance drive. Langdon 

commissioned architects John H. Sturgis and Charles Brigham of Boston to 

design new greenhouses and garden structures. Surviving drawings include one 

perspective drawing of a new greenhouse and several drawings of a complex of 

structures that included a Gardener’s Cottage, a Tool House, and a greenhouse 

connecting them, referred to as the grapery (Figures 1.5 and 1.6). Fragmentary 

references to their work at Hyde Park found in two letters from Brigham to Sturgis 

indicate that these structures were constructed in 1875. On October 2, 1875, the 

Poughkeepsie Record wrote:

The Langdon Homestead.—Walter Langdon, Esq., is making extensive improvements 

on the old Langdon Homestead, at Hyde Park, Dutchess County. An addition is being 

built to his Grapery, the Gardener’s Cottage, and the boiler house from which the grapery is heated. Mr. Myers, a Hyde Park mason, has the contract and Messr. Alexander 

Figure 1.5. Perspective View of Proposed Greenhouse for Walter Langdon, Esq., Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N.Y. Drawing, Boston, 9 

December 1874, Sturgis and Brigham, Architects (Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site Archives, hereafter VAMA, no. V-86).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

28

and John Broas, of this city are his assistants. The brick for this grapery are all to be laid 

in black mortar. . .21

The Sturgis and Brigham structures anchored a new complex of gardens, which 

also included a four-winged greenhouse, perimeter walls, and ornamental 

planting beds. As drawings of the gardens from Langdon’s ownership period, 

apart from those mentioned above, have not been found, what is known of the 

composition of the gardens is inferred from a survey of the gardens done in 

1897, two years after Vanderbilt bought the estate, and from extant features. 

The Gardener’s Cottage and Tool House with their connecting grapery formed 

the northern boundary of the gardens. The large greenhouse in the Sturgis and 

Brigham drawing was located just south of the Tool House, facing east. These 

structures together effectively formed the northwestern corner of the gardens. 

South of the large greenhouse was a complex of four greenhouse wings oriented 

east to west and connected by a long brick structure that served as a potting shed 

and tool storage and housed the boilers that heated the greenhouses. East of the 

greenhouses were four rectangular gardens that featured geometric planting beds 

that likely showcased the plants grown in the greenhouses.

The gardens were constructed on a series of rectangular terraces that stepped 

down the hillside. The level terraces were between about one hundred and one 

hundred and twenty feet long and about eighty feet wide and were bounded by 

short steep embankments. There were six terraces, with the top terrace, which 

held the large greenhouse, further divided into an upper terrace and a long 

rectangular terrace to the east. The 1897 survey shows the arrangement of garden 

beds, walks, slopes, greenhouses and buildings all framed by a surrounding 

brick wall (Figure 1.7). The garden beds on three of the terraces were laid out in 

Figure 1.6. West Elevation of Gardener’s Cottage, greenhouse known as the Grapery, and Tool House. Plan no. 5, Sturgis and Brigham, 

Architects, 1875 (VAMA, no. V-84).
Site History

29

geometric forms—circles, squares, rectangles, octagons—in elaborate patterns 

typical of the bedding gardens of the period.22 The perimeter wall appears to have 

been the only dividing structure, and all of the terraces were open to each other. 

No trees or shrubs were recorded on the survey. An axonometric drawing of the 

gardens based on the 1897 survey shows the three-dimensional relationship of the 

terraces and garden structures (Figure 1.8).23

The introduction of new enclosed gardens, with their conservatories, terraces, 

buildings, and perimeter walls, was probably the most significant change to the 

landscape made by the Langdons in their 55-year ownership of Hyde Park.24 At 

the time of the Vanderbilt purchase, the Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier reported 

that the estate was somewhat neglected, with the hot houses “ample but empty.”25

It is this foundation upon which the Vanderbilts began to build.26

Figure 1.7. Hyde Park Gardens, 1897, traced by Landscapes, Inc. from faded blueprint of survey, with labels added by OCLP. The original 

blueprint was drawn shortly after the Vanderbilts purchased Hyde Park and is believed to reflect the gardens at the end of the Langdon 

period (VAMA).

Tool House

Gardener’s Cottage

Garden Terraces

Grapery (greenhouse)

Four-wing Greenhouse Potting Shed Conservatory
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

30

THE GILDED AGE: VANDERBILT OWNERSHIP, 1895–1938

During the four decades that Louise and Frederick Vanderbilt owned the Hyde 

Park property from 1895 to 1938, nearly every structure on the property was 

replaced, with the exception of the Gardener’s Cottage and Tool House. Despite 

the extensive modifications to the structures, the organization and circulation 

of the estate remained quite similar. The enduring quality of the property was 

reinforced by the mature specimen trees planted by earlier owners, which by 

this time framed the core of the estate, preserving the picturesque style of the 

landscape. The principles of this style, as previously described, were implemented 

at Hyde Park by Dr. Hosack and Andre Parmentier and preserved during the 

Langdon ownership. 

The formal gardens initiated by the Langdons were an exception to the 

picturesque style. The Vanderbilts would continue to embellish the formal 

Figure 1.8. Axonometric of the formal gardens from 1897, John Robbins, NPS North Atlantic Region, 1981 (VAMA).
Site History

31

gardens, adding several garden structures and executing four successive redesigns 

of the garden beds. 

Garden Design Precedents

As noted by Riley and Associates, the modifications made in the formal gardens by 

the Vanderbilts were typical of late Gilded Age gardens. These gardens reflected 

the values of wealthy Americans who had benefited from the country’s rapid 

Western expansion and the application of new industrial technologies to the 

abundant natural resources of the vast country. Painters, sculptors, architects, 

and landscape architects encouraged their wealthy clients to envision America 

as the legitimate heir to the great cultural and political achievements of Classical 

Greece, Rome, and the Italian Renaissance. They turned to the design precedents 

of Classical and Renaissance antiquity as proper symbolic expressions of the 

achievements in science, commerce, industry, and democracy. During the 

late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, technological improvements in 

transportation and greenhouse heating systems made it possible to import and 

maintain exotic plants, thereby increasing the palette for garden designers.27

Traveling abroad had become popular, which meant that clients were more 

receptive and enthusiastic about developing gardens with a European influence. 

Particularly influential was the Italian style of garden layout and design. The 

Vanderbilts traveled extensively both in Britain and Continental Europe and like 

many of their contemporaries were deeply impressed by the pleasure grounds and 

gardens they experienced. Back at Hyde Park, the Vanderbilts incorporated many 

of the design elements they had seen in Europe into their gardens. 

Landscape architect, architect, and artist Charles Platt, whom the Vanderbilts 

hired for a brief period, published his book, Italian Gardens in 1894, two years 

before the Vanderbilts purchased their estate. In the book he set forth the 

design principles of Italian Renaissance and Baroque villas as the proper means 

of creating a setting of leisured elegance for the wealthy benefactors of the 

Industrial Revolution. Platt did not copy Italian villas; rather he sought to adapt 

them to American conditions of climate, topography, vegetation, and social use. 

The principal features of the Italian style advocated by Platt and many of his 

contemporaries included geometric patterning, axial spatial organization, and 

reliance on proportion and interconnection of parts by sight lines. While some 

designers firmly held to Downing’s principles, preferring “natural” lines as a 

counterpoint to what they saw as the harsh geometry of the city, other designers 

adhered to formal design principles, especially those evident in Italian gardens.28

The Vanderbilts, like many of their contemporaries, combined elements of both 

the picturesque or natural style and the European formal garden style on their 

estate grounds (Figure 1.9). Since Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt both had a 

particular interest in agriculture and horticulture, the Vanderbilts continued the 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

32

Figure 1.9. Vanderbilt Core Area Composite for the period of 1897 to 1905 (O’Donnell, Landscapes, Inc., 1992).
Site History

33

Hosack/Langdon botanical tradition and maintained greenhouses on the estate. 

They also retained Dr. Hosack’s romantic landscape, but modified Langdon’s 

formal gardens to reflect an Italian influence, and referred to the space as the 

“Italian Garden.”29

Horticultural Interests of Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt 

The Vanderbilt estate was one of many properties along the Hudson River Valley 

that developed extensive gardens during the Gilded Age. The proximity of the 

valley to New York City, its inherent beauty and its rich horticultural tradition, 

made it very desirable to those who could afford to become gentlemen farmers. 

New York State was nationally known as a leader in horticulture and New 

York City was the trendsetter in matters of taste. When the Vanderbilts bought 

the Hyde Park estate, Dutchess County was particularly well known for its 

horticultural enterprises and as the home of many wealthy, influential families. 

Announcing the Vanderbilt purchase, the local newspaper proclaimed “Another 

Millionaire in Dutchess.”30

Frederick was the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, founder of the family 

fortune, and the third son and seventh child of William Henry and Maria Louisa 

Kissam Vanderbilt. Frederick married Louise “Lulu” Holmes Anthony who was 

the daughter of Charles L. Anthony, a prominent financier of New York City and 

Newport, Rhode Island. Louise was twelve years older than Frederick and the 

couple had no children. When Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt purchased Hyde 

Park in 1895, they had been married for seventeen years. Characterized as humble 

and shy, Frederick graduated from Yale’s Sheffield Scientific School in 1878, was 

a very successful businessman, and had a lifelong interest in botany and animal 

husbandry.31 Frederick often won prizes for his horticultural displays and livestock 

in the annual fairs in Dutchess County and elsewhere in New York. Louise, on 

the contrary, was outgoing, a philanthropist and an event organizer, who used 

the formal gardens as a setting for gatherings such as an annual “Ice Cream 

Social.”32 Newspaper accounts cite Louise’s interest in flowers and chronicle her 

contributions of arrangements to social and church events, as well as her role as a 

judge for flower exhibitions.

As did many of their contemporaries, the Vanderbilts had summer homes, a 

townhouse in New York City, and a yacht, in addition to Hyde Park which they 

used primarily in spring and autumn. In general, their schedule was to take up 

residence in New York City in November for the social season until March or 

April when they would take the yacht to Palm Beach, Florida.33 From Easter until 

the Fourth of July they would remain in Hyde Park; and from the Fourth to Labor 

Day they would visit one of their summer estates in the Adirondacks or along 

the coast, or spend some time in Europe, then return to Hyde Park in the fall. 

Since they were in residence at Hyde Park from Easter to the Fourth of July, the 

formal garden beds were planted with perennials which bloomed in New York 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

34

in late spring and early summer; and, since they returned to Hyde Park around 

Labor Day, many late --flowering perennials were included as well. 34 This was 

fundamentally the schedule they maintained until Mrs. Vanderbilt died in 1926. 

For the next twelve years until his death in 1938, Mr. Vanderbilt remained for the 

most part in Hyde Park. 

The recollections of one of the estate’s gardeners, Alex Knauss, provide some 

insights as to how the Vanderbilts made use of their garden’s bounty. When the 

Vanderbilts were at Hyde Park, he notes that palms and decorative plants were 

put in the main hall, the dining room, the stair well, and around the second floor 

balustrade of the mansion. The greenhouse workers also delivered cut flowers 

to the house each morning. The butler then arranged them in vases to be placed 

in the main hall, drawing room, gold room, library, and all bedrooms. Outside, 

large bay trees were placed between the columns of the Mansion’s south portico 

on each side of the front steps, in the formal gardens, and at the loggia on the 

lowest garden level.35 When the Vanderbilts were in residence elsewhere, flowers 

were shipped to them by rail along with produce from the farm. If they were on 

their yacht, flowers were shipped to Mr. Vanderbilt’s relatives. Special displays 

were cultivated in the greenhouses at Christmas and Easter so that Hyde Park’s 

churches could be decorated with palms and such flowering plants as poinsettias, 

begonias, daisies, and Easter lilies.36

Landscape Consultants for the Formal Gardens

Over a period from 1901 to 1934 four noted landscape architects and 

horticulturists, including Charles A. Platt, James L. Greenleaf, Thomas Meehan 

and Sons, and Robert B. Cridland, all developed plans and oversaw construction 

on the formal gardens of the estate. Three of these design professionals, Greenleaf, 

Meehan, and Cridland, altered various areas of the formal gardens. In addition, 

there is photographic evidence that the Vanderbilts and their gardeners also 

contributed to the planting of the gardens, deviating from or filling gaps in the 

plans provided by their consultants. The end result was a complex of gardens 

that, though reasonably consistent in style by area, was the product of at least four 

different designers.

The physical development of the gardens and greenhouses is described below and 

divided into four major periods of development during the Vanderbilt period of 

ownership: 

•	 1897 to 1904, when the Vanderbilts consulted with Charles Platt and 

James Greenleaf and built the Italian garden; 

•	 1904 to 1910, when the Vanderbilts replaced the Langdon greenhouses; 

•	 1910 to 1913, when the Vanderbilts consulted with Thomas Meehan and 

Sons and added the rose garden; and 
Site History

35

•	 1913 to 1938, when the Vanderbilts engaged Robert Cridland, who over 

some twenty years developed new designs in each area of the formal 

gardens. 

Within each time period, information about the evolution of the gardens is 

presented sequentially from the upper greenhouse terraces down to the lower 

terraces, which were added in subsequent years.

EARLY YEARS OF THE VANDERBILT PERIOD: 1895–1902

For the first few years after acquiring the Hyde Park estate, the Vanderbilts 

focused their efforts on the house and other buildings. The Vanderbilts initially 

intended to renovate the Langdon house, but when it was discovered that the 

house had severe structural problems, they decided to rebuild it in its entirety. 

The new house was located in the same place as all of the previous houses, and 

while it resembled the Langdon house in general appearance, it featured the 

latest in modern conveniences, including electricity, plumbing, and central heat. 

In addition to the house, the Vanderbilts constructed a guest house, called the 

Pavilion, as well as two gatehouses, a coach house, a power house along Crum 

Elbow Creek, a pump house on the lower road near the Hudson River, two 

bridges, dams, and other structures. Vanderbilt did give some consideration to the 

gardens during this time, commissioning a number of plans for redesigning the 

garden terraces and the area around the gardens and replacing the greenhouses. 

For whatever reason, the earliest plans for the garden were not executed, and it 

was not until 1902, when Vanderbilt hired James L. Greenleaf, that alterations to 

the formal gardens were undertaken.

Charles Adams Platt

The first designer from whom the Vanderbilt’s sought professional advice was 

Charles Adams Platt, landscape architect, architect, artist and author of Italian 

Gardens. By 1901, when the Vanderbilts engaged him, Platt had designed several 

houses and gardens, including his own in Cornish, New Hampshire.37 The 

Vanderbilts apparently anticipated having Platt do rather extensive landscape 

alterations as they commissioned a survey of their property in 1901 by Jay L. 

Burley for Platt.38 The survey records important tree locations and clearly shows 

the path to the formal gardens from the south portico of the house. In addition, 

a pen and ink drawing done for the Vanderbilts illustrates Platt’s approach to redesigning Langdon’s gardens, in particular a garden to the north of the Gardener’s 

Cottage and Tool House.39 The Platt collection in the Avery Library at Columbia 

University has no materials relating to this project, and there is no record 

explaining why the Vanderbilts did not continue their association with Platt. It 

does not appear that any of Platt’s designs for the Vanderbilts were implemented, 

and within a year of beginning work with Platt, the Vanderbilts terminated their 

working relationship with him and had hired Greenleaf.40
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

36

Greenhouses

When the Vanderbilts purchased Hyde Park, they inherited the greenhouses 

built by Walter Langdon, Jr. These consisted of the elaborate conservatory on 

the uppermost terrace, the four-wing greenhouse on the terrace to the south, 

and the grapery between the Tool House and the Gardener’s Cottage. When the 

Vanderbilts turned their attention to the grounds and gardens of their new estate, 

their first objective appears to have been to replace the Langdon greenhouses. 

From 1897 to 1913 the Vanderbilts consulted with three companies on the 

replacement of the Langdon greenhouses with new designs. The park archives 

hold a series of plans for Vanderbilt’s proposed greenhouses. 

The first greenhouse designs were prepared by Hitchings & Company, who 

designed the iron and glass frames, and John Scollay, who specified the layout, 

masonry and heating systems. The detailed plans by these two manufacturers 

prior to 1905 appear to be the earliest designs developed, but none were 

constructed. Further detail on the construction of the greenhouses is described in 

the next period of garden development from 1904 to 1910.

Garden Terraces

Below the greenhouse terraces were four rectangular garden terraces that stepped 

down the hillside. The earliest documentation of the layout of the garden terraces 

is the 1897 survey produced during the second year of the Vanderbilt’s ownership 

(see Figure 1.7). As there is no record of any structural changes to the gardens 

during this period, it is presumed that the survey records the conditions of the 

gardens at the end of Langdon’s ownership. It is possible, however that the bed 

layout represented in the 1897 survey reflects early work by Vanderbilt. The survey 

shows an elaborate design of circular and rectangular parterre beds on three of 

the terraces; the southwest terrace shows an open terrace bisected by a path. 

The arrangement and character of these beds during this period is not known, 

but it is likely that they were planted mostly or entirely with annual bedding 

plants. The best records for annuals used during the first ten years of Vanderbilt 

ownership are the estate purchase ledgers. The purchase records for 1904 indicate 

the following annuals may have been used in the annual terrace beds: caladium, 

coleus, geraniums, nicotiana, petunias, salvia, snapdragons, stock, and verbena.41

The garden terraces did not retain the 1897 configuration for long. The two lowest 

terraces were redesigned in 1902 and 1903 by James L. Greenleaf into a long 

Italian Garden, with new walls, pergolas, paths, beds, and a reflecting pool. The 

upper terraces reflected new bed configurations by 1908, although the date these 

were changed is not known.
Site History

37

JAMES L. GREENLEAF AND THE ITALIAN GARDEN: 1902–1904 

James L. Greenleaf, a founder of the American Society of Landscape Architects, 

was hired by the Vanderbilts in 1902 to design an Italian garden. At that time, 

he had been practicing landscape architecture for eight years in New York City, 

though his formal training was as a civil engineer.42

Greenleaf’s design principles reflected a very different attitude toward nature 

and the landscape than that of Parmentier.43 Like Platt and many other designers, 

Greenleaf was a proponent of the Italian style.44 Whereas Parmentier advocated 

that any sign of man’s manipulation be concealed in the garden, those who 

favored the Italian style expected the garden to adapt to the architectural lines of 

the house, with a gradual transition made from architectural to natural lines the 

further one was removed from the house. Characteristically Italian garden effects 

included the use of symmetry, central walks, terraces, walls, formally clipped 

hedges, water, statues, and evergreen plants. Flowers were used, but the structure 

of the garden could stand without them. Of critical importance, however, was 

the sense of scale and proportion.45 Greenleaf relied on the simplicity, light and 

shadow, and geometrical spaces using classical proportions. In a letter from Italy, 

Greenleaf writes, “... nature is not art; nature is blind when it comes to handling 

things so as to mould them into lines of utility and beauty .... There is no conflict 

between nature and art. There is no conflict between nature and design. “46

Greenleaf’s garden philosophy had a strong influence on the development of the 

formal gardens, though he worked within the frame of walls established by the 

Langdons. While a garden in true Italian style would have been closely related to 

the house, the Vanderbilts, perhaps at the recommendation of Greenleaf, chose 

to redesign the lower level of the existing garden in the Italian style, though the 

garden was three hundred yards from the house.47

Italian Garden

Greenleaf produced more than sixty plans for the eastern half of the formal 

gardens between 1902 and 1904. The new garden, referred to as the Italian garden, 

occupied the two easternmost terraces and included new grading and extensive 

new structures. The linear space was oriented along a north-south axis, about 320 

feet long and 90 feet wide.48

Greenleaf united the two terraces with an axial path that was cut into the grade 

so that it descended gradually from the upper end at the north to the lower level 

at the south. But while unifying the two terraces visually with this strong axial 

element, he also maintained the two distinct spaces by retaining the original bank 

that marked the grade change from one terrace to the next. Greenleaf further 

emphasized the separation with a tall cedar hedge at the top edge of the bank that 

served as an enclosing wall for the two spaces. The hedge was perforated with the 

central opening through which the path passed and with an opening at the east 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

38

end of the hedge, which led through an arched trellis and down a flight of steps to 

the lower terrace. The axis was punctuated with an elaborate brick and wooden 

timber pergola at the north end and a pavilion, pergola, and reflecting pool at the 

south end (Figures 1.10 and 1.11). The space was enclosed on all sides with brick 

walls and iron trellis fences.

Figure 1.10. “Grading, Drainage, Path and Soil Plan, Gardens of F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.,” James L. Greenleaf. Landscape 

architect, Plan #48, April 13, 1903. Greenleaf’s notes on the plan have been transcribed for legibility (VAMA, no. V-114).

Transcript of Notes:

Paths of 2” of Jones Point gravel 1/4” size (Sold by James A. Degrout of Jones Point, N.Y.) on a layer of loam binder on 6” of broken stone. 

Crowning of steep axis path = 3”; all others 1 1/2”

Plan gives elevations of top of catch basin pipes so that gratings will fit path surface.

Edge of sod 1” above path surface. Cobble gutters as per specifications on Drawing no. 3.

3” round tile drain lines laid on grade to outlets given; to be every where below original ground surface, and 3’(?) below new ground surface.

Soil of best quality, with a well rotted manure mixed in; observe the various depths stated; these matters are important as special planting of large cedars and box, etc. 

is to be done.

A careful reading of the drawing will show limits of soil beds; in some cases they are under the gravel paths.
Site History

39

Figure 1.11. “Masonry and Timbering of North Pergola, Gardens of F. W. Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson,” James L. Greenleaf, 

Landscape Architect, Plan #13, March 24, 1903 (VAMA, no. V-104).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

40

Figure 1.12. Diagram of the classical 

proportioning system employed 

in the Italian garden by James 

Greenleaf. Diagram from Rieley 

and Associates.

A study of the dimensions of the two levels of the Greenleaf’s garden indicate that 

he employed a classical proportioning system—manifested in the two rectangular 

spaces representing the upper and lower terraces of his Italian garden (Figure 

1.12).49 With the construction of the pool house and pergola, Greenleaf extended 

the lower terrace to the south so that both the upper and lower terraces featured 

approximately the golden ratio of 1 to 1.6, a rectangle classically believed to have 

ideal proportions.

An axonometric view of the garden’s structures in the 1905 to 1907 period shows 

the development of Greenleaf’s plans for multiple pergolas, steps, walls and 

trellises (Figure 1.13).

Trellis Fences

Along the top edge of the sloped banks that marked the western edge of the 

Italian garden, Greenleaf enclosed the garden with trellis fences and pergolas. 

The fences ran along the east side of the walkway on the east edge of the annual 

terraces, separating the annual terraces from the Italian garden below. Features 

included an arched stair arbor of wire mesh at the north end of the walk, a series 

of wooden pergolas along the lower annual terrace, and two wooden pergolas 

over the central stairs and south stairs. The walk above the Italian garden through 

these arbors and pergolas served as an alternate route to the reflecting pool and 

pool house, which was the focal point of Greenleaf’s Italian garden. Moving 

along this walk south toward the pool house, a garden visitor would have had an 

unobstructed view of the parterres of the upper and lower annual gardens on the 

right. Along the left side of the walk through the upper annual garden, however, 

Greenleaf installed brick piers which were spanned by an iron fence. The fence 

was planted with vines to obscure the view from the walk into the Italian garden. 

Along the left side of the same walk as it passed through the lower annual garden, 

the fence treatment was changed. Here, Greenleaf proposed a lattice with window 

openings (Figure 1.14) so that one could periodically peek out to overlook the 

Italian garden below. These elements introduced by Greenleaf provided vertical 

separation between the different garden areas, and also provided a sequence of 

views so that the whole garden was not visible from the upper terraces.50

Along the eastern edge of the lower terrace of the Italian garden, Greenleaf altered 

the low brick wall from Langdon’s garden by raising the brick piers and spanning 

them with graceful iron arches to frame views of Crum Elbow Creek to the east. 

Greenleaf also developed details for the water supply and drainage systems within 

the garden. Several drain grates that match his design still function along the 

garden walks (Figure 1.15).51
Site History

41

Figure 1.13. Axonometric of the formal gardens 1905-1907, showing Greenleaf constructions in the Italian Gardens, Vanderbilt 

greenhouses on upper terraces and sloping terrace edges. John Robbins, NPS North Atlantic Region, 1981 (VAMA).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

42

Figure 1.14. Drawing entitled “Cherry Tree Walk, Pergolas and Trellis, Gardens of F.W. Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.,” James L. 

Greenleaf, Landscape Architect, Plan 16. The elevation at bottom of the drawing shows the trellises and lattice with window openings 

for viewing the reflecting pool and Italian gardens below, 1903 (VAMA, no. V-107).
Site History

43

Figure 1.15. “Details of Axis Path and Catch Basins in the Gardens of F. W. Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.,” James L. Greenleaf, Landscape 

Architect, Plan #3, October 26, 1902 (VAMA, no. V-96B).

North Pergola and Retaining Walls

Greenleaf altered the area at the north end of the upper perennial garden adjacent 

to the Gardener’s Cottage from a sloping embankment to a retaining wall 

providing a level walk adjacent to the building and enclosing the north end of the 

garden. The redesigned walk led to a new set of steps flanked by two beds, an 18 

inch wide trench planted with ferns and a 4 foot wide trench for shrubs. The walk 

and steps led through Greenleaf’s elaborate north pergola, which he designed with 

large, brick and stone piers topped with chestnut timbers in a peaked roof pattern. 

The north pergola, without vine cover, is seen in Figure 1.16.

Pool House and Lower Pergola

Greenleaf expanded the Italian garden to the south beyond the existing garden 

wall, creating a curved wall to encompass his Italian-style pool house and large 

lower pergola. The pool served as the focal point for the Italian garden, and would 

later capture the reflection of an Italian white marble statue of an odalisque, or 

concubine, standing at the edge of the water in the shade of the pool house.52 The 

elaborate forms of the pool and surrounding pergola are articulated in one of 

Greenleaf’s plans (see Figure 1.10).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

44

Cedar Hedges and Ornamental Plantings in the Italian Garden

Greenleaf extended the effect of the garden wall with what he referred to as the 

“midway hedge,” a formally clipped cedar hedge (probably Juniperus virginiana) 

reminiscent of the Italian cypress (see Figure 1.16).53 The hedge was placed across 

the Italian garden at the top of the sloped bank that separated the upper and the 

lower terraces, dividing the garden into two distinct spaces. The central walkway 

that connected the two terraces passed through a twenty-five-foot gap in the 

center of the hedge. The cedars were specified for installation at a large size: the 

two sixteen-foot-long sections of the hedge were to be more than ten feet tall, 

while the two end cedars that flanked the walkway were specified as eighteen feet 

high.54 The estate purchase ledgers indicate that the Vanderbilts bought over 70 

cedar trees in July of 1903, which ranged from 8 to 24 feet in height.55

A diagram of plantings for the east half of the gardens, dated June 29, 1903 

(located in the park archives), is the only planting plan developed by Greenleaf. 

It specifies the plantings of vines and climbers on the entire perimeter of the 

garden, although limited planting within the interior of the garden are called out. 

Plants noted by Greenleaf include, “Crimson Rambler, Multiflora, Evergreen 

Gem, Jersey Beauty, Gardenia, and Prairie Queen. Other plants are: Clematis 

paniculata, Clematis jackmanni, Euonymus radicans, Ivy canariensis, English ivy, 

Virginia creeper, Akebia quinata, Bignonia grandi, Ampelopsis veitch, Wild grape, 

Figure 1.16. View looking north showing the Italian Garden pool in foreground and north pergola in background without vine cover, circa 

1904. Rows of trimmed cedars divide the garden space. The perennial beds are filled with mixed species. Two Corinthian capitals are set 

in the central walk, and were later moved to the annual and palm house terrace (VAMA, no. V-673).
Site History

45

and Wisteria.”56 The estate purchase ledgers indicate that all of the plants specified 

were installed with the exception of the Prairie Queen roses (Table 1.1).

Two watercolor illustrations done around the time of the completion of 

Greenleaf’s design show the upper and lower perennial garden. In the upper 

perennial garden, the long central walk is flanked by two banked beds thickly 

planted with flowering perennials (Figure 1.17). On the west edge of the garden, 

the embankment appears to be planted with shrubs and groundcover or vines. 

The east edge of the garden also shows a number of small shrubs between the 

walkway and the garden wall. The upper and lower terraces are divided by the 

midway hedge, a tall formal hedge punctuated by columnar elements at the ends. 

The opening in the center of the hedge frames views of the reflecting pool and 

pergola, which is itself framed by two tall columnar cypresses.

Table 1.1. Plants specified by Greenleaf in 1903

Species Date Purchased Reference in Ledgers

Crimson Rambler Rose large (double red) 19 purchased, 1903 Book 15, pp. 77, 86, 87, 178

Multiflora Rose 6 purchased, 1903 Book 15, p. 77, 87

Evergreen Gem Roses

(double light yellow)

115 purchased, 1903 Book 15, pp.51, 87, 162

Jersey Beauty Rose

(single pale yellow)

154 purchased, 1903 Book 15, pp. 51, 87, 162

Gardenia Rose

(creamy yellow)

113 purchased, 1903 Book 15, pp. 51, 87, 162

Prairie Queen Rose No order recorded

Clematis paniculata 100 ordered, 1903

6 ordered, 1915

6 ordered, 1920

Book 15, p. 86

Book 16, p. 183

Book 1, p. 100

Clematis jackmanni 20 ordered, 1903 Book 15, p. 86

Euonymus radicans 100 ordered, 1903

30 ordered, 1910

20 ordered, 1926

Book 15, p. 163

Book 16, p. 2

Book 1, p. 270

Ivy canariensis

(Hedera helix canariensis)

21 ordered, 1903 Book 15, p. 86

English Ivy

(Hedera helix)

12 ordered, 1903

25 ordered, 1914

Book 15, p. 86

Book 16, p. 143

Virginia creeper 8 ordered, 1903 Book 15, p. 86

Akebia quinata 10 ordered, 1903 Book 15, p. 163

Trumpet Vine

Bignonia grandi

(syn. Campsis radicans)

2 ordered, 1903 Book 15, p. 86

Ampelopsis veitch

(syn. Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

18 ordered, 1903

30 ordered, 1911

6 ordered, 1915

20 ordered, 1925

Book 15, p. 77

Book 16, p. 34

Book 16, p. 183

Book 1, pp. 248, 253

Wild grape 60 grapes ordered in 1903 

including 40 ‘Concord’, 

20 ‘Delaware’ and 20 

‘Niagara’—possibly for the 

farm

Book 11, p. 42

Wisteria floribunda

Wisteria floribunda

Wisteria chinensis

5 blue ordered, 1903

5 white ordered, 1903

14 sinensis ordered, 1903

Book 15, p. 86

Book 15, p. 86

Book 15, p. 86
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

46

The second watercolor shows a close-up of the pool and pool pergola (Figure 

1.18). The pergola is adorned with climbing vines and flanked by Italian cypresses. 

Flowering plants appear to occupy the space between the pool and the pergola, 

and two potted flowering plants adorn the corners of the pool. The beds on either 

side of the pool, as well as the other beds north of the pool, are not planted with 

perennials, and instead appear to be open panels of turf. 

The two illustrations together give a striking impression of the character of 

Greenleaf’s garden. It is open and restrained, with vegetation employed sparingly 

for maximum effect. The Italian influences are evident, both in the layout of the 

gardens and in the use of classical structures and evergreen shrubs and hedges. 

Curiously no photographs have been located that show the gardens as they are 

in the watercolor illustrations. Rather, photos show the upper perennial garden 

densely planted with evergreen shrubs and trees flanking the garden path. 

These shrubs are quite large, and by the end of the 1910s appear considerably 

overgrown. The lower perennial garden shows the current configuration of 

perennial beds in all known historic photos. There is no record of these changes 

to Greenleaf’s design, and they were likely carried out by Vanderbilt and his 

gardeners, which over the years included head gardener Henry Allen, and 

gardeners George Nichols, William Henman, Alton Newman, John Moore, and 

Alex Knauss among others.

Ornaments in the Garden

Two photographs taken between 1904 and 1910 show two Corinthian capitals 

in the central walk (Figures 1.16 and 1.19). Shortly thereafter the odalisque was 

placed in the pool house. The estate purchase ledgers indicate that a white marble 

base was purchased in 1911. 

REPLACEMENT OF GREENHOUSES: 1904–1910

During the period from 1904 to 1910, the Vanderbilts continued to carry out 

major design changes in the formal garden area, most notably on the upper 

terraces with the replacement of the Langdon greenhouses. However, changes to 

the gardens during this period are not well documented.

Greenhouse Construction

In 1905 plans were put forward by the Pierson-Sefton Company of Jersey City, 

New Jersey, who advertised themselves as horticultural builders and architects. 

The company proposed simple, twin palm houses intended to replace the more 

elaborate Langdon conservatory on the first terrace of the formal gardens. Two 

alternative schemes were developed as water color drawings. The palm houses 

were constructed in 1905, though slightly differently than the proposals (Figure 
Site History

47

Figure 1.18. Watercolor of the lower perennial garden in 1903 shortly after the completion of Greenleaf’s design.

Figure 1.17. Watercolor of the upper perennial garden in 1903 shortly after completion of Greenleaf’s design, view looking south from 

the north pergola. The image shows a very open character with a perennial border and cedar hedge separating the two terraces.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

48

1.20). For the next three years, the palm houses were used in conjunction with the 

remaining four Langdon greenhouses at the southwest corner of the garden.57

In 1907 the Pierson U-Bar Company, which was based on Madison Avenue 

in New York City and likely a successor firm of the Pierson-Sefton Company, 

developed drawings and construction details for the greenhouse between the 

Gardener’s Cottage and Tool House. This greenhouse was configured somewhat 

differently than the preexisting structure in the same location, with a greater width 

and a central doorway opening to the gardens on the south side. The structure, 

known as the carnation house, was completed by 1908. Carnations were a favorite 

of the Vanderbilts, as reflected in the estate purchase ledgers. Early 1900s records 

indicate that the Vanderbilts sold over 500 carnations a year, while records from 

the 1910s through 30s record purchase of 100 to 600 carnation plants a year of 

four or five different varieties (see Appendix A). 

Pierson U-Bar also developed schemes for the replacement of the remaining range 

of four Langdon greenhouses to the south with a large two-winged rose house 

(Figure 1.21). The remaining Langdon greenhouses were removed and the new 

rose house were completed by 1908 (Figure 1.22 and 1.23). Five years later, further 

plans were developed by Pierson U-Bar that were never executed. These plans 

included a structure to link the twin palm houses and a greenhouse to the south of 

the rose house complex.58

The area to the south of the Rose Greenhouses, outside of the walled garden, 

contained cold frames, the remnants of which remain, and further to the south 

were rectangular propagation beds and cutting gardens. 

Figure 1.19. View looking south showing the Italian garden, circa 1904. Two Corinthian capitals 

are set in the central walk and the statue of the odalisque is not yet placed in the pool house 

(VAMA, no. V-639, postcard, Shears Collection).
Site History

49

Ornaments in the Garden

By 1910 there were many ornaments in the garden. Features captured in early 

1900s photographs included a Corinthian capital in the center of the upper annual 

garden, the boy and dolphin fountain in the fountain terrace, and several Baroque 

style sandstone vases on the greenhouse terrace (see Figures 1.16, 1.19, 1.22 to 

1.25). None of these acquisitions are documented in the estate purchase ledgers. 

Garden Development

There are no drawings available which show planting designs for the garden 

from 1904 to 1910. As previously described, the Greenleaf drawings indicate 

only a few of the plant species used during this period. Photographs from this 

period indicate that the upper half of the Italian garden was very heavily planted 

with evergreen trees and shrubs (Figure 1.26). The lower half of the garden was 

filled with perennials and to the south of the pool house, beyond the garden 

wall, evergreens also framed the space (Figure 1.27). The purchasing ledgers 

indicate that an extensive variety of annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and trees 

were purchased in 1904. However, there are no records of purchases in 1905 

to 1908 and only a couple of entries for carnations in 1909. In 1910, however, 

documentation of extensive purchases resumes including a $75 dollar payment for 

a plan for the “Italian garden” (Plan 2011) by Thomas Meehan and Sons. At this 

time the Vanderbilts referred to the entire garden as the Italian garden. The next 

recorded plan for the garden was completed by Robert Cridland in 1913 (Plan 

2469). 

THOMAS MEEHAN AND SONS: 1910–1913

In 1910 the Vanderbilts expanded the formal gardens in consultation with 

Thomas Meehan and Sons, a Philadelphia nursery that also provided landscape 

architectural services. The nursery was founded in the 1850s by Thomas Meehan, 

an immigrant from England who had been trained in English gardens. His nursery 

business thrived and, upon his death in 1901, the company was run by three of 

his four sons and two of his four brothers.59 The design services offered by the 

Meehan and Sons are described in their 1905 nursery catalog: 

This department carries a large staff of thoroughly trained experts in various lines, 

giving it an equipment unique in its completeness. It offers valuable, thorough and economical service, both in the construction and the execution of plans for every class of 

landscape work. An especial study has been made of the planning and construction of 

formal gardens, so that they conform to the architectural features as found. 

Entire charge can be taken of operations of grading, draining, roadmaking, planting, 

pruning, spraying, and the proper development or maintenance of private or public 

properties. When desired, professional service alone is given and suggestions made 

verbally and by special reports.60 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

50

Figure 1.20. View looking west showing new twin palm houses at right and remaining Langdon era greenhouses at left, circa 1906. The 

fountain terrace is visible in the center of the image and the upper annual garden is in the foreground (VAMA, no. V-1269).

Figure 1.21. “Proposed Greenhouse for F. W. Vanderbilt,” Plan No. 1250. Pierson U-Bar Co., Madison Avenue, New York City, no date, circa 

1907 (VAMA, no. V-145).
Site History

51

Figure 1.22. View looking southwest showing the new twin rose houses at left and one of two palm houses at right, post 1908. The 

fountain terrace is visible in the center of the image and the upper annual garden is in the foreground. Note the Corinthian capital in the 

center of the garden, which is still extant. Photograph by E. Van Osdell (VAMA, no. V-128).

Figure 1.23. View looking southwest showing the south palm house and the statuary 

that ornamented the greenhouse and fountain terraces, post 1908 (enlargement 

of Figure 1.22). At least six late nineteenth-century Baroque style sandstone vases 

demarcated the walks and corners of the greenhouse terrace. Now only pieces 

remain. The boy and dolphin fountain was partially installed by 1906 (see Figure 1.20) 

and completely installed by circa 1908 (VAMA, no. V-128 detail).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

52

It is likely that Greenleaf introduced the Vanderbilts to Meehan and Sons. It 

was a nursery well known at the time for its extensive inventory and quality of 

plant material.61 The estate purchase ledgers indicate that beginning in 1902 the 

Vanderbilts purchased over one thousand trees and ornamental shrubs from 

Meehan and Sons. The Vanderbilts subsequently hired the company to prepare 

plans for an extension of their garden. The Vanderbilts also requested a plan 

for the arrangement of walks around the Mansion, but these plans were never 

implemented. 

Loggia Garden (Rose Garden)

In 1910, the Meehan firm designed the loggia garden, an eastward extension of 

the garden on a lower level that was later known as the rose garden. Initially, two 

plans were prepared.62 Plans 2011, which was recorded in the purchase ledgers 

as costing $75 dollars, and 2011A prepared in 1910 detail the layout, grading, 

masonry and plantings of this addition to the formal gardens (Figure 1.28). The 

garden form was a rectangular extension of the Italian garden to the southeast 

with two levels and a curved wall at the eastern terminus. The rectilinear space 

was centered on an east-west axis and mirrored the dimensions of Greenleaf’s 

garden, if one included the lower perennial garden as the first level of the new 

space. 

Figure 1.24. View looking northeast showing the upper annual garden in the foreground and the twin palm houses, tool house, 

and carnation house in the background, post 1908. Plant species in the annual beds possibly include petunias at left, statice in the 

foreground, alyssum edging beds in the background and at right, and pennisetum fountain grass and canna in the circular bed 

surrounding a Corinthian capital (VAMA, no. V-104, Van Osdel Collection).
Site History

53

Figure 1.25. View looking north showing the upper annual garden, post 1908. Note the small standard plants along the walkway and the 

arched stair arbor and adjacent lattice wall designed by Greenleaf at right, now covered with vines (VAMA, V-103 Van Osdel Collection).

Figure 1.26. View looking north showing the Italian garden central walk and north pergola, circa 1911. The evergreen hedge planted by 

Greenleaf to separate the upper and lower perennial gardens is mature. Vines cover the north pergola. German bearded iris line the 

walk in the foreground and perennials spill on to the walk in the background (VAMA, no. V-749).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

54

To effectively tie the new garden to the existing garden, Meehan and Sons created 

two new openings in the east wall of the lower perennial garden. Located at the 

corners of the space, the openings did not detract from the reflecting pool and 

pool house as the focal point. At the new openings, two sets of ten steps, each 

el-shaped, descended to the upper terrace of the rose garden—a fifty by one 

hundred foot rectangular space with two symmetrical garden parterres. The walks 

joined on a central axis leading to another set of thirteen steps that descended to 

the lowest garden level. The lowest level was organized in four parterres with a 

round fountain in an almost square space of approximately one hundred feet in 

length. The eastern curving end of the garden was accented, on the plan, with a 

garden seat at the terminal end of the central axis at the location where the loggia 

was later built.63

The list of plants specified by Meehan and Sons for the new rose garden (Plan 

2011) includes a large number of perennials; peony, daylily, phlox, bell flower, 

columbine, poppy, iris, aster, balloon flower, anemone, chrysanthemum, and 

more. There are several varieties of each species to be planted in the garden 

parterres. On the lowest terrace the narrow edge beds were specified for the 

planting of 160 assorted roses. The beds were designed to put on their most 

lavish display in the spring. Meehan’s list of plants is included in Appendix B, as 

is a color analysis completed by Rieley and Associates in their 1988 Vanderbilt 

Mansion Cultural Landscape Report. The garden was designed to bloom blue, 

white, yellow, pink, purple, magenta, and red in the spring; blue, white, yellow and 

red in the summer; and blue, white, and pink in autumn. 64

Figure 1.27. View looking south showing the Italian garden central walk and pool house, circa 

1911. German bearded iris line the walk in the foreground and bay trees in pots frame the pool 

house. A row of evergreens south of the garden frame the space (VAMA, no. V-750).
Site History

55

Figure 1.28. “Garden Plan prepared for F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, NY.,” June 10, 1910, Thomas Meehan and Sons, 

Mount Airy, Philadelphia, Landscape Architects, Plan 2011, (VAMA, no. V-170A).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

56

Perennials were a specialty of the Meehan nursery. In fact, in their 1915 catalog 

they advertise the “Meehan Old-Fashioned Hardy Garden Collection,” for which 

they packaged plans and plants together as a kit. For example, Hardy Garden No. 

8 cost $5.00. This kit would include 50 plants and a plan to arrange them over an 

area from 100 to 1,250 square feet. The drawing used in the advertisement shows 

the perennial beds laid out in the same manner as those at the Vanderbilt estate.65 

Photographs and one postcard view of rose garden from about 1920 show a 

combination of plants with some roses, but the garden does not appear to have 

been planted to the wide assortment of perennials specified in the Meehan 

planting key.66

Frog Fountain and Garden Furnishings

The first fountain installed in the rose garden was referred to as the frog fountain. 

Crafted in France in about 1890, the white marble figural fountainhead in the form 

of a frog was based on the gilt lead frogs of the Bassin de Latone in the gardens 

of Versailles, which were designed by André le Nôtre and sculpted by Gérard 

and Balthazar Marsy between 1668 and 1670.67 Figures 1.29 and 1.30 show the 

pool and frog in the foreground looking west along the central walk and up to the 

higher terrace. The frog fountain was replaced with the Orpheus fountain in 1925. 

No other garden ornaments were placed in the rose garden. Six benches were 

set along the edges of the garden as specified in the Meehan and Sons plan and 

photographs (Figure 1.31).

Shrub Plantings Around the Gardens

Both of Meehan’s 1910 designs for the rose garden included a shrub planting 

around the perimeter of the formal garden outside of the garden wall (see Figure 

1.28 and Appendix B. Adjacent to the garden fence and brick piers, the plans 

specified a sequence of twenty-four groups of massed flowering shrubs. These 

included viburnum, spirea, Indian currant, hydrangea, barberry, honeysuckle, 

deutzia, privet, forsythia, weigela, stephanandra, mock orange, Japanese quince, 

and rhododendron, arranged around the formal garden space in a dense, informal 

massing from the northwest corner eastward to the southwest corner. At the 

northeast and southeast corners of the rose garden, conical evergreens were 

specified, with Oriental spruce and Balsam fir occupying opposite corners, and 

arborvitae surrounding the garden seat at the site of the future loggia. 

Views of the garden some ten years later show a dense mass of shrubs 

surrounding the edge of the garden confirming that the specified shrub masses 

were planted. The exact relationship of the shrubs pictured and those specified 

in the planting list and plan is undocumented.68 The estate purchase ledgers do 

not itemize purchases from Meehan from 1910 onward. Several large payments 

are made to Meehan in 1910, “Extension to Italian Garden Draft ($1147.50), 
Site History

57

($2686.82), ($1237.68), and ($800).” Again in 1912, the Vanderbilts pay 

Meehan for “Furnishing & Planting as per contract ($382.25)” and “Replanting 

garden extension ($71.65).” Also recorded are purchases from Meehan for 

fifty rhododendrons in 1910, forty mugo pines in 1912, and forty-four Hall’s 

honeysuckle in 1914. Extensive purchases from other nurseries during this time 

period reflect the broad network of horticultural suppliers that provided seeds, 

bulbs, and plants to the Vanderbilts for their Italian garden as well as their greater 

estate or “park” and farm properties. 

Meehan Influence on the Formal Gardens

Meehan and Sons appear to have had little influence on the existing garden 

elements in the upper terraces. The annual terraces were planted out as in 

previous years. The perennial terraces continued to mature and reflect the 

Greenleaf design. Photographs in the 1910s along the central walk show that the 

design was fully mature (see Figure 1.26). By this time extensive vines covered the 

brick columns and wooden rafters of the pergola. The pool contains some water 

lilies. Two bay shrubs in pots stood at the pool corners. The small pool beds were 

planted with flowering annuals or perennials. The beds at the walk edges show 

massed iris foliage. 

Meehan and Sons influence was chiefly in the design of the new rose garden 

and the surrounding shrub plantings. Later planning by Robert Cridland would 

Figure 1.29. View looking west showing the frog fountain in the rose garden, circa 1918 (VAMA, no. V-706).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

58

Figure 1.31. View looking north showing a garden bench in the 

rose garden with the wire fence in the background, circa 1920s 

(VAMA, no. V-12, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.30. View looking west showing the frog fountain and rose garden, circa 1918 (VAMA).
Site History

59

increase the quantity of roses in the beds but the grading, layout, and organization 

of the garden developed by Meehan and Sons would remain. 

ROBERT CRIDLAND: 1913–1938

In the 1910s the Vanderbilts engaged Robert B. Cridland. Cridland had been 

employed with Thomas Meehan and Sons prior to 1913 and likely worked on 

the original plans for the loggia garden. Cridland was trained as an architect 

and published a book in 1916 entitled, Practical Landscape Gardening, with the 

dedication, “Joseph Meehan, Eminent Horticulturist, Adviser, and Friend.”69

Beginning in at least 1913 and continuing until 1934, Cridland developed new 

designs for each area of the formal gardens, in addition to preparing plans for 

the Mansion foundation planting. During his twenty year association with the 

Vanderbilts, his major contributions were to reconfigure and modify structural 

elements in the garden and to revise planting schemes rather than to develop new 

garden areas. Cridland’s work was additive, embellishing and changing the texture 

and quality of the garden spaces while building on the works of Greenleaf and 

Meehan.70 During this period the Vanderbilts maintained but did not expand their 

estate. Mrs. Vanderbilt passed away in 1926 at the age of 82 and Mr. Vanderbilt 

passed away in 1938, also at the age of 82. 

The estate purchase ledgers suggest that Robert Cridland was working for the 

Vanderbilts by 1913 according to the April 29th entry, paid to Cridland: “Prof 

Service Stock & Planting ($1470) Less Planting Plan #2469 ($72.50) Total 

($1397.50).” Again in June 1914 the Vanderbilts paid Cridland for “Visits ($25), 

Plans ($142.50) Expenses ($10) total ($177.50).” The same year the Vanderbilts 

purchased 75 maxima rhododendrons and 12 hemlocks from Cridland. In 1916 

Cridland designed and oversaw construction of the loggia at the east end of the 

rose garden, which he called the garden house. The purchase ledgers indicate that 

in 1916 the Vanderbilts paid Cridland for the “Garden House ($2932.60), Pier 

Caps ($354.20), Paving ($93.50), Stock ($1250), and 900 Roses @ $.40 ($360).” 

Also in 1916 Cridland developed planting plans for the fountain terrace, annual 

terraces, a portion of the lower perennial garden terrace near the pool and pool 

pergola, and the rose garden below (Figure 1.32).71

In his book, Cridland articulated planting design principles. For color 

arrangements, he recommended that cool purples and blues be used in the 

background with warm lighter colors in the foreground for the effect of making 

the planting bed appear larger. He also recommended balance of form and color 

rather than symmetry. Lastly, he stated that evergreens, preferably pyramidal, 

should be placed at regular intervals and always at the corners and ends of 

the beds bisected by walks.72 Cridland’s plant lists from his book are grouped 

according to season and color. It appears that Cridland applied the principles 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

60

outlined his book directly to the Vanderbilts’ garden. In general, the plants as 

specified in the 1916 plan would bloom as follows:73

Fountain Terrace/Upper Annual Garden 

Spring: Yellow, Pink, White 

Summer: Blue/Purple, Pink, White 

Autumn: Pink, White 

Lower Annual Garden

Summer: Purple, Blue, and White 

Upper Perennial Garden

Spring: Yellow, Blue, Lavender/Purple, White 

Summer: Yellow/Orange, Blue, Lavender/Purple, White 

Autumn: Yellow, Blue, Lavender, Pink, White 

Lower Perennial Garden

Spring: Yellow, Blue, Lavender/Purple, Pink, White 

Summer: Yellow, Blue, Lavender/Purple, White 

Autumn: Yellow, Blue, Lavender/Purple, Pink, White 

Rose Garden

Spring: Red/Orange, Yellow, Blue, Lavender/Purple, Pink, White 

Summer: Red/Orange, Yellow, Blue, Lavender/Purple, Pink/Salmon, White

Autumn: Yellow, Pink, White 

Annual Garden Terraces

The configuration of the planting beds of the upper garden terraces remained 

similar to the configuration depicted in the 1897 survey, though as early as 1906 

the small rectangular beds were eliminated and the curved beds were enlarged. 

The lower annual garden also remained largely unchanged during this period. 

The one notable change evident in historic photos is a simplification of the center 

beds. Early photos show a smaller circular bed in the center surrounded by a 

perforated ring of eight beds. Sometime in the early 1920s, the smaller beds of the 

perforated ring were enveloped by an enlarged circular bed. An alternative layout 

for both the upper and lower annual gardens was included in the 1916 drawing by 

Cridland in which he reconfigured the upper and lower curvilinear annual beds 

to rectilinear beds with mixed perennials. It does not appear that the proposed 

configurations for the annual gardens were implemented during the historic 

period. 

Photos taken during the historic period are an excellent source for determining 

the form and character of the vegetation, and in some cases the plant species, in 

the annual beds (Figures 1.33 through 1.45). The photos are typically not dated, 
Site History

61

Figure 1.32. Plan 133 by Robert Cridland dated February 15, 1916 entitled “Detail Arrangement of Gardens prepared for F. 

W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson, N.Y.” (VAMA, no. V-122A).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

62

but general time periods can often be determined by the elements in the photos 

or by the clothes of people depicted in the photos. A number of photos have 

been found that show the two annual gardens. The majority of the photos show 

the arborvitae hedge along the east side of the lower annual garden, which was 

installed in 1922. This dates these photos to between that year and 1938. 

Some species are identifiable in the historic photos. The cannas and pennisetum 

in the central beds are visible, as are plants resembling heliotrope, petunias, 

pelargonium, and alyssum. Positive identification is difficult in the grainy black 

and white photographs. In combination with Alex Knauss’ recollections and the 

information in the estate purchase ledgers, however, identification of these species 

may be made with reasonable confidence.

The estate purchase ledgers show purchases for many annuals throughout the 

Vanderbilt residency. Many of these were purchased for the greenhouses to 

be used as cut flowers in the mansion, to be shipped to the Vanderbilts’ other 

residences, or to be entered into flower shows and competitions. Many, however, 

were planted in the gardens. Annuals that appear in large numbers for multiple 

years that may have used as bedding plants include cannas, begonias, petunias, 

zinnias, alyssum, heliotrope, pelargonium, primroses, pansies, nasturtiums, 

marigolds, asters, cosmos, cineraria, verbena, lantana, and salvia. 

Figure 1.33. View looking west showing the lower annual garden with geometric planting beds surrounding a central circular bed, circa 

1910. Plant species may include alyssum, browallia, and cannas (VAMA, no. V-798).
Site History

63

Figure 1.34. View looking north showing the lower annual garden with perforated ring beds surrounding a central circular bed, circa 

1910. The central circular bed is planted with dracaena and bordered by another plant (VAMA, V-27).

Figure 1.35. View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, circa 1922. This image shows the use of a low 

flowering groundcover, likely alyssum, with individual plants within in both the wing-shaped beds and the perforated 

ring bed. The center bed is canna, and the heart-shaped beds may be begonias (VAMA, no. V-87, Alex Knauss Collection).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

64

Figure 1.36. View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, circa 1922. This image, taken the same year as Figure 1.35, shows 

some of the upper annual garden. The flanking circular beds on the upper annual garden feature a white flowering border of possibly 

petunias (VAMA, no. V-88, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.37. View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, post 1922. The heart-shaped beds in the foreground are planted 

with petunias and the wing beds appear to be pelargonium. This image, taken early in the 1920s, shows the perforated ring of beds 

around the circular center bed (VAMA, no. V-51, Alex Knauss Collection).
Site History

65

Figure 1.38. View looking northwest showing the lower annual garden, post 1922. The heart-shaped beds in the foreground are planted 

with petunias, and the wing-shaped beds are planted with pelargonium with an alyssum border (VAMA no. V-92, Alex Knauss Collection). 

Figure 1.39. View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, post 1922. The center bed is planted with canna with no 

ornamental grass border (VAMA, no. V-86, Alex Knauss Collection).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

66

Figure 1.40. View looking northeast showing the lower annual garden, post 1922. Sometime in the 1920s the center bed was planted 

as a solid circle with canna and a pennisetum border. The heart shaped bed in the foreground appears to be heliotrope (VAMA, no. V-47, 

Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.41. View looking southeast showing the lower annual garden with solid center bed layout and Cridland’s arborvitae hedge and 

three trellis structures in the background, circa 1930s (VAMA, V-1028, Alex Knauss Collection).
Site History

67

Figure 1.42. View looking southeast showing the upper annual garden, post 1922. The center bed is planted with canna with a low 

border, and the two circular beds flanking it also show a low flowering border of possibly alyssum. The tall evergreens of what was at 

this time the Italian garden are visible behind the vine-covererd wall (VAMA, no. V-83, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.43. View looking southeast showing the upper annual garden, post 1922 (VAMA no. V-90, Alex Knauss Collection).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

68

Figure 1.44. View looking northeast showing the upper annual garden, circa 1920s (VAMA no. V-1030, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.45. View looking north 

showing the lower annual garden, 

post 1922. The wing -shaped 

beds, foreground, are planted 

in pelargonium with an alyssum 

border. The center bed is solid and 

has a pennisetum border (VAMA, 

no. V-1034, Alex Knauss Collection).
Site History

69

In 1967, former Vanderbilt gardener Alex Knauss drew sketches of the annual 

gardens, indicating the plant arrangements as he remembered them (Figures 1.46 

and 1.47). Knauss was a gardener for the Vanderbilts from 1924 through 1938, 

and his recollections help reveal the garden plantings of the later years of the 

historic period. Knauss provided only one planting arrangement for each of the 

two annual gardens, although photographs show that the plantings varied during 

the period. Nonetheless, the Knauss sketches show what might be considered 

a typical arrangement of the annual beds, and the annual species and overall 

planting strategy are consistent with both the historic photographic record and the 

estate purchase ledgers. 

According to Knauss’ sketches, the round center beds of the upper and lower 

annual gardens were planted with pink cannas with a border of pennisetum. This 

corresponds to nearly all of the historic photos. In the rest of the beds, according 

to Knauss, were planted with begonias, petunias, zinnias, and heliotrope. Each 

of these appears repeatedly in the estate purchase ledgers and are identifiable in 

historic photos.

The only notable change to the bed layout of the annual gardens during the 

historic period involved a change to central circular bed on the lower annual 

garden. Some photos show a smaller circular bed surrounded by a perforated 

ring of eight beds. Later photos show a single larger circular bed. The ring of 

beds appears in photos along with the arborvitae hedge, indicating that they were 

present at least as late as 1922.

It is not known who made the decisions about what was planted in the annual 

gardens. Cridland’s only plan for this area, the 1916 plan, does not appear to have 

been implemented, and no other plans have been located that reflect the layout of 

the annual gardens as they appear in historic photos. It is possible that the layout 

of the annual beds were inherited from Langdon’s gardens, and that year-to-year 

decisions about the plantings were made by Vanderbilt, his gardeners, or both.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

70

Figure 1.46. “Proposed Improvements in Formal Garden, for F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson, N.Y.,” April 15, 1922, 

Robert B. Cridland, Landscape Architect, Philadelphia, No. 430 (VAMA, no. V-131B).
Site History

71

Figure 1.47. “Proposed Improvements in Formal Garden, for F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson, N.Y.,” April 15, 1922, Robert B. 

Cridland, Landscape Architect, Philadelphia, No. 430 (VAMA, no. V-131B).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

72

Path above the Lower Perennial Garden

In April 1922, Cridland developed plans that altered a portion of the garden frame 

and edge plantings between the lower annual terrace and lower perennial terrace. 

A plan entitled “Proposed Improvements in Formal Garden” includes elevations 

and plans for wire arches, pergolas, retaining walls and plantings (Figure 1.48). A 

second plan entitled “Pergola Plan” detailed the wooden lattice to be set on top of 

the existing pergolas (Figure 1.49). These elements are shown along the east walk 

of the lower annual garden. The hedge on the east side of the walk also turned at a 

right angle eastward to connect with the existing walls at the central north-south 

walk in the perennial gardens. This area was previously enclosed by a continuous 

trellis wall with window openings, developed by Greenleaf (see Figure 1.14). 

Cridland specified hedges to frame both sides of the walk and three wire trellis 

structures. The hedges were arranged in two straight rows but curved around 

each of the three wire vine support arches that were evenly spaced along the 

walk. Figures 1.50 to 1.53 show the dense trimmed arborvitae hedges, each 

about four feet tall on either side of the walk. The three arches were covered with 

honeysuckle vine. 

North Pergola

In 1922, Cridland developed a “Design for Remodeling Pergola” (Figure 1.54). 

Cridland retained the brick and stone piers developed by Greenleaf but replaced 

the former peaked rafters with a series of graceful ogee curved members. 

Cridland’s modification in the 1920s helps to date photographs in this part of 

the garden. Historic photographs indicate that when Cridland’s plans were 

implemented, the vines planted by Greenleaf were either removed or severely 

pruned. 
Site History

73

Figure 1.48. “Proposed Improvements in Formal Garden, for F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park-on-Hudson, N.Y.,” April 15, 1922, Robert B. 

Cridland, Landscape Architect, Philadelphia, No. 430 (VAMA, no. V-131B).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

74

Figure 1.49. “Pergola Plan for F. W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, New York, Plan #V30A, Scale 1/2”=1 ft, Robert B. Cridland, Landscape 

Architect, Philadelphia and Atlanta,” showing specific dimensions for overhead pergolas in the gardens (VAMA).
Site History

75

Figure 1.51. View looking southeast showing the lower annual garden with the early bed layout and Cridland’s arborvitae hedge and 

three trellis structures in the background, circa 1920s. The heart-shaped beds appear to be planted with heliotrope and the wing beds 

are pelargonium with a low alyssum border (VAMA, no. V-1027, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.50. View looking southeast showing the upper annual garden with Cridland’s arborvitae hedge and three trellis structures in the 

background, circa 1922 (VAMA, Molly Tompkins estate, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden Association Collection).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

76

Figure 1.52 View looking northeast in the lower annual garden with Cridland’s arborvitae hedge in the background, circa 1924. Note the 

dense stand of evergreens in the Italian garden beyond the new hedge (VAMA, Alex Knauss Album, page 3).

Figure 1.53. View looking north showing Cridland’s arborvitae hedge and wire trellis arches between the lower annual and lower 

perennial gardens, circa 1939. Note the removal of the dense stand of evergreens in the perennial garden (VAMA, no. V-747, Lean Froats 

Collection).
Site History

77

Figure 1.54. Design for Remodeling Pergola, for F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, New York,” no date, Robert B. Cridland, Landscape 

Architect, Philadelphia, circa 1922. (VAMA, no. V-130).

Upper Perennial Garden

Around 1934, Cridland re-designed the upper perennial garden area. Cridland’s 

plans included the replacement of overgrown evergreens with smaller flowering 

trees and shrubs, reshaping of the sloped banks along the central walk, adding low 

dry laid stone retaining walls to hold the banks, and planting perennials and bulbs 

on top of and below the stone walls as well as in small pockets in the wall itself. 

Cridland’s plan for the upper perennial garden, entitled “Garden Plan,” is 

shown in Figure 1.56. It is undated but estate purchase ledger entries place 

the implementation of this design during 1934. This plan and the companion 

documents that include construction details, specify the removal of all former 

plantings from this portion of the Italian garden. Cridland’s plan shows a linear 

design for the space. The grading is changed from slopes flanking the central walk 

to a pair of dry laid stone retaining walls. 

Cridland specified rows of densely planted ornamental trees and shrubs. Closest 

to the walk were two rows of six, double pink, Japanese cherry trees set in a 

rectangular lawn panel. Behind the cherry trees stood two pairs of mirror image 

plant rows at the garden edges paralleling the cherry trees. The first row contained 

long plantings of hydrangea punctuated with five single blue flowering hibiscus 

shrubs. The hibiscus plants were centered between the Cherry trees. The back 

row contained fifteen columnar Japanese cherry trees of the variety ‘Amanogawa’ 

(Cridland labeled these ‘Amagawa’) in five groups of three, and six pyramidal 

arborvitaes. 

At the southern end of the upper perennial garden, where the brick walls retained 

the slope, Cridland called for an evergreen hedge running east to west across 

the southern end of the upper level to terminate the cherry tree row and linear 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

78

plantings (Figure 1.55). This hedge resembled the hedge installed by Greenleaf, 

which had become overgrown. 

At the lower level clusters of paired baptisia added an element of height to the 

low perennial plantings which were followed by a mass of delphinium and lilies. 

Matching bay plants were shown at the corner of each wall and the periwinkle 

border extended around to the end of the bed. 

A plan prepared by Cridland in September 1934 detailed the contents of the 

long narrow beds in front of the dry laid stone retaining walls (Figure 1.57). The 

beds were designed to showcase a mix of seasonal color including yellow, blue, 

lavender, pink, and white as described above. The plants included 9 types of 

assorted bulbs and 50 species of perennials. An additional sixteen species were 

specified to be planted in wall pockets including creeping phlox, alpine aster, and 

sedum (Figures 1.58 to 1.60). The lower ends of the beds were punctuated with 

stands of assorted delphiniums, Madonna lilies, and periwinkle. While the overall 

design shown in Figure 1.57 was implemented and many of the individual plants 

can be identified, it is unclear whether all the specified plant materials were used.74

Figures 1.61 and 1.62 show masses of blooming delphinium on both sides of the 

walk. 

Cridland also added a new retaining wall along the west and north side of the 

lower perennial garden, between the steps on the southeast corner and the central 

walk, connecting to an existing wall. The wall separated the large pergola and pool 

house area from the higher level of the terrace to the west. 

Figure 1.55. View looking north showing the beds along the central walkway to the north pergola, circa 1930s (VAMA).
Site History

79

Figure 1.56. “Garden Plan for Frederick W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, New York,” no date, Robert B. Cridland, 

Landscape Architect, Philadelphia, Agnes D. Russell, Associate. (VAMA, no. V-128).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

80

Figure 1.57. “Planting Plan prepared for F. W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.” September 1934, Robert B. Cridland, Landscape Architect, 

Agnes D. Russell, Associate, Philadelphia, Plan 1-20 (VAMA no. V-119).

Key to Planting Plan No. 1020

1 to 9 Assorted bulbs

10 25 Satureia alpina

11 2 Primula varis

12 25 Aquilegia Mrs. Elliott

13 12 Asclepias tuberosa

14 42 Centaurea montana

15 50 Dianthus deltoides

16 74 Iberis sempervirens

17 52 Iris pumila

18 13 Ophiopogon japonicum

19 53 Platycodon maresi

20 46 Linum perenne

21 7 Lupinus polyphyllus

22 34 Lychnis haageana

23 50 Violas

24 26 Aquilegia flabellata nana

25 35 Cheiranthus allioni

26 25 Silene maritima

27 51 Delphinium chinensis

 Delphinium chinensis Tom Thumb

28 36 Dianthus plumarius cyclope

29 40 Phlox divaricata

30 39 Stokesia laevis

31 8 Anchusa myosotidiflora

32 50 Mazus reptans

33 5 Artemesia frigida

34 12 Veronica chamaedrys

35 88 Phlox subulata rosea

36 43 Polemonium richardsoni

37 15 Gypsophila repens

38 20 Oenothera missouriensis

39 50 Prunella grandiflora

40 29 Eupatorium coelestinum

41 14 Heuchera sanguinea

42 12 Soutellaria baicalensis

43 12 Campanula carpatica

44 40 Sedum sarmentosum

45 20 Veronica, unnamed species

46 27 Helianthemum mutabile

47 8 Dracocephalum ruyprechtianum

48 150 Ajuga reptans

49 18 Nepeta mussini

50 18 Alyssum saxatile

51 10 Baptisia australis

Plants for wall pockets

20 Aubretia

20 Alyssum saxatile

10 Aster alpinus

10 Callirhoe involucrata

10 Dianthus alpina

10 Iberis sempervirens

10 Phlox subulata alba

30 Saponaria ocymoides

10 Saponaria ocymoides alba

10 Sedum album

10 Sedum acre

10 Sedum stoloniferum

10 Tunica saxifraga

10 Veronica filiformis

10 Gypsophila repens

10 Linum narbonnense

Vinca minor, 4 rows, 

100 plants

Delphinum, assorted

Lilium candidum, 

Madonna lily, 50 plants

Notes on Planting Plan

Vinca minor, 3 rows, 

55 plants

Euphorbia, 5 plants and 

Iberis gibraltarica, 

5 plants

Plumbago larpentae, 

3 rows, 8 inches apart, 

456 plants

Vinca minor, single row, 

152 plants
Site History

81

Figure 1.59. View looking south showing the upper perennial garden as redesigned by Cridland with rows of flowering cherry trees, dry 

laid stone retaining walls and mixed perennial beds, 1930s (VAMA, V-111, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.58. Detail for dry laid stone retaining wall to be planted from Cridland’s book, Practical Landscape Gardening, 1925.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

82

Figure 1.61. View looking northeast showing delphiniums at the lower end of the dry laid stone wall between the upper and lower 

perennial gardens, 1930s. Note the wrought iron arch on the north side of an arborvitae hedge, the “overthrow” of the faux wellhead in 

the lawn near the south end of the row of cherry trees along the west side of the central walk (VAMA).

Figure 1.60. View looking north showing the upper perennial garden as redesigned by Cridland, 1930s (VAMA, no. V-3117 Rodney McKay 

Morgan Collection).
Site History

83

Figure 1.62. View looking north showing the delphiniums at the lower end of the dry laid stone walls and the central walkway to the 

north pergola, 1930s (VAMA).

Lower Perennial Garden

Cridland’s overall plan for the garden in 1916 included a redesign of the lower 

perennial garden, which was partially implemented in the 1920s (Figure 1.63).75

This plan for the gardens offered a detailed planting plan of perennials for these 

beds. The plant list for the lower perennial garden contained over fifty different 

species and varieties. This planting plan was likely implemented, at least in part, 

but was modified through the years. Although the plants planted in these garden 

beds changed over the years, the character of this terraces remained relatively 

static.

Structural elements around the lower perennial garden were also modified by 

Cridland. The piers punctuating the wall between the lower perennial garden 

and the rose garden were raised and fanciful iron arches were added between 

them to provide picture-frame views of the garden below (a technique similar to 

Greenleaf’s lattice wall). 

Plantings around the pool appear to have been carried out in accordance with 

Cridland’s design. Two views portray the evolution of the garden plantings 

surrounding the large pergola and pool, beyond the low, north-south wall. The 

conical evergreens are keyed as fern-leaved arborvitae (Thuya plicata) while 

approximately one hundred perennials are indicated. Figure 1.64 shows this 

area with a combination of conical evergreens and perennials in two generally 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

84

Figure 1.63. Planting plan for the lower perennial garden by Robert B. Cridland, Landscape Architect, 1000 Bailey Bldg., 

Philadelphia, circa 1916 (VAMA).
Site History

85

Figure 1.64. View looking south showing the lower perennial garden, circa 1920s. Each bed is punctuated with sheared arborvitae. The 

groundcover in the foreground and the evergreen visible on the far left of the photo were part of the Italian garden planting scheme 

prior to 1934 (VAMA, V-121, Molly Tompkins estate, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden Association Collection).

rectangular masses edged by turf borders. The bay plants in pots were similar in 

form and scale and were positioned at the pool. 

Photographs taken between 1932 and 1935 by Alex Knauss show that the conical 

evergreens were removed by this time and beds of perennials in bloom appear 

with interior turf walks separating planted areas (Figures 1.65 and 1.66). Digitalis 

was placed sporadically throughout the beds punctuating the perennial masses. 

The juniper banks above the walls designed by Cridland in 1922 are also visible. 

Figures 1.67 to 1.70 show the beds closest to the pool. All areas were heavily 

planted, full of blooms, and well maintained.76
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

86

Figure 1.66. View looking southeast showing the lower perennial garden after the arborvitaes had been removed, circa 1934 (VAMA, no. 

V-110, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.65. View looking northeast showing the lower and upper perennial garden beds, circa 1930s. The arborvitae were removed from 

the lower beds and the cherry trees were planted above the upper beds around 1934 (VAMA, no. V-109, Alex Knauss Collection).
Site History

87

Figure 1.67. View looking south showing the pool house and reflecting pool with potted bay plants and iris blooming, circa 1920s 

(VAMA, V-18, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.68. View looking northwest showing the reflecting pool with water lilies, iris, and sheared arborvitae in the adjacent bed, and 

one of two potted bay plants, circa 1920s (VAMA, no. V-121, Molly Tompkins estate, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden Association Collection).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

88

Figure 1.70. View looking south showing the pool house and statue of an odalisque, with iris in the foreground, post 1904 (VAMA).

Figure 1.69. View looking east showing John Moore in the pool 

and two gardeners tending the adjacent bed, circa 1920s. Sheared 

arborvitae and the vine-covered arbors above the rose garden are 

visible in the background (VAMA, no. V-107).
Site History

89

Rose Garden

Cridland prepared an undated plan entitled “Rose Garden Arrangement for 

F.W. Vanderbilt Esq.” in about 1916 (Figure 1.71). Cridland also designed and 

oversaw the construction of the rose garden loggia (Figures 1.72 to 1.75). Cridland 

organized the rose beds by color and form rather than by cultivars. He specified 

assorted roses in the edge beds with climbers on the fence and white climbing 

roses at each brick pier.77 White roses were to be planted at the face of the upper 

brick wall between the two steps. The two upper parterres are shown in mirror 

image arrangements of pink, white, yellow, and red roses around the edges. A note 

to these center beds states, “See plan from Wadley and Smyth for baby ramblers 

and bedding roses.” No plan by Wadley and Smyth is in the park’s collection. 

These baby rambler, or polyantha roses, would have been full and short and were 

likely intended to fill in the bed below the standards. Six rose standards are also 

lined up on each side of the central steps at the upper level while climbing roses 

and assorted hybrid teas are shown at the base of the wall flanking the steps. At the 

lower level the parterres are also arranged in mirror image by color. Two central 

beds on each side are shown with five standards each and bear the same note 

regarding baby ramblers and bedding roses as the one above. 

Former Vanderbilt gardener Alex Knauss recalled that red and crimson 

carnations and roses were a favorite of Fredrick Vanderbilt, and they were sent 

to his bedroom each morning. Louise Vanderbilt had a passion for yellow and 

insisted that yellow roses be placed on the French desk in the drawing room each 

morning. These color preferences, together with white and pink, were featured 

in Cridland’s layout. Deep red roses, Frederick Vanderbilt’s favorite, were placed 

around the fountain pool as a focal point, with pink and white roses in adjacent 

beds. Mrs. Vanderbilt’s favorite, yellow roses, were placed along the outer 

walkways and along the center walkway of the upper terrace. White and pink 

roses fill out the balance of the internal bed, with assorted roses in the perimeter 

beds and white climbers on all of the brick piers and the west wall.

The narrow beds on the lower terrace appear to have been used to showcase 

specific varieties of roses. These were mostly tea roses, hybrid teas, and hybrid 

perpetuals, and like the other beds, were arranged by color. Cridland favored 

hybrid teas, offering his assessment of them in his 1916 book Practical Landscape 

Gardening:

The hybrid tea Roses are popularly known as monthly or ever-blooming sorts. They 

are most satisfying for garden purposes, as they are usually of neat habit with pleasing 

foliage and fragrant flowers, in many delicate and beautiful colors. There are so many 

varieties to choose from now, that a selection must depend largely on the taste of the 

individual.78
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

90

Figure 1.71. “Rose Garden Arrangement for F. W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.,” no date, Robert B. Cridland (VAMA, no. V-127).
Site History

91

Figure 1.72. View looking east showing the rose garden loggia flanked by ornamental vases with the frog fountain at center, circa 1922. 

Shrubs planted outside the perimeter fence are barely visible (VAMA, no. V-41, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.73. View looking east showing the loggia without vases or 

bay plants, circa 1930s. The frog fountain has been replaced with 

the Orpheus fountain and pedestal. The roses have overgrown 

their beds (VAMA, 6020, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden Association 

Collection).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

92

Figure 1.74. View looking southeast showing the rose garden (VAMA, V-33, Alex Knauss Collection).

Figure 1.75. View looking northeast showing the rose garden and loggia with beds of canna visible in the foreground, circa 1924 (VAMA, 

Molly Tompkins estate, F.W. Vanderbilt Garden Association Collection).
Site History

93

Cridland also recommends the incorporation of hybrid perpetuals or June roses 

as they:

...make a splendid showing in June when the plants are in full bloom. After that they 

have but a scattering bloom during August and September. A few of the best varieties are 

Frau Karl Druschki, white; General Jacqueminot, crimson; Ulrich Brunner, cherry red; 

Mrs. R. Sharman-Crawford, deep pink; Magna Charta, bright pink.79

While these roses do not appear specifically on Cridland’s plan, they do, with the 

exception of Magna Charta, appear as entries in the ledgers between 1913 and 

1917. Cridland’s Plan also indicates the use of assorted roses in the beds skirting 

the perimeter pathway, and it is likely that hybrid perpetuals were included in 

these borders as well. 

Cridland’s plan does not specify rose varieties, but only indicates the color 

and form of the roses to be planted. A separate plan has hand-written notes (in 

handwriting different than Cridland’s) identifying rose varieties that correspond 

to the colors indicated by Cridland (Figure 1.76). These notes may have been 

added by one of the gardeners or by Vanderbilt himself. The varieties do, however, 

correspond to rose varieties Cridland recommends in Practical Landscape 

Gardening. The rose varieties indicated on the unattributed plan are listed in Table 

1.2.

The Vanderbilt purchase ledgers list “900 roses” at the time of the original design, 

with no indication of variety. However, rose purchases over the next several 

years, ordered in small quantities likely as replacement roses, give an idea of how 

the colors were filled out. Deep red and crimson roses such as Hadley, General 

Macarthur, and Gruss an Teplitz surrounded the fountain pool. White Augusta 

Victoria roses provided calmness from the intensity of the crimsons before giving 

way to the soft creamy pink tones of Vicountess Folkstone that flanked the central 

axis of the garden. The perimeter path was surrounded on either side by the 

apricot hue of Lady Hillington, the deep rose of Jonkeet J L Mock, and the silvery 

pale pink of La Tosca, amongst others. On the upper level of the rose garden two 

long beds were filled with the deep crimson of Hoosier Beauty and contrasted 

with the white standards that lined the retaining wall overlooking the lower 

rose garden. Molly Sharman Crawford added the white accent, while Mme Abel 

Chatenay and Mme Ravary provided delicate pink. Turf paths connected each of 

the beds allowing access to the beds. 

Many of the roses selected also are characterized by their deep fragrance and the 

most fragrant were planted in beds adjacent to central pathways and the loggia 

pool and building, further enhancing the sense of romance of the location. The 

location of the garden was also conducive to enjoying the garden in the later 

afternoon and early evening when the sun bathed the loggia in soft sunlight and 

allowed the fragrance to develop.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

94

Figure 1.76. Drawing of the rose garden with handwritten rose varieties, circa 1916. The drawing is unattributed and is 

written in a different hand than Cridland’s (VAMA, no. V-124).
Site History

95

Neither Cridland’s plan nor the unattributed plan listing rose varieties specifies 

the variety of white climbing roses adjacent to the brick piers, but Cridland does 

recommend Alberic Barbier, a double pure white, and Gloire de Dijon, a white 

shaded with salmon, in Practical Landscape Gardening.

80 There is no photographic 

evidence that the standard roses depicted on the plan were ever planted, or 

perhaps they were planted and failed and then substituted with something more 

suitable. 

Cridland’s undated drawing for the loggia garden specifying rose plantings most 

closely corresponds to historic photos and to entries in the purchase ledgers. This 

plan, or something similar, appears to have characterized this terrace for about 

twenty years, from its inception in the 1910s until the end of the historic period. 

Some of the earlier photos show perennials on the upper terrace and roses on the 

lower terrace, suggesting a possible phased implementation of the switch from 

perennials to roses, but later photos show the entire loggia garden planted with 

roses. 

Shrub Plantings around the Gardens

A drawing done by Cridland in April 1917 shows additions to the perimeter 

planting around the rose garden originally designed by Meehan and Sons (Figure 

1.77). In his book Cridland writes about the technique of screening the garden: 

The outside line of the garden on the lawn side should always be hidden with foliage. A 

mixed plantation of flowering shrubs, with a few pyramidal evergreens at the corners, is 

very effective . . . The flowering shrubs outside the garden, lifting their heads above the 

garden enclosure, add a charm to the scene quite in tune with the floral effects within, 

and the sinuous outline of the border plantation is in perfect harmony with the naturalistic aspect of the garden from without. At desirable viewpoints, the planting should be 

low so that a glimpse may be had of the lawn, plantations or distant scenes.81 

Table 1.2. Rose Varieties

Red Yellow

Crimson Baby Rambler Harry Kirk

Hadley Lady Hillingdon

Gruss an Teplitz Mrs. Aaron Ward

General MacArthur Mme. Ravary

Hoosier Beauty

Pink White

La Tosca White Baby Rambler (Katharina Zeimet)

Lady Ashtown Kaiserin Augusta Victoria

Jonkheer J. L. Mock Mrs. Herbert Stevens

Viscountess Folkstone Molly Sharman Crawford

Mme. Abel Chatenay William R. Smith

Mme. Jules Grolez

Fabenkonigen
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

96

Cridland recommended in general upright shrubs that “... produce their 

greatest wealth of bloom toward the top,” and specifically mentioned lilacs, 

Japanese snowball, deutzia, honeysuckle, and privet, which were included in 

his specifications for shrub planting around the Vanderbilt formal gardens.82 

Other species included in Cridland’s planting plan included viburnum, spirea, 

hydrangea, barberry, stephanandra, forsythia, weigela, mock orange, yew, Virginia 

creeper, and English ivy. At the corners Cridland specified nine Oriental spruce 

and eleven arborvitae.

The purchase ledgers indicate that the Vanderbilts acquired numerous shrubs 

through Cridland between 1916 and 1919 including 36 rhododendron in 1916, 

unspecified quantities of nursery stock in 1917, 100 Japanese barberry in 1918, 

Figure 1.77. Planting plan by Robert B. Cridland for trees and shrubs surrounding the rose garden prepared April 30, 1917 with twenty 

flowering shrubs and evergreen trees specified (VAMA).
Site History

97

Figure 1.78. View looking east showing the southwest corner 

of the garden and south ends of the rose houses, circa 1920s 

or 1930s. A portion of the gate is visible and a decorative vase 

(VAMA, no. 3009, F.W. Vanderbilt Garden Association Collection).

Figure 1.79 View looking northwest showing one of the 

decorative vases by the south end of the rose house, circa 1920s 

(VAMA, no. V-11).

and many additional evergreen trees and shrubs in 1918 and 1919. Some of these 

shrubs may have been installed around the formal gardens while others many have 

been incorporated into Cridland’s foundation planting for the mansion. 

Garden Ornaments

Numerous garden ornaments are visible in photos from this period. The sculpture 

of the odalisque in the pool house remained, as did the boy and dolphin fountain on 

the fountain terrace. The frog fountain in the rose garden was replaced in 1925 with 

a much larger fountain featuring Orpheus with a dolphin. A large carved marble 

vase was located between the two wings of the rose house on the south edge of the 

gardens, as visible in Figures 1.78 and 1.79, and was likely matched by a second one 

between the wings on the north side of the rose house, as visible in the 1938 aerial 

(Figure 1.80). The Corinthian capitals, initially placed near the reflecting pool were 

moved to the upper annual terrace and the north side of the rose house as captured 

in c. 1940s photograph (see Figures 1.16, 1.19, 1.22, and 1.81). Metal gates marked 

the entrances to the gardens, including an ornate iron gate at the entrance on the 

palm house terrace and a more simple iron gate at the southwest entrance near the 

rose houses (see Figures 1.78 and 1.82).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

98

Figure 1.80. Aerial view of the formal gardens and surrounding landscape, late 1930s (VAMA, no. 71592).

Figure 1.81 View looking southeast showing the abandoned rose house with a Corinthian capital at the southern edge of the palm 

house terrace, circa 1940s. The capital was originally placed by the reflecting pool in the early 1900s but moved to the palm house 

terrace in about 1910 (VAMA, no. 3000, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden Association Collection).
Site History

99

Figure 1.82. View looking east 

showing three gardeners standing 

at the southwest corner of the 

formal gardens near the Rose 

House, circa 1920s. The metal gate 

is visible behind them showing its 

simple design (VAMA, no. 3010, 

F.W. Vanderbilt Garden Association 

Collection).

FORMAL GARDENS IN 1938

At the time of Frederick W. Vanderbilt’s death in 1938 the gardens and 

greenhouses were in excellent condition with a staff of several gardeners. 

The layout of the garden beds at this time is shown in an aerial photograph, 

axonometric drawing, and period plan (Figures 1.80 and 1.83 and Drawing 2). 

While most of the garden beds contained design modifications by Cridland, 

the overall framework of the garden terraces, walls, and associated structures 

remained intact from the early 1900s. Unfortunately, the exact planting bed 

contents are undocumented in 1938. However, two years later the National Park 

Service inventoried the contents of the garden beds and prepared a Master plan in 

the following year, which will be discussed in the next section.

Figure 1.83. Axonometric of Formal Gardens 1922–1923 showing Meehan addition of Rose Garden structures and Cridland modifications 

to Italian garden structures and walls, John Robbins, NPS North Atlantic Region, 1981 (VAMA).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

100

POST-VANDERBILT YEARS, 1938–PRESENT

When Mr. Vanderbilt died in 1938, the Hyde Park estate was bequeathed to Mrs. 

Vanderbilt’s niece Mrs. James Van Alen, who in turn donated it to the United 

States government in 1940. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a friend and 

neighbor of the Vanderbilts, took an active interest in acquiring the estate for the 

American people, and continued to make suggestions and recommendations as 

the house and grounds were prepared to be opened to the public. Implementing 

Roosevelt’s outline for development proved difficult, however, because of limited 

funds.83

The estate was opened to the public in July of 1940. The Regional Landscape 

Architect and the Regional Supervisor of Historic Sites made the initial 

recommendations.84 They noted that the greenhouses and formal gardens had 

already begun to decline in the two years since Mr. Vanderbilt’s death as only 

three men were employed to care for the gardens and grounds. Roosevelt’s 

request, however, that the greenhouses be restored to their original purpose and 

usefulness and the gardens maintained with simple planting initiated a discussion 

about their rehabilitation and upkeep. 

An inventory of the contents of the formal gardens completed in August, 1940 

is the only written document that records the contents of Vanderbilt gardens. 

Shortly thereafter, as part of the 1941 Master Plan, Associate Landscape Architect 

Walter A. J. Ewald completed a “Planting Guide for Perennial Borders for the 

Vanderbilt Gardens.”85 Initially the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped 

maintain the gardens. The use of CCC labor was soon curtailed by World War II 

Figure 1.84. One of the Palm houses in disrepair, circa 1940s. (VAMA, no. 1001, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden Association Collection).
Site History

101

Figure 1.85. View looking south showing the perennial garden maintained as lawn, circa 1970s (VAMA,5063, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden 

Association Collection).

and the maintenance of the greenhouses and gardens proved to be “extremely 

difficult . . . . terribly discouraging and very impractical.”86

The formal gardens were closed to visitation in 1943 and gradually dismantled 

throughout the next two decades. In 1946, the rose and palm houses were put 

up for sale as surplus property (Figure 1.84). Only the rose house sold in 1947. 

In 1950, one palm house was destroyed, and all glass was removed from the 

remaining palm house. The dismantling of the timber framing of the pergolas 

occurred in 1951, and 1954 saw the removal of the remaining palm and carnation 

houses. 

When the Park Service initiated the Mission 66 program in the 1950s, the park 

developed a master plan. The plan records that the Gardener’s Cottage was used 

as quarters for employees, and the Tool House served its original purpose. The 

greenhouses, however, were removed. The report also noted that between 1940 

and 1956, visitation increased from 15,822 to 105,662. 

Beginning in the 1960s, the condition of the gardens improved, first with an 

infusion of government funds and second with the establishment of the Frederick 

W. Vanderbilt Garden Association, Inc. (Figures 1.85 to 1.92). Work began in 

earnest in the 1980s with the restoration of the pergolas, trellises, and walls.87 The 

Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association was formally established in 1984 and 

continued to restore the gardens to their former elegance. This work continues to 

the present.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

102

Figure 1.86. View looking west showing Cridland’s wire arbors above the lower perennial garden, circa 1970s (VAMA, no. 5064, F. W. 

Vanderbilt Garden Association Collection).

Figure 1.87. View looking northeast showing the damaged Potting Shed with stockpiled elements including columns and bluestone steps, 

circa 1970s (VAMA, no. 71592).
Site History

103

Figure 1.88. View looking southeast showing the remnants of the north pergola, circa 1970s (VAMA,5006, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden 

Association Collection).

Figure 1.89. View looking north showing the north pergola under rehabilitation, circa 1970s (VAMA, no. 5012, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden 

Association Collection).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

104

Figure 1.90. View looking east showing the rose garden area maintained as lawn, circa 1970s (VAMA, 6007, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden 

Association Collection).

Figure 1.91. View looking south showing repairs being made to the garden wall, circa 1970s (VAMA, no. 1025, F. W. Vanderbilt Garden 

Association Collection).
Site History

105

ENDNOTES

1 There are a number of gaps in the ledgers reviewed, including the periods 1904-1905, 1918-1919, and 1928-1934.

2 USGS Regional Geology, Hudson River Valley Region, http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/nyc/valleyandridge/hudsonvalley.

htm (accessed, 2/9/2009).

3 Patricia O’Donnell, Charles Birnbaum and Cynthia Zaitsevsky, Ph.D. Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion 

National Historic Site (Boston, MA: National Park Service Cultural Landscape Program) 1992, 5-6.

4 O’Donnell, 11.

5 Samuel Bard to John Bard from Edinburgh, April 1 1764, quoted in CLR Volume 1, originally published in John 

McVickar, A Domestic Narrative of the Life of Samuel Bard (New York 1822), 56-59.

6 McVickar, Domestic Narrative, 58.

7 Quoted in O’Donnell, 11 and Charles W. Snell, Historian. The Early History of the Hyde Park Estate Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Report prepared for the National Park Service. 17 February 1955, 6.

8 Quoted in O’Donnell, 20, from McVickar, Domestic Narrative, 209-210.

9 John McVickar. A Domestic Narrative of the Life of Samuel Bard, M.D. LL.D. New York: the Literary Rooms, 1822, 

quoted in O’Donnel, 20.

10 Ibid.

11 Claire K. Feins. “Doctor David Hosack at Hyde Park” A Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, 1950, 

19.

12 O’Donnell, 53.

13 Rieley and Associates, 7; Andrew Jackson Downing. A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening 

Adapted to North America. Ninth edition. New York: Wiley & Putman, 1875, 25.

14 James Thacher, “An Excursion on the Hudson – Letter II,: New England Farmer, Vol. IX, no. 20 (December 3, 1830), 

quoted in O’Donnell, 31.

15 Ibid., 52.

16 Andrew Jackson Downing, A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening Adapted to North America, 

Sixth Edition, New York: A. O. Moore and Co., 1859, 381. 

17 Ibid.

18 Extract from A Tour through North America; together with a comprehensive view of the Canadas and United States, as 

adapted for Agricultural Emigration. By Patrick Shirreff, Farmer, Mungoswells, East Lothian. Edinburgh: 1835, American Quarterly Review , XXXIV, June 1835, 384.

19 O’Donnell, 63-64; Rieley, 10.

20 Downing, 394.

21 O’Donnell, 60 from Poughkeepsie Record, quoted in Snell, “Early History,” 54. 

22 O’Donnell, 69.

23 Ibid.

24 Ibid.

25 Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier, July 19, 1896, p. 2, quoted in Snell, “Early History,” 60. 

26 Rieley and Associates, 12.

27 Ibid., 13.

28 Ibid.

29 Ibid., 14.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

106

30 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates; quote from Charles W. Snell. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, National Park Service Historical Handbook Series No. 32, Washington, D. C., 1960, 3. 

31 O’Donnell, 106.

32 Park web site.

33 A New York Times article dating from April 16th 1901 indicates otherwise “The lease on the Fredrick Vanderbilt mansion on Fifth Avenue and Fortieth St to E Rollinsmore of Boston created no surprise, as Mr. Vanderbilt has had his 

house on the market for some time. He & Mrs. Vanderbilt have concluded to make their headquarters at Hyde Park, on 

the Hudson, where he has recently built a very handsome country house.”

34 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates.

35 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates; Alex Knauss. Interview by National Park Service Staff, 1975, 2.

36 Ibid, p. 2.

37 Keith N. Morgan, Charles A. Platt, The Artist as Architect (Cambridge, MA:MIT Press, 1985), 24-64, 241-242.

38 Charles Adams Platt. “F. W. Vanderbilt, Esq.”, Drawing housed at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, 1901. 

Copies of the Burley survey surrounding the garden area are not included in the earlier cultural landscape reports.

39 Charles Adams Platt. Drawing housed at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. 1901.

40 O’Donnell, 142 and Rieley and Associates, 19-20.

41 Estate purchase Ledgers, 1904.

42 From his college graduation in 1880 until he began private practice as a landscape architect in 1894, he taught engineering at Columbia University. Rieley and Associates, 20. His obituary in Landscape Architecture magazine listed among 

his best known works the Vanderbilt Mansion. Landscape Architecture. “James L. Greenleaf: A Minute on his Life and 

Service”, 24, no. 1 (October 1933),1-4.

43 In a speech before country estate owners, however, although he cited several other examples of his work, he made no 

mention of the Vanderbilt project, for which he completed more than 60 drawings in a two year period. James L. Greenleaf. “The Place, The Man and The Garden.” Address presented to New York Farmers. New York, 16 February 1915.

44 Edith Wharton, in her book, Italian Gardens, writes that the architect was discovering “... the means by which nature 

and art might be fused in his picture.” Edith Wharton. Italian Villas and Their Gardens. New York: Century Company, 

1904, 7.

45 Again, Mrs. Wharton writes, “The inherent beauty of the garden lies in the grouping of its parts ... in the converging 

lines of its long Ilex (holly) walks, the alternation of sunny open spaces with cool woodland shade, the proportion between terrace and bowling green, or between the height of a wall and the width of a path.” Ibid, 8.

46 In his letter, Greenleaf depicted a retaining wall overhung by shade trees with an old monastery and tall dark cypresses 

in the background. He applauded this scene for its dignity and beauty and recommended it as “ ... a design in distinction 

from a conglomeration.”Excerpted form Rieley and Associates, 22; quote from James L. Greenleaf. “A Letter from Sicily.” Landscape Architecture. 20 (July 1930), 283-286.

47 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates, 22.

48 Excerpted O’Donnell, 142.

49 The classical proportioning system is based on the golden ratio, an irrational mathematical constant of approximately 

1.6180339887. This “... ‘ideal’ rectilinear shape has appeared again and again in plan and in elevation, in the structures 

and formed spaces of the Western world. It is a centuries old rule of composition which resulted from the belief that 

order, beauty, and even truth are functions of mathematical law and proportions.”John O. Simonds. Landscape Architecture. New York: F. W. Dodge Corp., 1961, 184. 

50 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates, 23-24.

51 Excerpted from O’Donnell, 146.

52 The sculpture, referred to by the FWVGA as Barefoot Kate, is described as a mid-nineteenth century Italian white 

marble Odalisque by Antonio Galli (1812 – 1861). The sculpture was purchased at the P. Baravant Art Gallery in Florence. Paul Miller, Curator, Preservation Society of Newport. “Garden Ornament Inventory.” January 2009.
Site History

107

53 Ibid., 22.

54 Excerpted from O’Donnell, 147.

55 Vanderbilt Estate purchase ledgers, Book 15, 125.

56 Excerpted from O’Donnell, 146, 181; The list of plants was taken directly from Greenleaf’s plan # 63. He used a combination of common and Latin names to describe the plantings and these have been recorded accurately rather than 

attempting to alter them.

57 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates.

58 Ibid., 137.

59 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates. Meehan’s three sons ran the nursery: S. Mendelson was the sales manager and 

wrote Meehan’s Monthly; Thomas B. was in charge of plant development; and J. Franklin was in charge of the landscape department. Their Uncle Edward, developed new packing methods for the plants, and their Uncle Joseph was an 

authority on shrubs and trees. The landscape department functioned separately from the nursery, though often relied 

heavily on plants stocked in large supply. Despite the Meehan Nursery’s protestations to the contrary, one example of 

this surfaces in the Vanderbilt gardens. Their planting plan for the new garden includes a plant called Mallow Marvel, 

a Meehan nursery specialty. Meehan Nursery Catalogs. Germantown, Penn.: Meehan Nursery, 1900, 1905, 1911, 1915, 

1923-1924, 1941.

60 Meehan Nursery Catalogs. Germantown, Penn.: Meehan Nursery, Back cover, 1905 edition.

61 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates.

62 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates. The configuration of the beds differed from plan to plan (although the plants 

used remained the same), and the boundary of the garden was shown differently. In one plan, the garden was bounded 

by a hedge interrupted by brick piers; in the other, a fence with brick piers (similar to Greenleaf’s Honeysuckle Wall) is 

shown. Each plan includes a round pool with a small fountain and two changes in level. Both plans also show the garden 

beds organized around a central line of site and circulation which ends in the pool and a garden bench. Meehan & Sons, 

“Garden Plan for Frederick W. Vanderbilt,” 10 June 1910.

63 Excerpted from O’Donnell.

64 Ibid.

65 Meehan Nursery Catalogs. Germantown, Penn.: Meehan Nursery, 1900, 1905, 1911, 1915, 1923-24, 1941. Excerpted 

from Rieley and Associates, 31. Perennial borders were an important element in garden design at this time. Their use 

resulted primarily from the influence of William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll, English horticulturalists and landscape 

gardeners. Robinson advocated the creation of a “wild garden” by using hardy plants that would grow unaided and in 

natural arrangement on the edges of woods or in shrub borders. Gertrude Jekyll refined his theories as she developed a 

new kind of garden in which common cottage flowers were used in profusion along formal lines. She composed these 

mixed borders using plants with soft colors and silvery foliage in masterful combinations of shapes and textures. Her 

work is often compared to Monet’s paintings because her color schemes seem impressionistic.

66 Excerpted from O’Donnell, 154.

67 The Versailles fountain depicts an episode from Ovid’s Metamorphoses when Latona and her children, Apollo and Diana, were being tormented with mud slung by Lycian peasants. Latona appealed to Zeus who responded by turning the 

Lycians into frogs. Vanderbilt Garden Ornament Inventory by Paul Miller, Curator, Preservation Society of Newport, 

Rhode Island, January 2009. 

68 Excerpted from Rieley and Associates and O’Donnell.

69 Robert B. Cridland. Practical Landscape Gardening. New York: A.T. De La Mare Co., Inc., 1925, frontispiece. The elder 

Meehan’s obituary in 1901 lists Cridland as one of the pallbearers, possibly an indication that he had already been 

employed by the firm for some time. Germantown Newspaper, “Death Ends Work of Thomas Meehan,” 22 November 

1901.

70 Excerpted from O’Donnell, 157. For Robert B. Cridland, see Sybil H. Argintar, “Robert Cridland Gardens in Atlanta,” 

Atlanta Historical Society, Journal (summer 1983), 25-38. Robert B. Cridland was the author of Practical Landscape 

Gardening (New York: A. T. De La Mare, 1916).

71 Robert B. Cridland. “Detail Arrangement of Gardens prepared for Frederick W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde Park on Hudson, N.Y.” Drawing housed at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, 2 February 1916. Cridland was still employed 

by Meehan in 1914, which indicates that he was indeed working in the office during the preparation of the initial plans 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

108

for the Vanderbilts. In 1914, however, the Philadelphia City Directory records an office address for him. It is this address 

that appears on the 1916 drawing.

72 Robert B. Cridland. Practical Landscape Gardening. New York: A. T. De La Mare Col, Inc., 1925, 163.

73 Rieley and Associates, 33-34.

74 Excerpted from O’Donnell, 165.

75 Ibid, 157 and Rieley and Associates, 33.

76 Excerpted from O’Donnell, 165.

77 While Cridland specifies “climbing roses” on his plan for the rose garden, he likely used the term generically to mean 

either climbers or ramblers, or more broadly, any rose that has a climbing growth character. In Practical Landscape 

Gardening, in a section titled “Climbing Roses,” he lists examples of roses that fall into a number of categories, including 

climbers, ramblers, and hybrid multiflora roses.

78 Robert B. Cridland, Practical Landscape Gardening (New York: A. T. DeLaMare Company, Inc., 1920), 219.

79 Ibid.

80 Ibid.

81 Cridland, 163, 170.

82 Cridland, 170.

83 Walter A. J. Ewald, Assoc. Landscape Architect. Job Status Report and Recommendations for Estate Improvement at the 

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. 25 September 1940, p. 1.

84 Ibid., and Roy Edgar Appleman, Regional Supervisor of Historic Sites. Report on Visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Report prepared for the National Park Service. 18 July 1940.

85 O’Donnell, 255.

86 Ibid., 213-214; Snell, “Administrative History,” cites Cecil E. Halperin to Supt. Cooper, May 28, 1941.

87 O’Donnell, 253.
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

1938 Period Plan

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 1

NORTH

0 50 100 FEET

Trees

Shrubs

Lawn

Perennial Beds

Annual Beds

Rose Beds

Water Feature

Wooden Trellis

LEGEND

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Planting bed graphics are representational and do not 

indicate species or arrangement.

3. Feature and terrace names indicated are those in current 

use.

Rose Garden Loggia

Pool House

Pool Pergola

Pool

North Pergola

Tool House Gardener’s Cottage

Cold Frame

Central Stair Pergola

South Stair Pergola

Rose Garden Fountain

(Orpheus Fountain)

Arched Stair Arbor

Potting Shed

Main Garden Entrance

Palm Houses

Rose House

Carnation House

FOUNTAIN TERRACE

UPPER ANNUAL 

GARDEN

LOWER ANNUAL 

GARDEN

UPPER PERENNIAL 

GARDEN

LOWER PERENNIAL 

GARDEN

ROSE GARDEN

Arched Trellises

Cutting 

Garden

Ornamental Shrubs

Annual Beds

Existing Conditions

111

2. Existing Conditions

This chapter describes the current condition of landscape characteristics and 

features of the formal gardens at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site as 

documented between 2008 and 2011. Numerous photographs in the gardens 

during this period accompany the narrative and Drawings 2 and 3 also illustrate 

the existing conditions. Appendix C contains field notes on the location and 

condition of individual features in the garden including circulation, buildings and 

structures, vegetation, and small-scale features. 

The existing conditions of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site were 

documented as part of Volume I of the Cultural Landscape Report in 1990 to 

1992. A subsequent Historic Plant Inventory conducted in 1994 recorded the 

location and species of specimen trees and shrubs in the historic core of the 

property and surrounding the gardens. In the fourteen years that have elapsed 

since the conditions were documented, the landscape has changed enough to 

warrant a summary and update of existing conditions. 

PHYSICAL SETTING

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is located in Hyde Park, New York. 

Situated on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, the magnificent mansion, 

representative of the Gilded Age of American wealth, dominates the high terrace 

that slopes down to the water’s edge (see Figure 0.1). The current site, under the 

stewardship of the National Park Service, sits at the historic core of what was once 

an impressive and productive 700 acres of pleasure grounds and farmland owned 

by the Vanderbilts. Over a mile in length, north to south, and less than half a mile 

in width at its broadest point, the current estate is bound by the Hudson River on 

the west and Route 9 on the east. On the southeast corner of the property, Crum 

Elbow Creek flows through a series of dams and ponds before emptying into the 

Hudson River. In order to maximize the dramatic views afforded by topography 

of this landscape, a succession of landscape architects placed the key structural 

elements along the edge of this natural terrace or adjacent to the animated creek. 

South of the Vanderbilt Mansion, the formal gardens cover a 1.8 acre area and are 

enclosed by low brick walls capped with triangular terra-cotta coping tiles. The 

walled garden is an essential element of this estate, and has endured for over a 

century. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

112

Adjacent to the town of Hyde Park and in close proximity to the Franklin D. 

Roosevelt National Historic Site, the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site 

property and the formal gardens are an asset to the local community and out-oftown visitors alike, and are visited frequently as part of a short circuit for walking 

or as part of a wider path network that traverses along the banks of the Hudson 

River. Open daily, except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1, Vanderbilt 

Mansion National Historic Site welcomes visitors and conducts tours throughout 

the year. 

While the property in its entirety is in overall good condition, the formal 

gardens during the initial phase of NPS stewardship fell into disrepair and 

over the past 25 years have undergone a revival due to the dedication of the 

Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association (FWVGA). The Association is a 

group of enthusiastic and proactive volunteers that is responsible for the day to 

day maintenance involved in presenting the garden to the visiting public. The 

volunteers donate thousands of hours to the garden and fundraising activities 

needed to raise capital for the preservation of the formal gardens. 

LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISTICS

Landscape characteristics are the broad patterns, systems, and feature categories 

that compose the landscape and determine how people interact with it. The 

landscape characteristics present in the formal gardens are spatial organization, 

buildings and structures, circulation, vegetation, small-scale features, and views 

and vistas.

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

The formal gardens are sited on the southeast aspect of a broad sloped terrace 

above the Hudson River. The distinct topography of the walled garden consists 

of a series of nearly flat terraces with steep banks and retaining walls that contrast 

with the undulations of the surrounding hillside (Figure 2.1). The difference 

in elevation from the upper terrace to the lowest garden level is 35 feet. The 

gardener’s cottage, the tool house, the potting shed, and the upper and lower 

annual gardens occupy the highest terraces, the perennial gardens are on the 

middle terraces, and the rose garden is on the lowest elevation.

The garden perimeter is defined by low brick walls capped with terra-cotta tiles or 

by a temporary mesh fence. The gardens are divided by elements including stairs, 

slopes, low walls, and pergolas. Structurally, the grassy banks, low walls, and stairs 

that maintain the terracing are sound, and show only minimal signs of slippage or 

damage. Flights of stone steps connect the terraces, and a network of pea stone 

pathways provide pedestrian circulation through the gardens. Brick columns, 

trellises, and pergolas define the vertical and overhead planes and provide a sense 
Existing Conditions

113

of enclosure. Immediately beyond the gardens, clusters of mature trees and shrubs 

further enclose the gardens and occlude any views of the surrounding landscape. 

In plan, the gardens reflect a strong rectilinear organization, with six rectangular 

terraces arranged in nearly a square. A seventh terrace holding the rose garden 

extends from the southeast corner of this square, and a long narrow terrace 

holding the tool house and gardener’s cottage spans the north side of the gardens. 

Two of these terraces are further subdivided into smaller terraces, including the 

northwestern-most terrace, which is divided into the palm house terrace and the 

fountain terrace, and the rose garden terrace, which is divided into an upper and 

lower rose garden.

The palm house terrace, in the northwest corner of the gardens, once held the 

twin wings of the palm house. Today this terrace is largely empty, containing only 

turf grass, fragments of historic garden ornaments, and the primary entrance 

path that bisects the terrace (Figures 2.2 and 2.3). The foot print of the glass 

palm houses is barely discernable as square depressions in the terrace. The path 

connects the entrance gate to a flight of steps that descends to the long rectangular 

fountain terrace that borders the east side of the palm house terrace. The fountain 

terrace features a fountain at its center, which is encircled by the path and flanked 

by long planting beds. The fountain, generally referred to today as the boy and 

dolphin or boy-dolphin fountain, features a putto and dolphin within the basin of 

the fountain. The beds are typically planted with roses, sometimes with a marigold 

border (Figure 2.4).

To the south of the palm house and fountain terraces is the rose house terrace, 

which once held the large two-wing greenhouse known as the rose house. While 

the rose house is no longer extant, the brick potting shed, which dates to the 

Langdon period and was once integrated into the rose house, remains (Figure 

2.5). The long, narrow potting shed borders the entire west side of the terrace, and 

a brick wall encloses the south side of the terrace. Beyond this wall is a row of cold 

frames and an embankment that leads to the volunteer parking area.

East of the palm house and rose house terraces are the upper and lower annual 

garden terraces. These contain geometric parterre gardens planted in summerblooming annuals. These parterre gardens are composed of symmetric beds in 

the form of circles, ovals, hearts, modified rectangles, and other shapes. The beds 

are typically planted in low-growing, solid blocks of annuals that create a twodimensional display of geometric color. This effect is accentuated when viewed 

from above from any one of the higher terraces (Figures 2.6 and 2.7). The upper 

annual garden is bordered on the east by a wire fence with brick columns, which 

is typically covered in vines. The transition to the lower annual garden is via a 

pergola-covered flight of bluestone steps in the southeast corner of the terrace. 

The lower annual garden is open to the south and east. A second pergola-covered 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

114

flight of steps leads down toward the lower perennial garden in the southeast 

corner of the lower annual garden.

Along the north side of the gardens is the long Carnation House terrace that spans 

both the palm house and upper annual garden terraces (Figure 2.8). The tool 

house and gardener’s cottage mark the ends of the terrace on the west and east 

respectively. During the Vanderbilt period these buildings were connected by a 

greenhouse used to raise carnations. Today, the Carnation House is not extant, its 

former presence marked only by a short flight of steps and a long central walkway 

that spans the length of the terrace.

East of the upper and lower annual garden terraces are the upper and lower 

perennial garden terraces. These terraces contain the most substantial 

architectural garden elements, including walls, fences, and pergolas that enclose 

the terraces and define their vertical edges. Similar to the upper and lower annual 

garden terraces, the two perennial garden terraces are rectangular and oriented 

such that the north, or upper, terrace is a few feet higher than the south terrace. 

Unlike the other terraces, which are connected by short flights of steps typically 

at the corners of the terraces, the upper and lower perennial garden terraces are 

connected by a long, sloping axial pathway that travels the entire length of both 

terraces from north to south (Figure 2.9). On either side of the central walkway, 

the upper terrace is retained by low walls made of brick or stone.

The upper perennial garden is axially symmetric, with long perennial beds and 

a row of flowering cherries on each side of the central walkway. The flowering 

cherries are planted in long panels of turf grass, which are in turn bordered by 

rows of arborvitaes and columnar cherries, which were recently reinstated. The 

terrace is bordered by high walls and the north pergola on the north, a steep bank 

and wire fence on the west, and a brick wall on the east. The south is open to the 

lower perennial garden.

The lower perennial garden contains geometric planting beds that are reflected 

symmetrically about the central walkway. The beds are planted with a variety of 

flowering perennials planted in bands or clusters. Low retaining walls border 

the terrace on the north and west, and a brick wall with high brick columns and 

ornamental iron trellises borders the terrace on the west. The south end of the 

terrace features the reflecting pool, pool house, and south pergola (Figure 2.10). 

The pool house is an open-sided pavilion that houses a sculpture of an odalisque.

Below the east side of the lower perennial garden, the split-level rose garden 

extends eastwards. A pair of el-shaped stairs gives access to this area which is 

planted with a profusion of modern and old fashioned rose varieties, arranged in 

mirror shaped geometric beds, defined by grass panels and circumnavigated by 

narrow pea stone paths. The broad central pathway is terminated by an Italianate 

loggia complete with a fountain pool (Figure 2.11). 
Existing Conditions

115

Figure 2.1. Oblique aerial view north of the formal gardens which descend from the greenhouse terraces (left) to the loggia (right). The 

walled gardens are surrounded by groupings of trees and shrubs (Microsoft Live Maps, 2008).

Figure 2.2. View east from the west gate and path that formerly led between the Palm Houses. The boy dolphin fountain is visible on 

the central path at a lower terrace and is temporarily covered. Note the metal edging along the path (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

116

Figure 2.4. View west of the greenhouse terraces from the site of the former Rose House (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.3. View west from the palm house terrace of the west gate and an ancient finial in its historic location near the palm houses 

(OCLP 2008). 
Existing Conditions

117

Figure 2.6. View southeast of two terraces, the palm house fountain terrace with the boy dolphin fountain, planted with roses and 

marigolds; and the upper annual terrace, planted with cannas, pennisetum grass, zinnias, begonias, and blue salvia (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.5. View northeast of the Tool House and site of the former Carnation House. Three steps that formerly led into the center of the 

Carnation House are visible on the left. The benches have recently been painted black (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

118

Figure 2.7. View south of the upper annual terrace beds. The path along the eastern side of the terrace is lined with brick pillars that 

support wire lattice panels and vines. The central stair pergola, covered with vines, is visible along the path between the upper and 

lower terrace (OCLP 2008). 

Figure 2.8. View northeast of lower annual terrace. Parterre beds are referenced by FVWGA as hearts (foreground), crescents (center and 

right), and socks (left). The central stair pergola at center is obscured by overgrown trumpet vine (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

119

Figure 2.9. View east of the upper perennial garden central walk framed by perennials and cherry trees. The perennials obscure dry laid 

field stone retaining walls (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.10. View east of the pool and pavilion in the lower perennial garden. The pool contains water lilies and is flanked by beds 

containing iris and other perennials. The white marble statue is of an Odalisque by Antonio Galli, which was purchased from Florence, 

Italy by the Vanderbilts (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

120

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

The structure and spatial characteristics of the formal gardens are defined as much 

by the extensive system of buildings and structural elements as by topography 

and vegetation. Five buildings remain from the historic period, including the 

tool house, gardener’s cottage, potting shed, pool house, and rose garden loggia. 

In addition to these buildings, the numerous structures include walls, pergolas, 

arbors, and cold frames.

The tool house and gardener’s cottage were built during the Langdon ownership 

and were retained during the Vanderbilt period. The two-story Italianate buildings 

date to circa 1875 and were designed by John Sturgis and Charles Brigham and 

are in fair condition. The Tool house is currently utilized by the Frederick W. 

Vanderbilt Garden Association as its meeting and office space. The building 

was rehabilitated in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including repairs to the 

stucco on greenhouse end, a new roof, repointing of the masonry, and repairs 

and paint on the woodwork. The work was done by park staff as well as the 

regional preservation crew. (Figure 2.12). The gardener’s cottage, most recently 

rehabilitated in 2008, is currently a residence and is in good condition externally 

(Figure 2.13). 

The potting shed, on the west side of the gardens, is a long narrow brick building 

that was once integrated into greenhouses, first as part of Langdon’s conservatory 

and then retained and integrated into Vanderbilt’s rose house. The potting shed 

Figure 2.11. View southeast of the rose garden and loggia (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

121

has doors on the east and south facades and five boarded-up windows on the west 

façade, and is currently used to store tools and materials (Figure 2.14).

The pool house with its associated pool and pergolas, dominates the south end 

of the lower perennial garden, while a large brick, timber, and limestone semicircular pergola towers above the upper perennial garden (Figures 2.15, 2.16 and 

2.17). The pastel colored, triple-arched rose garden loggia sits at the most easterly 

boundary of the terraces at the foot of the rose garden (Figure 2.18). Metal arbors 

and pergolas made of timber, brick, and stone span the pathways in several place 

in the gardens. Walkways and bluestone stairs connect different garden rooms.

Several areas of brick walls and piers are showing substantial surface erosion and 

loss of mortar. Many of the red clay finials have been broken off of the red clay 

cap stones (Figures 2.19 and 2.20). Other cap stones are misaligned, allowing 

water ingress in the walls. Two segments of brick wall are missing: the wall along 

the south edge of the gardens along the lower annual bed and a short section 

beside the gardener’s cottage (Figure 2.21). Another section of wall is missing 

from the rose garden (Figure 2.22). Brick piers and metal fence panels previously 

enclosed the rose garden, providing a boundary between the rose garden and 

dense shrubbery beyond. Some of the timber associated with the various pergolas 

is deteriorating (Figures 2.23 and 2.24). 

The garden drainage system was constructed in the early years of development of 

the formal gardens. A series of drain covers are located near the pathways. Many 

are blocked and broken (Figure 2.25). The weep holes that are present in some of 

the retaining walls of the terraces and garden structures appear to be functional 

(Figure 2.26). Excess water drains downhill to the margins of Crum Elbow Creek. 

The water supply for the annual gardens consists of a series of irrigation heads 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

122

Figure 2.13. View northeast of the Gardener’s cottage, an Italianate building constructed in circa 1875, which now serves as a park staff 

residence. The outline of the connection to the former carnation house is visible on the west wall of the building (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.12. View north of the Tool House, an Italianate building constructed in circa 1875, which is now used by the FWVGA as its 

meeting and office space (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

123

Figure 2.14. View east of the potting shed at the southwest corner of the garden. The building is used by the FWVGA for tool storage 

(OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.15. View north from within the north pergola, which is 

topped with heavy timbers and vines (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

124

Figure 2.17. View east of the pergola surrounding the pool house (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.16. Close up view of the vines encircling the brick 

piers of the north pergola (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

125

Figure 2.18. View northeast of the triple arched rose garden loggia, which was designed and built in 1916 under the direction 

of Robert Cridland (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.19. View north of the garden entrance at the 

upper west end of the garden. The entrance formerly 

led between the Palm Houses. An interpretive sign and 

donation collection pipe are installed to the south of the 

iron entry gate (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

126

Figure 2.21. View south of the lower annual terrace, the south stair arbor, pool house, and the missing wall section along the south side 

of the garden. Cars are visible in the flat area near the cold frames and former cutting garden, which is the designated parking area for 

garden volunteers (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.20. View east of a remaining red clay finial on top of the garden wall. Most of the finials have been broken off by vandals. The 

capstones are intact and the wall section is in good condition with only minor cracks (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

127

Figure 2.22. View south of the beds and a bench in the lower rose garden. The bench is placed at the southern edge of the rose garden, 

which is missing a wall of brick piers and wire lattice. The edge is now lined with a mesh deer fence, which is difficult to see in the 

photograph. The tall black posts of the deer fence are spaced at about ten foot intervals (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.23. View southeast of the central stair pergola. Rot is 

present in several of the wooden beams above the walkway, which 

support the weight of the vines (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

128

Figure 2.25. Close-up of a drain in the north pergola, a detail specified on the original construction drawings by James Greenleaf (OCLP 

2008).

Figure 2.24. Close-up view of the south stair pergola with rot in one of the beams (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

129

located in the planting beds. In the fern beds, beside the pool house irrigation 

heads are also visible; elsewhere spigots are available. In the rose garden drip 

irrigation hoses are placed on the planting beds.

CIRCULATION

The circulation through the gardens is accommodated by a system of gravel 

footpaths, turf grass panels, stone and concrete steps, and garden gates. The 

footpaths are found on every terrace, either skirting the edges of the terraces 

or bisecting them. These paths bring visitors through the gardens in a more or 

less sequential manner, from the highest terrace, the palm house terrace in the 

northwest corner of the gardens, to the lowest point in the rose garden. Less 

formal circulation provided by turf grass panels between the geometric planting 

beds in the annual gardens, perennial gardens, and rose garden, allow visitors to 

meander through the terraces and view the flowers more closely. 

The paths are connected from one terrace to the next by flights of steps. The older 

steps, which date to the Langdon period, are constructed of bluestone treads and 

inclined cheek walls and are located on the upper terraces. The lower terraces 

feature concrete steps, often integrated into brick walls and pergolas.

Figure 2.26. View northeast of the north pergola and mature 

vines. A weep hole in the wall at left allows water to drain 

from the interior of the pergola (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

130

The primary entrance to the gardens is in the northwest corner via the gate in the 

garden wall on the palm house terrace, although visitors may enter the gardens 

by a number of other entrances, including at the tool house, at the south side of 

the rose house or lower annual garden, or at the north pergola. At the palm house 

entrance, a narrow metal gate hangs between the piers, and a sunken bluestone 

step connects the road to the gate (see Figure 2.3). An interpretive panel adjacent 

to the gate details the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association involvement in 

the garden (see Figure 2.19). At a second entrance located further south along the 

west perimeter wall, the gate was removed to park storage. This entrance provides 

access to the rose terrace and the cold frames and former cutting garden. The site 

of the former cutting garden is currently used for parking. 

Walkways run east to west and north to south. Each of the garden terraces has its 

own path system, surfaced with pea stone and edged with metal, varying in width 

from three and a half feet to seven and a half feet (Figure 2.27). In some places, 

the pea stone is deep and difficult to walk through, and is spilling onto the lawn. 

In other places the pea stone cover is sparse. In places the metal edges have been 

damaged by machinery. 

A narrow path crosses the lawn on the palm house terrace. A steep stair facilitates 

the descent onto the palm house fountain terrace, where floribunda roses are 

organized in alternate linear plantings in rectangular beds that flank the central 

fountain (see Figure 2.4). Passing the fountain, a pathway runs in a north-south 

direction, bisecting the garden. Turning north, the path terminates at another 

cross path that runs east to west, parallel to the carnation house terrace (see Figure 

2.8). 

The path along the east side of the annual terraces is edged by a row of tall square 

brick columns topped by limestone capitals that support wire trellises with a 

diamond shaped lattice (Figure 2.28). This screen affords partial views out and 

over the upper perennial garden to the landscape beyond. This path terminates on 

the southeast corner of the lower annual terrace, intersecting the east-west path 

at the southern edge of the lower annual garden. To the west, the path passes by a 

series of wood and metal seats along the southern edge of the lower annual garden 

and arrives at a steep flight of steps that lead up to the rose house terrace. The wall 

that formerly lined the steps is missing. At the top of the steps and adjacent to this 

walk, the brick perimeter wall still stands. On the south side of this wall, a range 

of cold frames is functional but in poor condition (Figure 2.29). Overlooking the 

lower annual garden at the southeast corner, a low interpretation panel displays 

a historic photograph showing the former greenhouses and planting beds. To the 

east, the path leads through the south stair pergola, a six-column timber, brick, 

and limestone pergola overlaid by a wooden lattice framework. A steep flight of 

steps leads down to the pool and pergola and lower perennial garden. The vineclad pergola frames the southern edge of the pool (Figure 2.30). 
Existing Conditions

131

Circulation through the perennial garden terraces is by a long axial walkway that 

links the north pergola at the north end of the upper perennial garden to the 

pool and pool pergola at the south end of the lower perennial garden (Figure 

2.31). Low retaining walls running east to west hold back the higher terraces of 

the upper perennial garden, and large antique artifacts, a cistern and wellhead, 

placed on the level above these walls further frame the main axial path. Flowering 

cherries placed along the high level of the upper perennial garden emphasize the 

main axial line further, as do the flanking narrow flowerbeds and two low dry-laid 

stone retaining walls. Along the east perimeter of the lower perennial garden, a 

short path is bounded by a ornamental wall that allows glimpses to the rose garden 

through a series of rose-framed windows supported on square brick pillars with 

limestone caps (Figure 2.32). The brick pillars hold an elaborate wire scroll. An 

Italianate stone seat is set in an alcove at the north end of the short path. 

Twin el-shaped stairs located at the north and south end of this short path lead 

down to the upper level of the rose garden (Figures 2.33 and 2.34). Three seats 

are recessed in a regular fashion at the base of a recently repaired retaining wall 

covered with honeysuckle and climbing roses. The path running parallel with 

the wall connects the two stairs. Narrow pea-gravel paths circle the upper rose 

garden. Beds lined with turf are filled with varieties of roses. The Frederick W. 

Vanderbilt Garden Association’s dedication to the site is acknowledged on an 

interpretation panel in the rose gardens. The paths from the el-shaped stairs join 

and descend a central stair to the lower level. 

The circulation through the lower rose garden is accommodated by perimeter 

pathways that follow the north and south edges of the garden, as well as a central 

walkway running east and west. The central walkway divides at the east end to 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

132

Figure 2.27. View north of pea stone walkway and granite steps between the annual and fountain terraces. A temporary tent protects 

the boy and dolphin fountain during repairs. The Tool House at left and Gardener’s Cottage at right are visible in the background (OCLP 

2008).

Figure 2.28. View south of the upper annual terrace edged by a pea stone walkway and trellis structure. The trellis consists of brick piers 

with limestone capitals that support a wire lattice and vines (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

133

Figure 2.29. View east of the cold frames along the outer side of the south wall of the garden near the former greenhouse site. The cold 

frames are used by FWVGA for young plants (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.30. View east from the south stair pergola through 

the brick piers of the pool pergola to the reflecting pool (OCLP 

2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

134

Figure 2.31. View north of the reflecting pool and lower perennial garden with the central walkway leading to the north pergola (OCLP 

2008).

Figure 2.32. View east of the reflecting pool, lower perennial garden and the brick pillars along the east edge of the garden space. Wire 

scrolls mounted to the brick pillars support roses that climb from the rose garden below (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

135

2.33. View south of repairs to the retaining wall on the upper west end of the rose garden. Climbing roses in the bed above the wall 

extend up to the wire scrolls between brick pillars, which also frame the east edge of the lower perennial garden (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.34. View north of the el-shaped steps leading from the 

lower perennial garden down to the rose garden. A recently 

rebuilt brick retaining wall supports a bed of climbing roses 

that reach the wire scrolls above (OCLP 2008). 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

136

circle around the empty rose garden fountain. The brick piers and metal fence that 

once enclosed the rose garden are gone, and only a tall mesh deer fence separates 

the lower rose garden from the landscape beyond (see Figure 2.22). 

The central axis terminates at a triple arched loggia set behind a large 20-foot 

circular concrete and limestone edged fountain basin. The loggia defines the outer 

limits of the formal garden to the east (Figure 2.35). 

VEGETATION

The vegetation in the formal gardens, comprising annuals, perennials, roses, 

vines, shrubs, turf grass, and cherry trees, is installed and maintained each year 

by volunteer members of the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association. The 

vegetation is organized according to terrace in a manner consistent with the 

historical organization of the gardens, with annuals in beds on the upper two 

terraces, perennials on the two middle terraces, and roses in the lowest terrace. 

Vines cover pergolas and trellis fences and a limited number of shrubs and 

small trees supplement the perennial plantings on the perennial garden terraces. 

Planting beds and circulation paths throughout the gardens are set within panels 

of turf grass that covers the terraces and the steep terrace slopes.

The upper and lower annual gardens are planted each May with a variety of 

annuals, laid out in block plantings of uniform color and variety (Figure 2.36). 

Figure 2.35. View east of the loggia at eastern lower 

edge of the rose garden. A central walkway framed by 

rose beds leads to the now empty pool in front of the 

loggia (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

137

The current selection of plant material is influenced by the recollections of 

Alex Knauss, one of the gardeners in the glasshouses, who records schemes 

implemented during the Vanderbilt period. Heliotropes, petunias, and begonias 

fill the beds that surround the central circular planting of cannas and pennisetum. 

Estate purchase ledgers and historic photographs indicate that the current 

planting practiced is similar to those present at the end of the Vanderbilt period of 

1938. 

Perennial plantings dominate the lower perennial garden terrace and provide 

seasonal ornamentation (Figure 2.37). The pergola associated with the pool house 

is clad in grape vines and bittersweet, and ferns fill the shaded alcoves of the 

pergola wall on either side of the pool house. Water lilies float in the reflecting 

pool and masses of irises grow in the beds adjoining the reflecting pool. Replanted 

in the late 1980s the perennial beds in this garden are loosely based on previous 

known estate planting plans pertaining to the Vanderbilt period. 

In some of the perennial beds, robust plants dominate. The plants were originally 

placed in long linear ribbons, but over time, these have assumed a more globular 

pattern. Masses of iris are planted in association with the reflecting pool (Figure 

2.38). The plants appear to be in good health although some struggling plants 

have led to bare spots. The banks enclosing the upper perennial garden are 

covered during the summer months by a variety of vines and shrubs, including 

honeysuckle vine. The steepness of the slope makes management of this area 

difficult (Figure 2.39). 

The rose garden is planted with a variety of both modern and old rose cultivars. 

Estate plans indicate previous planting varieties, planting patterns and color 

combinations (see Figure 2.11). The current selection, mostly dominated by 

hybrid tea roses, is dependant more on the hardiness and disease resistance of 

certain cultivars. The symmetrical beds are planted in a mirror like fashion on 

either side of the central pathway. Rose varieties such as ‘Brigadoon’, ‘Mrs John 

Laing’ and ‘Milestone’ ornament the upper terrace, while ‘Radience’, ‘Headliner’, 

‘Love’ and ‘Red Fairy’ form part of the selection for the lower terrace. Modern 

‘Knockout’ roses edged with annual plants are used in the boy and dolphin 

fountain terrace in the upper garden (see Figure 2.4). The ‘New Dawn’ rose is 

combined with honeysuckle on the west bank of the upper rose garden. 

Vines are used to provide verticality to the garden and soften the lines of the 

built structures. They scramble over trellises, pergolas, pavilions, screens, and 

archways. The selection of plant material used includes wisteria, grape, trumpet 

vine, honeysuckle, bittersweet, and roses (see Figures 2.17, 2.23, 2.26, 2.30, and 

2.40). Many of the vines are overgrown and are beginning to cause damage to the 

latticework, stone, brick, and timber frames (Figures 2.41 and 2.42). 

Trees and shrubs in the landscape immediately surrounding the gardens are visible 

from within the garden walls. These trees and shrubs help enclose the gardens, 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

138

Figure 2.36. View looking northeast showing the plantings in the lower annual garden (Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association, 

2010).

Figure 2.37. View east of the lower perennial garden. As recommended by Robert Cridland, the early summer garden predominantly 

consists of yellow, blue, lavender, purple, and white flowering perennials (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

139

Figure 2.38. View northwest of the iris along the edge of the pool. The central stair pergola is visible in the background (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.39. View north of a tangle of vines and shrubs growing along the steep slope on the east side of the wire lattice wall between 

the upper annual terrace and upper perennial garden. Greenleaf specified honeysuckle vine, a non-native which has become invasive in 

other areas within the park (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

140

Figure 2.40. View east of the shady steps in the central stair 

pergola. The vines and pergola structures frame views of the 

garden (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.41. Close-up of a wisteria vine encircling a brick support on the north pergola (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

141

Figure 2.42. Close-up of a trumpet vine by the south stair pergola. The 

vine is growing between two cap stones, forcing them apart (OCLP 

2008).

Figure 2.43. View north of the lower annual terrace and upper annual terrace in the distance, with mature pines framing the north side 

of the garden (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

142

obscure outward views, and provide a visual backdrop for the gardens (see Figure 

2.22). The tree line beyond consists mainly of large deciduous trees and a series of 

white pines just beyond the north pergola in the upper perennial garden (Figure 

2.43). 

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES

In addition to the network of perimeter walls, pergolas, trellises, and columns, a 

number of statuary elements and ornaments are located within the walled garden. 

These range from elaborate fountains, remnant elements of vases, Italianate seats, 

life-size figures, and fragments of ancient artifacts. This diverse collection ranges 

in age from the Early Roman Empire period to the era contemporary with the 

Vanderbilt ownership. Such elements are intended to enhance the garden, to 

punctuate an otherwise flat plain, to frame an architectural element, to act as focal 

points, and to enhance the feeling of antiquity. 

Over the years these features have changed location and many of these elements 

have suffered from exposure to the elements, vandalism, or have been removed 

from the gardens. Some of the features have been removed to storage for their 

protection, including a stone bench ornately carved with gryphon armrest and 

lion supports once located in north pergola of the upper perennial garden and the 

Orpheus fountain. Also absent from the garden are a pair of large, ornate vases, 

approximately three feet tall with a scallop relief motive, which were previously 

located on the rose garden terrace between the west and east span, north and 

south of the connecting range.

Remnants of six sandstone finials, placed in the garden before 1908, still ornament 

the palm house terraces, but they are in poor condition and only fragments remain 

(Figures 2.44 and 2.45). Two ornately carved Early Roman Empire Corinthian 

capitals are in good condition and located in the upper sections of the garden 

(Figures 2.46 and 2.47). However the capital located in the center of the upper 

annual garden terrace sits on an unstable plinth of un-mortared stacked stones 

and the capital in the lawn area is vulnerable to mowing equipment. 

The boy and dolphin fountain defines the center of the fountain terrace. The 

fountain is set in a scalloped basin on a barley twist stem and an inverted vase 

pedestal is set on a low square plinth in a circular pool (Figure 2.48). A terra-cotta 

wellhead, decorated with putti and acanthus relief with an octagonal lip and 

associated metalwork is sited on a concrete octagonal base, which is located in 

the upper perennial garden west of main axial path (Figure 2.49). A carved marble 

circular cistern with a figure blowing a horn and lion attacking an antelope, is 

located on the opposite side of the upper perennial garden axial path (Figure 

2.50). The large statuary figure of an odalisque, framed by a pair of limestone 

Doric columns, is located in the pool pavilion and draws the eye down the main 
Existing Conditions

143

axis of the perennial gardens (Figure 2.51). The Orpheus fountain pool in front of 

the loggia is now empty and in need of repair (Figure 2.52).

Located in the upper terraces and annual gardens are a series of utilitarian wood 

and metal frame benches, placed for visitors to enjoy views across the garden (see 

Figures 2.5 and 2.43). The lower terraces are adorned by reproduction Italian style 

Figure 2.44. View south of sandstone pieces that were once part 

of late nineteenth-century Baroque style vases. The objects line 

the eastern edge of the palm house terrace (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

144

Figure 2.46. One of a pair of antique Corinthian capitals of the 

Eastern Roman Empire that dates to the second or third century 

AD. This capital is placed in the lawn area on the palm house 

terrace and would benefit from greater protection from mowing 

equipment (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.45. Close-up of elements of sandstone vases set along the edge of the palm house terrace. An intact vase is captured in a 

historic photograph on the title page. The elements are eroded and encrusted with lichen (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

145

Figure 2.47. View east of an antique white marble Corinthian capital from the Eastern Roman Empire that dates to the second or third 

century AD. The capital is set in the center of the upper annual terrace and is surrounded by a circular flower bed (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.48. View east of the brecciated stone Italian garden 

fountain on the terrace overlooking the upper annual garden. The 

fountain consists of a spiral fluted baluster pedestal supporting 

a scallop shell basin with a Renaissance-inspired fountainhead of 

Putto with a recumbent dolphin (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

146

Figure 2.50. View north of an antique white marble cistern with a bas relief of a lion devouring an antelope with a trumpeter in 

the background. The cistern was purchased by Stanford White in 1899 for Frederick W. Vanderbilt from Paris, France. It is set on an 

octagonal concrete base (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.49. View southwest of cast faux wellhead with decorative wrought iron overthrow. The bas relief contains unfurling acanthus 

fronds, masks, and heraldic shields. The wellhead is set on an octagonal concrete base (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

147

Figure 2.51. View south of the Italian white marble sculpture of an 

Odalisque. The feather fan in her right hand was broken off by 

vandals (OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.52. The shell of the Orpheus fountain in the lower rose garden is cracked and in need of repair. The Orpheus fountain and 

pedestal which were placed at the center of the fountain in 1925 were removed in 2005 due to overall spalling and erosion and are 

currently undergoing conservation treatment (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

148

cast stone seats set on dolphin supports, affording views over the garden and into 

the landscape beyond (Figure 2.53). Additional seats located in the built structures 

provide shade from the summer sun. 

A series of interpretation panels located throughout the garden give brief 

descriptions of the garden’s history and the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden 

Association involvement.

VIEWS AND VISTAS

The gardens contain many framed vistas within the garden as well as views from 

one terrace to the next below, or view to the picturesque landscape beyond the 

walls (See Figures 2.30, 2.31, 2.54 and 2.55). Historically views of the landscape 

were limited by the surrounding vegetation external to the garden. Tall evergreens 

were used as a backdrop to enclose the north pergola. Mature tree canopies were 

visible in the landscape beyond. Ornamental shrubs previously surrounding 

the rose garden are gone and therefore views are gained outwards at the wider 

landscape. 

Within the garden, ornaments and statuary are carefully placed along axial lines 

to draw one’s eye or frame certain features. The rose garden loggia is placed as 

an elegant terminus to the east west axis of the garden (see Figure 2.35). The 

north pavilion and pool garden pavilion define the north and south axis of the 

Figure 2.53. A cast stone bench with dolphin supports placed at the northwest end of the pool pergola (OCLP 2008).
Existing Conditions

149

perennial gardens (see Figures 2.10 and 2.31). The reflecting pool at the lower 

pavilion reflects the built structure, vine plantings and sky. The natural advantage 

of the steep terracing on the upper levels of the garden affords views to the annual 

gardens below (see Figure 2.4). Views are further manipulated by the use of vine 

clad picture windows permitting the viewer to gaze across to areas of the garden 

not yet visited (see Figures 2.40 and 2.56). 

Figure 2.54. View east from the arched window of the rose 

garden loggia. Note the narrow footpath that extends from the 

garden toward Crum Elbow Creek to the east across the road 

(OCLP 2008).

Figure 2.55. View southeast from the arched window of the pool 

house (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

150

Figure 2.56. View east of the brick piers and wire scrolls that frame the view of rose garden from the lower perennial garden (OCLP 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Existing Conditions 

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 2

NORTH

0 50 100 FEET

Trees

Shrubs

Lawn

Perennial Beds

Annual Beds

Rose Beds

Water Feature

Wooden Trellis

LEGEND

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All vegetation shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Planting bed graphics are representational and do not 

indicate species or arrangement.

3. Feature and terrace names indicated are those in current 

use.

UPPER Rose Garden Loggia

ROSE

GARDEN

LOWER

ROSE

GARDEN

UPPER

PERENNIAL

GARDEN

LOWER

PERENNIAL 

GARDEN

UPPER

ANNUAL

GARDEN

LOWER

ANNUAL

GARDEN

ROSE 

HOUSE

TERRACE

PALM

HOUSE

TERRACE

Pool House

Pool Pergola

Pool

North Pergola

Tool House Gardener’s Cottage

CARNATION HOUSE

TERRACE

Potting Shed

Cold Frame

Central Stair Pergola

South Stair Pergola

Rose Garden Fountain

(Orpheus Fountain)

Arched Stair Arbor

Upper 

Fountain

FOUNTAIN 

TERRACE

 

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Existing Conditions

Upper Perennial Garden 

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011 

Drawing 3

NORTH

0 15 30 FEET

Trees

Shrubs

Lawn

Annual Beds

Groundcover

Roses

Perennials

Vine-covered Trellis

LEGEND

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All vegetation shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Perennial species and locations were determined by 

visual inspection in the late summer and fall of 2009, and 

may not represent all perennials present.

3. Annual beds are representational and do not indicate 

species or arrangement. 

Prunus serulata

North Pergola

Honeysuckle

Central Stair Pergola

Arborvitae

Terra-cotta Wellhead

Marble Cistern

‘Amanogawa’ Cherry

1

1

2

3 30 31 32 32 27 10 10

21

22 33

33 36 34

37

27

40

10 24 10 11 27

41 41 41 8 38 39 15 4

7 3

5 6 11 8 11

12 16 19 17

8

19

16

10 20

12

10

22

24 27

26

11 10

8 29

28 25 25

11 18

13

14

13 12

6 6

6 6 6

6

6

6 6 6

6

5 9

1 Iberis

2 Veronica spicata

3 Achillea ptarmica

4 Aquilegia flabellata

5 Gallandra

6 Centaurea

7 Mertensia virginica

8 Pulmonaria

9 Phlox maculata

10 Limonium

11 Thalictrum glaucum

12 Tradescantia

13 Aster

14 Thalictrum rochebruniamum

15 Arabis alpina

16 Agrelegia

17 Lilium lancifolium

18 Veronica spicata

19 Lobelia

20 Digitalis

21 Baptisia

22 Poppy

23 Aurinia saxatilis

24 Rudbeckia fulgida

25 Phlox subulata

26 Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus

27 Hemerocallis

28 Nepeta mussinii

29 Stokesia laevis

30 Iris pseudacorus

31 Iris sibirica

32 Anemone hupehensis

33 Aster dumosus

34 Nepeta mussinii

35 Aster

36 Lilium lancifolium

37 Chrysanthemum

38 Achillea

39 Digitalis

40 Chrysanthemum

41 Geum

Planting Key

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Existing Conditions

Lower Perennial Garden 

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 4

NORTH

0 15 30 FEET

Trees

Lawn

Perennials

Vine-covered Trellis

Water

Ferns

LEGEND

Annual Beds

Groundcover

Roses

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Planting bed graphics are representational and do not 

indicate species or arrangement.

3. Feature and terrace names indicated are those in current 

use.

56

52

58

68

24 12

14

69

52 58

14

25 52

1 52

58

32

52

24 51

23 64

54

51

58

64

39

48

1

65

58

52 52

58

14

52 59

53

63

21

47

52 35

33

32

30

43

29

46 51

61 25

2

52

58

17

24

63

10

63 59 26

52

19

66

12

47

48

16 8 28

50

42

19 28

37

55

27

52

20

36

50

28

45

50 48

4

45 9 45

38

17

51

5

52 52

41

48

40 53

3

42

18

67

52

5

33

34 49

47

18

40

23

55

30

32

15 61

34

54 60

52

48

58 52 5

48 48

65 65 5 8

58

31

37

52 32

56

57

57

59

10

6

6

6

41

13 7

1 Daisy

2 Achillea

3 Aconitum fisheri

4 Ageratum

5 Anemone hupehensis

6 Anemone x hybrida

7 Aquilegia

8 Aquilegia alpina

9 Aquilegia flabellata

10 Aquilegia vulgaris

11 Arborvitae

12 Aster dumosus

13 Aster novae-angliae (Syn. Symphyotrichum 

novae-angliae)

14 Astilbe

15 Astilbe

16 Campanula glomerata

17 Campanula persicifolia

18 Chrysanthemum

19 Chrysanthemum weyrichii

20 Chrysanthemum x rubellum

21 Coreopsis

22 Delphinium

23 Dianthus barbatos

24 Dianthus deltoides

25 Digitalis mertonensis

26 Eryngium

27 Gaillardia grandiflora

28 Geranium sanguineum

29 Geum

30 Hemerocallis

31 Hemerocallis dumortieri

32 Hosta

33 Hosta

34 Iberis

35 Iberis sempervirens

36 Iris ensata

37 Iris germanica

38 Iris pallida

39 Iris siberica

40 Iris sibirica

41 Leucanthemum x superbum

42 Limonium

43 Linum perenne

44 Mertensia virginica

45 Myosotis

46 Nepeta mussinii

47 Peony

48 Phlox

49 Phlox divaricata

50 Phlox paniculata

51 Phlox subulata

52 Platycodon grandiflorus

53 Rudbeckia

54 Scabiosa

55 Scabiosa caucasica

56 Sedum cauticola (Syn. Hylotelephium 

cauticola)

57 Sedum telephium (Syn. Hylotelephium 

telephium)

58 Thermopsis

59 Tradescantia

60 Veronica longifolia

61 Veronica spicata

62 Veronica spicata

63 Viola

64 Digitalis ambigua

65 Papaver orientale

66 Salvia

67 Echinops

68 Achillea

69 Lupine

Planting Key

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Existing Conditions 

Walls, Circulation, and 

Small-Scale Features

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 5

NORTH

0 50 100 FEET

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Planting bed graphics are representational and do not 

indicate species or arrangement.

3. Feature and terrace names indicated are those in current 

use.

4. Codes correspond to features lists in the Analysis and 

Evaluation section of this report.

Trees

Shrubs

Lawn

Perennial Beds

Annual Beds

Rose Beds

Water Feature

Wooden Trellis

LEGEND

Former Location of 

Orpheus Fountain 

(In Storage)

Non-historic 

Benches

Dolphin Benches

Dolphin Bench

Dolphin Bench

Sandstone 

Finials

Marble 

Corinthian 

Capital

Marble 

Corinthian 

Capital

Boy and Dolphin 

Fountain

Homer Terra-Cotta Faux Wellhead

Wellhead and Cistern in 

Upper Perennial Garden

Odalisque

(“Barefoot Kate”)

Bay Planters

W-01

W-03

W-02

W-04 

P-01

P-03

S-01

S-15

S-16

S-04

S-05 S-09

S-08

S-07

S-06

S-10

S-11

S-12

S-13

S-14

S-02

S-03

P-06

P-08

P-04

P-02

P-07

P-05

W-05 

W-06 

W-07 

W-09 

W-10

W-20

W-21

W-11

W-13

W-14

W-15

W-16

W-17

W-19

W-18 

(Missing)

W-12

W-08 (Missing) 

Analysis and Evaluation

159

3. Analysis and Evaluation

This chapter provides a summary of the historical significance of the Vanderbilt 

Mansion National Historic Site and the formal gardens as a contributing resource 

to the property. It also provides an evaluation of the gardens’ historic character 

based on the findings of the site history and existing conditions chapter. The 

analysis and evaluation have been developed in accordance with the National 

Register of Historic Places Program, which lists properties that are significant 

to our nation’s history and prehistory, and the National Park Service’s Guide to 

Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques (1998). 

The chapter begins with an evaluation of the historical significance of the 

landscape according to the National Register Criteria for the Evaluation of 

Historic Properties. Included in the evaluation is a summary of existing National 

Register documentation, a statement of significance, and an evaluation of the 

historical integrity of the formal gardens according to the seven aspects defined 

by the National Register. The chapter then presents an analysis of the historic 

character of the formal gardens according to National Park Service methodology 

that organizes the landscape into landscape characteristics and their associated 

features. Historic and existing conditions of extant features are compared to 

assess historic character and change over time. Each feature is evaluated to 

determine whether it contributes to the historic character of the landscape. The 

findings are summarized in Table 3.1 at the end of the chapter.

NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION

SUMMARY OF EXISTING NATIONAL REGISTER DOCUMENTATION

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site was automatically placed on the 

National Register of Historic Places in 1966 by virtue of its status as a National 

Historic Site. At the time the park was created in 1940, its significance was 

specifically tied to the Vanderbilts during the period of their residency. A National 

Register nomination form was completed for the estate in 1978, providing 

documentation for the site’s significance and contributing features. Contributing 

features enumerated in the nomination form include the Mansion and other 

principal buildings, bridges, dams, walls, and gates, as well as the formal gardens 

and the buildings and major structures associated with them. At the time the 

nomination form was complete, the gardens were described as “remnants” and 

many of the vegetation features, including the vines, roses, and planting beds, 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

160

were not present. Contributing features associated with the formal gardens 

listed on the nomination form include the tool house, gardener’s cottage, pool 

house, rose house loggia, and the north and pool pergolas, as well as the gardens 

themselves, which were divided into the Greenhouse Gardens, the Cherry Walk 

and Pool Gardens, and the Rose Garden.

The estate landscape was documented in detail and evaluated in the Cultural 

Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Volumes 1 and 2

in 1992 and 2009 respectively. These reports detailed the site’s history, historical 

significance and integrity, and contributing features. The formal gardens are 

considered a contributing resource of the larger landscape and are not being 

evaluated for individual significance. The significance of the estate landscape is 

summarized here; a more complete discussion is contained in the two volumes 

mentioned above.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The National Park Service evaluates the historical significance of properties 

through a process of identification and evaluation defined by the National 

Register of Historic Places program. According to the National Register, historic 

significance may be present in buildings, sites, districts, structures, or objects that 

possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, 

and association. A property can be found to have significance on a national, state, 

or local level, but must meet one of more of the following criteria in order to be 

considered eligible for the National Register:

A. Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history; 

B. Association with the lives of persons significant in our past;

C. Retention of distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or the work of a master, or that possess high artistic value, or that represents a 

significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or

D. Has yielded or may be likely to yield information in prehistory or history.

The formal gardens are a contributing resource to the Vanderbilt Mansion 

National Historic Site, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic 

Places. As a contributing resource, the significance of the formal gardens is related 

to the significance of the larger landscape. 

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is nationally significant under National 

Register of Historic Places Criterion A, in the area of economics, for its association 

with the Gilded Age of American wealth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth 

centuries. The site is also nationally significant under Criterion C, in the areas 
Analysis and Evaluation

161

of architecture, as an example of the academic neoclassical architectural style 

typified by the teachings of the École des Beaux Arts in Paris; and landscape 

architecture, for exhibiting the distinctive characteristics of Country Place 

Era landscapes and as a rare example of early picturesque landscape design in 

America. 

The Gilded Age

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is significant as a preeminent example 

of a country estate from the Gilded Age of American wealth. The Vanderbilt 

family epitomized the patterns of the Gilded Age, a period in America between 

Reconstruction and the early twentieth century marked by extravagant displays 

of wealth and excess by the country’s upper class. Beginning with Cornelius 

Vanderbilt, who began building his fortune in the middle of the nineteenth 

century in the railroad industry, the family amassed great wealth over three 

generations. Frederick Vanderbilt, the grandson of Cornelius, inherited the 

railroad business and a fortune from his father, William Henry Vanderbilt. 

Frederick bought Hyde Park in 1895, toward the end of the Gilded Age, and 

proceeded to develop his grand estate. The Vanderbilts were typically in residence 

at Hyde Park in the spring and fall, spending winters and summers at their other 

residences or traveling.

Looking to the old European estates as models, the Vanderbilts built their 

Hudson Valley estate in typical grand fashion with a large mansion, several 

elaborate outbuilding, and extensive grounds. Formal gardens were developed as 

a featured element of the estate grounds, and like the mansion and grounds, the 

gardens reflected the values and tastes of their owners. Typical of estate gardens 

of the period, the Vanderbilts’ gardens featured a formal layout, exuberant floral 

displays, substantial architectural elements, and decorative art objects. As with the 

design and furnishing of the house, the Vanderbilts looked both to contemporary 

Europe and the classical world for design elements. Influences included Italian 

and French gardens, Mediterranean villas, Italian Renaissance styles, and ancient 

Greek and Roman art and architecture, as well as the fashionable architectural and 

decorative styles of the time. 

Gilded Age Architecture

The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is significant under Criterion C 

as an example of a Gilded Age country estate with a number of buildings and 

structures representative of the styles that typify the period. Notable buildings 

within the estate-wide landscape include the Mansion, Pavilion, and two 

guesthouses, all designed by the firm McKim, Mead & White with Charles F. 

McKim as the partner in charge. Within the gardens, three buildings survive from 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

162

before the Vanderbilt period. These buildings, the tool house, the gardener’s 

cottage, and the potting shed, were designed by John Sturgis in 1875. To these, the 

Vanderbilts added extensive architectural elements, including greenhouses, walls, 

fences, pergolas, arbors, pools, and steps. While the greenhouses are no longer 

extant, the majority of the garden buildings and structures remain or have been 

rebuilt using historic plans. All of these structures exhibit grand scale, elaborate 

ornamentation, and classical references typical of architecture associated with the 

Gilded Age. 

Country Place Landscape Design

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is significant under Criterion C as an 

example of Country Place Era landscape design as it was practiced in the late 

nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Country Place Era in American 

landscape design refers the period of design practice between 1880 and 1929 

when the profession of landscape architecture was preoccupied with residential 

design commissions for the wealthy. The period spanned stylistic sub-periods, 

trends, and labels including Romantic, Victorian, Neoclassical, and Beaux-arts. 

Consistent throughout the period, however, were a number of principles that 

reflected the fashions and desires of an affluent class of clientele, including 

privacy, grandeur, neoclassical elements, and an integration of architecture and 

landscape. Many of these characteristics were evident in the Vanderbilts’ estate 

and gardens.

The inclusion of clearly defined formal gardens in the large country estates 

was characteristic of Country Place Era landscape design. These were typically 

enclosed, private areas where the owners and their guests could partake 

in leisurely strolls, enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, and indulge in their 

horticultural interests. The formal gardens at the Vanderbilts’ estate clearly exhibit 

many of the defining characteristics of gardens associated with the Country Place 

Era, including enclosed garden spaces, a formal layout, geometric flower beds, 

integration of greenhouses and architectural features, and the extensive use of 

ornamental sculpture, fountains, and other art objects. Much like the architecture, 

the design of the gardens were influenced by European and neo-classical styles 

and reflected the extravagance of their owners. 

Rather than create the gardens from scratch, the Vanderbilts decided to adapt 

existing gardens that had been built by Walter Langdon Jr. in 1875. Over the 

course of more than three decades, the Vanderbilts employed some of the most 

prominent landscape designers of the time to make alterations to the gardens, 

from changes to the plantings to major redesigns of the garden spaces. The first 

of these, James L. Greenleaf, was strongly associated with the Country Place 

Era, working on numerous commissions for large country estates. While the 

gardens at Hyde Park were one of his earlier works, Greenleaf continued on in 
Analysis and Evaluation

163

the field to complete a large body of design work, and was later recognized for his 

contribution to the field of landscape architecture. Subsequent designers, Thomas 

Meehan and Sons and Robert Cridland, were not as well known as Greenleaf, but 

were nonetheless important practitioners of the period. Cridland, in particular, 

was a prominent residential designer of the early twentieth century specializing 

in elaborate residential grounds and country estates. His 1922 book Practical 

Landscape Gardening was an important source that articulated the principles of 

the country place style of landscape design.

Today, the formal gardens continue to reflect the opulence, refinement, and grand 

ornamentation that characterized Frederick Vanderbilt’s estate. The garden 

spaces, vegetation, and architectural elements, designed by some of the most 

prominent landscape architects of the age, display the scale and classical style 

typical of the estates and mansions of the time. 

Picturesque Landscape Design

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is significant under Criterion C as 

a leading example of early American picturesque landscape design as it was 

practiced in this country in the early nineteenth century is the only known 

landscape in America designed by Andre Parmentier (1780–1830) to survive. The 

significant characteristics of picturesque landscape design are embodied in the 

larger estate landscape, but they are not evident in the design or character of the 

formal gardens themselves.

Period of Significance

The period of significance for the district spans the years from 1828, when 

then-owner David Hosack and landscape designer Andre Parmentier began 

developing the estate layout, to 1938, which marks the end of the site’s association 

with Frederick Vanderbilt and includes a number of changes to the landscape 

implemented during the 1930s. While the period of significance for the estate 

landscape begins in 1828,extant features and characteristics within the formal 

gardens span the period between 1875, when Walter Langdon, Jr. built the first 

gardens at their present location, and 1934, when Robert Cridland implemented a 

new planting plan for the upper perennial garden. 

EVALUATION OF LANDSCAPE INTEGRITY

Integrity is the ability of a property to convey its historical identity during the 

period of significance. The National Register program identified seven aspects of 

integrity that include: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

164

and association. To retain integrity, a property must possess the aspects that best 

convey the sense of a particular time and place. 

Many aspects of integrity remain at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, 

so much so, that if the Vanderbilts were to return to the site today, they would 

clearly recognize their home. The National Park Service has made changes to the 

landscape but they do not detract from conveying the character of the historic 

resources. 

Location

Location is defined by the National Register as the place where the historic 

resource was constructed, or the place where the historic event took place. The 

location of the formal gardens has not changed since their initial development 

in 1875, and their extent and footprint have remained the same since the last 

expansion with the construction of the rose garden in 1910.

Design

The essential elements of the design of the formal gardens have remained the 

same or have been reestablished since the period of significance. Like that of 

the larger mansion property, the design of the formal gardens evolved from its 

initial construction in 1875 through the end of the period of significance in 1938, 

with much of the previous design retained and embellished in each successive 

modification. Today, the overall structure of the gardens, stepped terraces, 

enclosing walls, buildings, circulation system, and major structures remain as they 

were in 1938. The most substantial change in the design of the gardens is the loss 

of the greenhouses, which were removed during the 1950s. While the garden beds 

were lost after the end of the period of significance, they have been reestablished 

in their historic configurations. Despite the changes, the formal gardens retain the 

integrity of their design.

Setting

Setting is the character of the physical environment of a property. Historically, the 

Vanderbilt estate was surrounded by agricultural land, forests, open meadows, 

and rural communities. Open views across the Hudson River were of largely 

undeveloped rolling land rising toward the distant Catskill Mountains. Today, the 

area around Vanderbilt Mansion is more developed and populated than it was in 

1938, but it remains largely rural with substantial forested and agricultural areas. 

The setting for the formal gardens is the estate property itself, which retains its 

historic character. During the historic period, the formal gardens were surrounded 

by trees and shrubs to create an enclosed setting and limiting the views out of the 

gardens. Today, many of the shrubs have been lost, but the extant shrubs and tall 
Analysis and Evaluation

165

trees visible over the garden walls continue to create a sense of enclosure. Overall, 

the formal gardens retain integrity of setting.

Materials

Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during the 

period of significance in a particular pattern or configuration to give form to the 

property. Much of the historic materials that composed the gardens during the 

historic period remain today. Extant historic materials include brick and stone 

materials used in the tool house, gardener’s cottage, potting shed, and in the 

many walls and pergolas. Although many of these structures were rebuilt in the 

1970s, they were largely reconstructed using salvageable historic materials. Other 

historic materials include the bluestone steps, concrete pool and fountains, and 

original garden ornaments. Many of the vines also date to the historic period. 

Together these materials contribute to the site’s historic character and convey its 

significance.

Workmanship

Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts and methods of construction 

used during the specified historic period of significance. Evidence of the 

historic workmanship of the Vanderbilt landscape is evident in the brickwork, 

stone features, ornate ironwork and trellises, rough-hewn timbers, and carved 

garden ornaments. The workmanship is evocative of the methods of craft and 

construction that characterized the historic period and helps convey the site’s 

significance. 

Feeling

Feeling is the expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular time 

resulting from the presence of physical features that, taken together, convey a 

property’s historic character. The Vanderbilt landscape is evocative of the sense 

of place created by the turn of the century during the Country Place Era. Most of 

the significant features and the setting remain from the historic period to convey 

the feeling of the grand estate. The loss of greenhouses and growth of vegetation 

that blocks views to the Hudson River diminish the feeling of the grand estate, yet 

overall the property retains integrity of feeling.

Association

Association is the direct link between the property and an important historic 

event or person. Although the property is no longer a private home, evidence of 

the site’s association with the Vanderbilts is readily available through the designed 

landscape and ornate buildings, bridges and gatehouses. The Vanderbilt Mansion 

thus retains integrity of association.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

166

ANALYSIS OF LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISTICS AND 

FEATURES

Landscape characteristics are the broad patterns, systems, and feature categories 

that compose the landscape and determine how people interact with it. 

The analysis of landscape characteristics and features serves to identify the 

components of the landscape that define the historic character of the landscape 

and contribute to its ability to convey the significance. The analysis entails 

comparing existing conditions to what was present during the historic period 

and making an evaluation of whether the landscape characteristic or feature 

contributes to the landscape’s historic character. 

The landscape characteristics evaluated for the formal gardens include spatial 

organization, buildings and structures, circulation, vegetation, small-scale 

features, and views and vistas. For each characteristic, the analysis is broken into 

the following components:

Historic Condition, a brief discussion of the feature’s history and evolution as it 

relates to the period of significance;

Existing Condition, an overview of changes that have occurred since the end of the 

period of significance; and

Evaluation, a determination of whether the feature contributes to the historic 

character of the landscape.

Contributing features generally date to the period of significance and help convey 

the gardens’ historic design and character. Non-contributing features generally 

post-date the period of significance or have been so altered from the historic 

condition that they no longer help convey the site’s significance. The analysis is 

based on archival resources, secondary sources, and site documentation between 

2008 and 2011.

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

Spatial organization is the three-dimensional organization of physical forms and 

visual associations in the landscape, including the articulation of ground, vertical, 

and overhead planes.

Historic Condition: In 1875, Walter Langdon, Jr.’s gardens comprised a series 

of terraces enclosed by a brick wall (see Figure 1.6). The overall footprint of 

the gardens was nearly square and composed of six almost equal rectangular 

terraces, with three across the north and three across the south. The highest or 

northwestern terrace was further divided into two terraces, and another long 

narrow terrace extended across the gardens on the north, making a total of eight 

terraces. The level terraces were separated from each other by four-foot-high 

sloped embankments stepping down the hillside from the highest terrace in 
Analysis and Evaluation

167

the northwest corner to the lowest terrace in the southeast corner. These were 

completely enclosed by a low brick wall with peaked terra-cotta tile caps and 

spherical finials. Orthogonal pathways led along the edges of the terraces and 

descended the gardens from one terrace to another via ten sets of bluestone steps. 

The buildings and greenhouses were concentrated on the upper terraces along 

the north and west sides of the garden. On the long northern terrace, two brick 

buildings—the tool house and the gardener’s cottage—were joined by a long 

greenhouse, known as the Grapery. On the westernmost highest terrace was a 

large, ornate conservatory, and to the south was a set of four joined greenhouses. 

The other terraces featured geometric planting beds.

When the Vanderbilts bought the property in 1895, they retained the basic 

structure of the gardens while replacing many of the greenhouses and making 

alterations to the overall garden design. Between 1904 and 1908, they replaced 

all of the greenhouses with new ones in their original locations. Also in 1904, 

the Vanderbilts hired landscape architect James L. Greenleaf to redesign the two 

easternmost terraces into an Italian garden. Greenleaf regraded the two terraces 

to create a sloping central path lined with planting beds.

In 1910, the Vanderbilts hired Meehan and Sons to design the loggia garden, 

an eastern extension of the garden on a lower level that was later known as the 

rose garden (see Figure 1.28). Beginning in 1913 and continuing until 1934, the 

Vanderbilts retained Robert Cridland, an architect who initially worked for 

Meehan and Sons. Cridland added the loggia in the rose garden, redesigned 

Greenleaf’s upper terrace, and reconfigured most of the planting beds within each 

garden space (see Figures 1.32, 1.48, 1.49, 1.54, 1.56, 1.57, 1.63, and 1.71).

Existing Condition: The garden terraces remain and are in good condition (see 

Figure 2.1). Three buildings remain and are in good condition but the greenhouses 

are gone. Most of the walls and pergolas remain but many are in fair to poor 

condition. Some sections of the boundary wall are missing to the south of the 

lower annual garden and around the rose garden (see Figures 2.11 and 2.15). 

Evaluation: Contributing. Most of the spatial relationships within the formal 

gardens remain as they were designed during the Langdon period and modified 

and expanded during the Vanderbilt Period. Defining elements that have been lost 

are the greenhouses and sections of the boundary wall by the lower annual garden 

and surrounding the rose garden.

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

The buildings and structures frame the formal gardens and serve vital roles in the 

spatial organization, circulation, and operations of the space. Brick and limestone 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

168

are the predominant finishes. The warm red bricks and tiles contrast with the 

verdant plants and cool bluestone steps within each space. 

Tool House 

Historic Condition: The tool house and gardener’s cottage were part of the formal 

gardens complex that was designed by Sturgis and Brigham for Walter Langdon, 

Jr. in 1874-1875. Originally these two buildings had a greenhouse that spanned 

the distance between them, referred to as the grapery. In 1907, Vanderbilt had 

this greenhouse replaced with a new one, thereafter called the carnation house. 

The carnation house was removed in 1954, but the tool house and the gardener’s 

cottage remain. The tool house is the westernmost of the two structures.

Existing Condition: The tool house remains today a prominent element of the 

gardens. Architecturally, the tool house has changed little since the historic 

period. The two-story brick building is currently being used by the Frederick W. 

Vanderbilt Garden Association as office, meeting space, and storage. Building 

access is by concrete ramp that leads to double doors on the ground level and by 

three bluestone steps that lead to the upper level. Some spalling is present in the 

bluestone, but overall the steps are in good condition.

Evaluation: Contributing. The tool house contributes to the historic character of 

the formal gardens. 

Gardener’s Cottage 

Historic Condition: The gardener’s cottage was the easternmost of the two 

structures built by Sturgis and Brigham in 1875 (see historical description of the 

tool house). During the Vanderbilts’ tenure, the building served as the residence 

of the Head Gardener. Historic photos show the facade of the building covered 

with ivy and vines up to the top of the brick. An el-shaped wooden fence (also 

covered in vines and ivy, screened the western door of the cottage.

Existing Condition: The gardener’s cottage remains today with few alterations 

since the historic period. Notably, the wooden fence has been removed and the 

façade is no longer covered in vegetation. Today the gardener’s cottage is used 

as park housing. The steps and landing at the entrance to the Gardeners Cottage 

entrance are in good condition and even.

Evaluation: Contributing. The gardener’s cottage contributes to the historic 

character of the formal gardens. 
Analysis and Evaluation

169

Potting Shed

Historic Condition: The potting shed in the southwest corner of the gardens was 

originally part of the two-winged greenhouse built by Vanderbilt in 1908 and 

referred to as the rose house. The brick portion comprised the western half of the 

western wing of the greenhouse. The rose house was sold in 1947, but the potting 

shed was retained and is extant today.

Existing Condition: The potting shed is located on the western edge of the rose 

house Terrace. The long low brick building is approx 113 feet long and 13 feet 

wide with a metal roof. The building has doors on the east and south facades and 

five boarded-up windows on the west facade.

Evaluation: Contributing. The potting shed contributes to the historic character of 

the formal gardens. 

Pool House 

Historic Condition: The roofed pool house on the southern end of the Italian 

garden was part of the Greenleaf plan for the garden in 1906. Most photos of the 

pool house show its current configuration with the flanking trellises and vines 

and with the statue of an odalisque. At least two undated historic photos show no 

statue in the pool house.

Existing Condition: The pool house is a single-story brick structure at the southern 

end of the lower perennial garden. The building features openings on the north, 

east, and west sides and has a tiled gable roof. The arched north opening is flanked 

by a pair of limestone Doric columns and looks out over the ornamental pool. The 

pool house holds a large statue of an odalisque (Barefoot Kate).

Evaluation: Contributing. The pool house contributes to the historic character of 

the formal gardens.

Rose Garden Loggia

Historic Condition: The drawings completed by Thomas Meehan and Sons in 1910 

for the eastern extension of the formal gardens did not include a structure at the 

eastern end. In 1916, when Robert Cridland devised a new planting plan for the 

garden extension, he added the loggia, which was called the garden house at the 

time.

Existing Condition: The rose garden loggia is a single-story stucco structure with a 

tiled hip roof. The structure has three arched openings on the west side toward the 

rose garden and arched window openings on the other sides.

Evaluation: Contributing. The rose garden loggia contributes to the historic 

character of the formal gardens.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

170

Arched Stair Arbor

Historic Condition: The arched stair arbor was part of Greenleaf’s design for 

the garden in 1903. Spanning the steps from the gardener’s cottage to the upper 

annual garden, the arbor was constructed of metal mesh to accommodate 

climbing vines and was integrated into the iron mesh fence that extended down 

the eastern side of the upper annual garden. Historic photos show the arched stair 

arbor completely covered in vegetation so that the metal structure is not visible.

Existing Condition: The arched stair arbor remains today in its original location 

over the steps between the carnation house terrace and the upper perennial 

garden. The metal mesh shows some rust, and mature vines that are growing 

within the metal work may cause substantial damage to the structure.

Evaluation: Contributing. The arched stair pergola contributes to the historic 

character of the formal gardens.

Central Stair Pergola

Historic Condition: Part of the Greenleaf design in 1903 included four timber 

pergolas along the walk between the lower annual garden terrace and the lower 

perennial garden terrace. The two pergolas in the middle of the walk were later 

removed, but the two pergolas over the steps were retained. The pergolas consist 

of brick piers with timber arbors above. The central stair pergola spanned the 

steps between the upper and lower annual gardens, and was integrated into the 

metal mesh fence along the eastern edge of the upper annual garden.

Existing Condition: The central stair pergola shows signs of weathering and 

deterioration in both the brickwork and in the wood. 

Evaluation: Contributing. The central stair pergola contributes to the historic 

character of the formal gardens.

South Stair Pergola

Historic Condition: The south stair pergola was part of the 1903 Greenleaf design. 

Originally, the pergola not only covered the steps, but extended a short way up the 

walk, forming an el shape. The portion covering the walk was removed along with 

the other two portions over the walk in 1922.

Existing Condition: The south stair pergola is at the south east corner of the lower 

annual garden connecting to the pool house pergola. Like the central stair pergola, 

this is a wooden lattice arbor supported by brick columns with limestone capitals.

Evaluation: Contributing. The south stair pergola contributes to the historic 

character of the formal gardens.
Analysis and Evaluation

171

North Pergola

Historic Condition: In 1903, James L. Greenleaf designed a pergola for the north 

end of his Italian garden. The pergola consisted of a brick wall and large brick and 

stone piers topped with a peaked chestnut timber arbor. In about 1922, Robert 

Cridland redesigned the timber arbor for the pergola with a flat top and ogee 

curved members at the southern steps.

Existing Condition: The pergola at the north end of the upper perennial garden is 

a semi-enclosed structure with low brick walls and brick columns supporting a 

timber lattice arbor. The arbor is open to the west toward the gardener’s cottage 

and to the south down a flight of steps into the perennial garden.

Evaluation: Contributing. The north pergola contributes to the historic character 

of the gardens.

Pool Pergola

Historic Condition: The pool pergola or south pergola was part of Greenleaf’s 

design for the Italian garden in 1903. The two-part pergola was a part of a system 

of pergolas that included the north pergola and the four pergolas that spanned the 

path on the west side of the lower Italian garden. 

Existing Condition: The pool pergola at the southern end of the lower perennial 

garden is a two-part timber pergola that wraps around either side of the aquatic 

plant pool. The curved pergolas meet in the middle at the pool pavilion.

Evaluation: Contributing. The pool pergola contributes to the historic character of 

the formal gardens.

Pool

Historic Condition: The aquatic plant pool at the south end of the Italian garden 

was built as part of the Greenleaf design in 1903.

Existing Condition: The flatted spade shaped pool is edged with limestone and in 

good condition. The pool recently had a false bottom/platform installed to reduce 

the depth of the water for safety reasons.

Evaluation: Contributing. The pool contributes to the historic character of the 

formal gardens. 

Upper Fountain (Boy and Dolphin Fountain)

Historic Condition: The upper fountain is located in the long narrow terrace 

directly east of the palm house terrace. Plans for the Langdon gardens in 1876 

show a fountain in this location, but it is unknown if the existing fountain dates 

from this time, or if it was replaced during Vanderbilt’s ownership.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

172

Existing Condition: The boy and dolphin fountain consists of a circular basin with 

a spiral-fluted baluster pedestal supporting a scallop shell basin and Renaissanceinspired fountainhead in the form of a putto with a recumbent dolphin. 

Evaluation: Contributing. The upper fountain contributes to the historic character 

of the formal gardens.

Rose Garden Fountain (Orpheus Fountain)

Historic Condition: The circular fountain pool at the eastern end of the rose 

garden was part of the Meehan design for that garden. Originally the fountain had 

a frog fountainhead at its center that spurted water from its mouth. The frog was 

replaced in the 1925 by a statue of Orpheus, which remained in the garden until 

2005, when it was removed to storage to protect it from further deterioration. 

Existing Condition: The pool stands empty. The pool is cracked and no longer 

water tight.

Evaluation: Contributing. The rose garden fountain contributes to the historic 

character of the formal gardens. 

Cold Frames

Historic Condition: During the historic period, a row of cold frames lined the 

outside of the garden wall to the south. The cold frames were part of a larger 

cutting garden area dedicated to the cultivation of plants (see Figure 1.71). The 

Vanderbilt’s garden staff used the cold frames for raising seedlings, which would 

eventually be planted out in the cutting gardens or in the formal gardens. 

Existing Condition: The cold frames are partially extant. The covers which would 

have protected the seedlings from frost on cool spring nights are no longer 

present. The Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association uses the cold frames for 

potted plants.

Evaluation: Contributing. The cold frames contribute to the historic character of 

the formal gardens.

Brick Walls and Piers 

Historic Condition: The perimeter brick wall was part of the formal gardens 

complex that was designed by Sturgis and Brigham for Walter Langdon, Jr. in 

1874-1875. During the Vanderbilt period of ownership, sections of the garden 

wall surrounding the lower perennial garden were altered and rebuilt as part of 

Greenleaf’s c. 1904 Italian garden. Within the next ten years Meehan and Sons and 

Cridland added the wall piers and fence around the Rose Garden, which required 

reconfiguring the section of garden wall on the east side of the lower perennial 

garden. 
Analysis and Evaluation

173

Existing Condition: After the death of Frederick Vanderbilt in 1938, the garden 

wall was not maintained and its condition deteriorated. Rehabilitation efforts in 

the 1970s and 1980s resulted in the rebuilding of much of the brick garden walls 

and piers. Some sections of the garden wall and some of the freestanding piers are 

in poor condition with erosion of bricks and loss of mortar.

•	 W-01. Carnation house terrace wall: It is unknown whether this wall was 

constructed as part of the original greenhouse built by Walter Langdon, Jr. in 

1875 when the tool house and gardener’s cottage were built, or if it was built 

as part of the carnation house built by Vanderbilt in 1907. This wall extends 

along the north edge of the carnation house terrace between the tool house 

and the gardener’s cottage. The wall ranges between 31⁄2 to 5 feet high and is 

constructed of brick with a stucco surface on the north side. The stucco finish 

is spalling, exposing much of the red brick underneath. On the south side, the 

bricks are covered with the remnants of a light colored paint. Vines cover the 

wall on both sides.

•	 W-02. Gardener’s cottage short wall: Based on the similarity of style and 

materials to the other perimeter walls that date to the Langdon period, it 

is likely that this wall section was constructed with the gardener’s cottage 

in 1875. The short el-shaped wall extends from the southeast corner of the 

gardener’s cottage to the east and then south. The brick wall has four piers. 

The wall and the piers have terra cotta caps.

•	 W-03. Gardener’s cottage long wall: This longer el-shaped wall extending 

along the east side of the gardener’s cottage north of the upper perennial 

garden was constructed with the north pergola and the redesign of the Italian 

Garden by James L. Greenleaf in 1903. The wall ranges from 31⁄2 to 51⁄2 feet 

high and is brick with a stone cap and has five piers.

•	 W-04. Palm house terrace wall: This wall, along with several of the other brick 

walls in the gardens, was part of the Langdon gardens that was incorporated 

into Vanderbilt’s gardens. The wall marking the northwest corner of the 

formal gardens is a curved brick wall with a gated entry that leads onto the 

uppermost (palm house) terrace. The brick wall is capped with terra cotta 

coping tiles with brick piers.

•	 W-05. Rose house terrace wall: Built in 1875 as part of the original perimeter 

wall for Langdon’s garden. The perimeter wall marks the south boundary of 

the rose house terrace. The brick wall is approximately 31⁄2 feet high and is 

capped with terra cotta.

•	 W-06. Upper annual terrace trellis fence: Designed by James L. Greenleaf and 

built in 1903, the fence consists of nine tall brick piers supporting metal trellis 

panels that extend along the east side of the upper annual terrace.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

174

•	 W-07. Central stair pergola wall: Designed by James L. Greenleaf and built in 

1903, this short section of wall extends from the central stair pergola eastward 

to mark the transition between the upper and lower perennial gardens. The 

wall is brick with a stone cap.

•	 W-08. Lower annual garden wall: The wall marking the southern border of 

the rose house terrace was also part of the Langdon gardens and is similar 

in form to the arced northwest wall. Originally, this wall continued eastward 

along the southern edge of the lower annual bed terrace, but this section of 

the wall is no longer there.

•	 W-09. North perimeter wall of upper perennial garden, east and west section: 

Designed by James L. Greenleaf and built in 1903, the low brick wall is 

approximately 3 1⁄2 feet high and is capped with terra cotta tiles. Three brick 

columns extend above each section of the wall supporting timber bracing 

between them. The columns are capped with stone.

•	 W-10. East perimeter wall of upper perennial garden: Part of the original 

Langdon perimeter wall from 1875, the low brick wall incorporates a series 

of brick pillars flush with the terra cotta capping. The four-foot-high wall 

extends along the eastern edge of the upper perennial garden forming the 

eastern perimeter of the formal gardens.

•	 W-11. Curved brick retaining walls, lower perennial garden: Designed by 

James L. Greenleaf and built in 1903, the flanking brick retaining walls 

demark the corners of the upper perennial garden terrace where the path 

emerges into the lower perennial garden terrace. These walls feature an 

elaborate shape with curved corners and are made of mortared brick with a 

stone cap.

•	 W-12. Brick retaining walls, lower perennial garden, east and west side: 

Designed by Robert Cridland in 1922, these flanking walls replaced the slope 

that had been part of the Greenleaf design. The brick retaining walls mark the 

transition between the upper and lower perennial gardens, extending from 

the curved brick retaining walls. The walls are of simple design of red brick 

capped with a brick rowlock course.

•	 W-13. Side walls at the base of the stair pergola at the south west corner of 

the lower perennial garden: Stairs in this location were part of the Langdon 

period garden, although the area was reconfigured as part of the Greenleaf 

design in 1903. 

•	 W-14. Pool pergola outer wall: The tall curved wall behind the pool pergola 

was designed by James L. Greenleaf and built in 1903 and marks the garden 

boundary at the lower perennial garden.
Analysis and Evaluation

175

•	 W-15. Wall at the east side of the lower perennial garden overlooking the 

upper rose garden: Originally part of the outer wall of the Langdon garden, 

the wall was modified by James L. Greenleaf in 1903 and modified again in 

1910 by Meehan and Sons to create openings to the Rose Garden below.

•	 W-16. Sidewalls for el-shaped staircase descending to the upper rose garden 

(north and south flights): The mirrored flights of stairs were part of the 

Meehan and Sons rose garden installed in 1910.

•	 W-17. Retaining wall at the west end of the upper rose garden: The low brick 

retaining wall, which retains the bank above the rose garden, was part of the 

Meehan and Sons rose garden installed in 1910. The wall was rebuilt in 2009.

•	 W-18. Perimeter fence around the upper rose garden: The wire fence with 

brick piers was part of the Meehan and Sons rose garden installed in 1910. 

The fence is now missing, and only one brick pier remains.

•	 W-19. Low retaining wall marking the transition between the upper and 

lower rose gardens: part of the Meehan and Sons rose garden installed in 

1910. The wall was rebuilt in 2008.

Evaluation: Contributing. Although some sections of the wall are missing and 

others have been rebuilt, overall the walls contribute to the historic character of 

the landscape.

Field Stone Dry Laid Retaining Wall

Historic Condition: The dry laid field stone walls were designed by Robert 

Cridland when he redesigned the perennial gardens in 1932.

Existing Condition: W-20. Two dry-laid stone retaining walls flank the central path 

of the upper perennial garden, accommodating the change in grade as the path 

descends to the lower perennial garden. The wall ranges from six inches to three 

feet high at its southern terminus and features pockets for vegetation.

Evaluation: Contributing. The two long field stone walls contribute to the historic 

character of the formal gardens.

Field Stone Mortared Retaining Wall

Historic Condition: The high mortared fieldstone wall running north to south 

along the west perimeter of the former cutting garden likely dates to the Langdon 

period or earlier, but no documentation found.

Existing Condition: W-21. The mortared wall is in good condition.

Evaluation: Contributing. The mortared field stone wall contributes to the historic 

character of the formal gardens.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

176

CIRCULATION

Circulation includes the spaces, features, and applied material finishes that 

constitute the systems of movement in a landscape. Within the formal gardens, the 

circulation system allows for walking along the edges of the terraces and through 

the gardens from one level to another via sets of bluestone steps. Access into the 

garden is by a few openings in the garden wall.

Garden Paths

Historic Condition: During the Langdon period of ownership, the formal garden 

included a grid of walking paths from one terrace to the next as seen on the 1897 

survey (see Figure 1.6). The Vanderbilts expanded the network of paths and steps 

to incorporate new garden spaces, the terraced rose garden. The three designers 

retained by the Vanderbilts, Greenleaf, Meehan and Sons, and Cridland, used 

techniques that were commonly employed in Italian gardens, notably diverging 

and reconnecting paths along a central axis with a terminal focal point. Transitions 

between garden spaces were by sets of steps, which are described separately. 

In Greenleaf’s Italian Garden, a central walk extended from the north pergola to 

the reflecting pool in c. 1903. Paths diverged around perennial beds but rejoined 

by the reflecting pool and in the pool house. A reflecting pool and white marble 

odalisque served as the focal point. In the rose garden designed by Meehan and 

Sons 1910 and completed by Cridland between 1913 and 1916, paths diverged and 

reconnected along a central axis. A loggia and circular pool with a fountain served 

as focal points. Secondary axes aligned with garden benches at the perimeter of 

the garden. 

During the historic period, the primary entrance for garden guests was by the 

central path on the palm house terrace. From this high point, one could descend 

from level to level, discovering each garden room. Greenhouse staff used several 

other secondary entrances which provided direct access to the tool house, 

gardener’s cottage, and rose house.

Existing Condition: The following narrative describes the paths from the northwest 

or upper corner of the garden to the southeast or lowest corner of the garden. 

Overall the gravel paths are in good condition. 

•	 P-01. From the northwest corner of the gardens, a path from the opening in 

the wall near the tool house extends east to the south side of the gardener’s 

cottage. The path was retained through subsequent redesigns of the garden. 

During the Langdon period, the path extended along the south side of the 

Grapery and gardener’s cottage, and then led out of the walled garden. The 

path was kept by the Vanderbilts and extended along the south side of the 

carnation house, which replaced the Grapery. However, the eastern end of the 

path near the gardener’s cottage was redesigned by James Greenleaf as part of 
Analysis and Evaluation

177

his design for an Italian garden, which included a retaining wall leading to the 

north pergola. The gravel path terminated at the red tiled floor of the north 

pergola. The path surface consists of concrete near the tool house and gravel 

along most of its length. The walking surface expands on the south side of the 

tool house and includes a concrete ramp into the south side of the building. 

Also next to the tool house, three bluestone pavers form a small landing at 

the base of the steps into the building. Two of the pavers are similar while the 

third is smaller and sunk and partially covered in soil and gravel. A concrete 

pad approximately eight feet by twelve feet lies outside of the southeast door 

of the tool house. The concrete pad contains a rectangular skylight of small 

round purple glass lights (which would have originally been clear). The 

concrete surface near the tool house is cracked and crumbled. Some of the 

glass lights are missing and have been replaced with concrete.

•	 P-02. The path leading south from the gardener’s cottage along the east side 

of the upper annual garden and lower annual garden is shown on the 1897 

garden survey and dates to the Langdon period of ownership. The path was 

enhanced during the Vanderbilt’s ownership by James Greenleaf as part of 

his design for an Italian garden. Greenleaf constructed pergolas over the 

steps. Cridland further enhance the lower end of the path by enclosing it with 

arborvitae hedges and three wire arbors. 

•	 P-03. The central path on the palm house terrace is shown on the 1897 garden 

survey and dates to the Langdon period of ownership and would have led 

directly into the conservatory. The Vanderbilts removed the conservatory 

and erected the twin wings of the palm house. The path was modified in 

around 1906 to lead directly between the palm house wings to a set of step 

to the fountain terrace. This central walk would have served as the primary 

entrance point for garden guests. The path also included branches to entrance 

doors to the palm house wings. Four ornamental vases were set along the path 

(see Figure 1.21). The path remains from the historic period. The branching 

paths to the palm house wings are barely evident in the grass. The gravel 

walk includes a bluestone step set at grade just west of the gate outside of the 

garden wall. Metal edging was added as part of the garden rehabilitation in 

about 1985.

•	 P-04. The short bluestone path, two feet by five-and-a-half feet, extends 

between a short flight of steps and the west door of the potting shed, 

which dates to 1908. The steps terminate on a platform of three pavers, the 

southernmost of which has a broken edge and is irregular, and is possibly a 

replacement.

•	 P-05. The path from the carnation house to the fountain terrace is shown on 

the 1897 survey, but at that time the carnation house had not yet been built 

and was still the Langdon’s “Grapery” glass house. The path continues south 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

178

from the fountain terrace down a flight of bluestone steps to the rose house 

terrace and is shown on the 1897 survey.

•	 P-06. From the southwest corner of the gardens, a path leading east between 

the greenhouses and southern garden wall is shown on the 1897 survey. The 

path descended a steep flight of steps to the lower annual garden terrace, 

though the adjacent greenhouse structures were still present from the 

Langdon period of ownership. An entrance to the garden from the southwest 

corner is not indicated on the 1897 survey. The entrance may have been 

added by the Vanderbilts at the time of the construction of the rose house in 

1908.

•	 P-07. The path leading south from the north pergola to the pool house was 

laid out during the Vanderbilt’s ownership by James Greenleaf as part of his 

design for an Italian garden. Greenleaf constructed the structural elements 

including the north pergola and pool house. The path served as the central 

axis through the two-level garden. Smaller pathways diverged in the lower 

perennial garden, and then merged by the reflecting pool and pool house. 

In the 1920s and 30s, the paths were slightly modified as part of Robert 

Cridland’s redesign of the garden space. 

•	 P-08. The paths within the rose garden were designed by Meehan and Sons in 

1910 as part of an extension to the formal gardens area. Two sets of steps lead 

to the paths, which then split and rejoin from a central axis, which aligns with 

the loggia.

Evaluation: Contributing. The path system within the formal gardens remains 

intact from the Vanderbilt period of ownership (see Figure 2.1). The eight garden 

paths contribute to the character of the formal gardens.

Garden Steps

Historic Condition: Several sets of bluestone steps between the palm house terrace, 

rose house terrace, carnation house terrace, and annual terraces date to the 

Langdon period of ownership, c. 1875 and are shown on the 1897 survey. The 

steps in the perennial garden were reconfigured as part of Greenleaf’s design for 

the Italian garden. Greenleaf may have also reconfigured the steps above along the 

east side of the annual gardens. The steps in the rose garden were part of Meehan 

and Son’s addition of the rose garden in 1910.

Existing Condition: The following section details the appearance and condition of 

each set of steps in the garden. 

•	 S-01. A set of six bluestone steps with two coping stones descends from the 

center of the palm house terrace to the center of the fountain terrace (see 

Figures 2.4 and 2.44). The steps are approximately 7 1⁄2 ft. long, and the coping 

stones are approx. 16 in. wide. The steps are steep and currently uneven and 
Analysis and Evaluation

179

pitching both forwards and backwards. The third step down has a mended 

crack at the north end. The coping stones are in good condition but pulling 

away from the steps. The loose gravel from the walk spills onto the steps, 

which creates a potential tripping hazard.

•	 S-02. A set of six bluestone steps with two coping stones descends from the 

northeastern corner of the palm house terrace near the tool house to the 

north side of the fountain terrace (see Figure 2.8). The steps are now uneven, 

particularly the bottom step which has settled. The ends of the steps are 

chipped and the coping stones are pulling away from the steps. 

•	 S-03. Two large bluestone steps and one smaller step plus sections of concrete 

walkway and another smaller step ascend from path along the north side of 

the fountain terrace onto the carnation house terrace (see Figure 2.8). The 

upper large step is spalling. The twin coping stones on each side of the large 

steps are in fair condition—the lower east stone is cracked. 

•	 S-04. A set of six bluestone steps with two coping stones descends from the 

southeast corner of the fountain terrace to the rose house terrace above the 

lower perennial garden (see Figure 2.27). The steps are uneven and cracked—

the fifth step is pulling out and the sixth step is tilting inward. The corners are 

cracked off of some of the steps and there is some spalling on the west side 

coping stone. 

•	 S-05. A set of ten steep bluestone steps with coping stones descends from 

the rose house terrace to the lower annual garden. This stairway is in good 

condition, but the adjacent wall is gone—the footings for the brick wall 

are visible. This lost feature would have provided support when using the 

stairway.

•	 S-06. A set of four bluestone steps with two coping stones descends from the 

southeast corner of the gardener’s cottage to the upper annual garden terrace 

and are approximately 5 1⁄2 ft. from southeast corner of gardener’s cottage. 

The steps are in good condition and even, though some spalling on the top 

step. A gap of 5 1⁄2 ft. above steps is out of character with the other steps, 

suggesting that paver(s) are missing. 

•	 S-07. A set of five bluestone steps with two coping stones descends under 

an arbor at the northeast corner of the upper annual garden. The steps are 

uneven—the top step is tilted and the nosing of the bottom step is pulled out 

and out of alignment. The coping stone on the east side of the steps is also 

misaligned.

•	 S-08. A set of eleven bluestone steps with coping stones descends under the 

central stair pergola at the southeast corner of the upper annual garden (see 

Figure 2.40). Where the path connects with the steps there is a change in level 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

180

which is a potential trip hazard. The eleven steps are in good condition except 

the third step from the top is cracked.

•	 S-09. A set of ten bluestone steps with coping stones descends under the 

south stair pergola from the southeast corner of the lower annual garden into 

the lower perennial garden. The pergola structure ties into the pool pergola. 

While the steps themselves are in good condition, the supporting walls are in 

poor condition. The top step has settled. The north wing wall is cracked and 

the south coping stone is cracked. 

•	 S-10. A set of four steps lead from the path on the south side of the gardener’s 

cottage into the north pergola. The steps are 9 ft. long, 16 in. wide and 6 in. 

high. The top step is chipped but otherwise the steps are in good condition.

•	 S-11. A set of fourteen steps descends from the north pergola to the upper 

perennial garden. The steps are 12 in. wide and are in fair condition with 

minimal spalling. The top step is slightly settled and the west wing wall is 

cracked near the base. The concrete foundation for the east wing wall is 

visible on the east face and the pointing is somewhat displaced.

•	 S-12. A set of el-shaped steps descend from the lower perennial garden to 

the north side of the rose garden (see Figure 2.34). These two sets of five 

bluestone threads are in fair condition with only a small amount of spalling. 

The midway single stone platform spanning 6’ x 6’ is in good condition.

•	 S-13. A set of el-shaped steps descend from the lower perennial garden to 

the south side of the rose garden (see Figure 2.34). These two sets of five 

bluestone threads are in fair condition with some cracking and spalling. The 

midway single stone platform spanning 6’ x 6’ is in excellent condition.

•	 S-14. A set of steps descends on the central axis from the upper rose garden to 

the lower rose garden. This set of five bluestone steps leads to a landing then 

descends five more steps. The steps are overall in fair condition with some 

spalling. However the second step from the bottom is loose and should be 

reset. The brick side walls and stone coping are in poor condition. There is a 

loss of pointing and fracturing on the south side wall. The north side wall is 

leaning north and has a number of loose bricks and mortar.

•	 S-15. The five steps leading into the west side of the potting shed are 

approximately 5 ft. wide by 1 ft. wide with 3 in. bluestone risers atop a layer 

of brick risers bound by two narrow coping stones and are in good condition. 

The top step is flush with the turf and the steps descend the grassy terrace on 

the west side of the potting shed to the door. They are different in character 

from the steps in the gardens. Their smaller dimensions reflect their utilitarian 

function to access the work area beyond the glass houses. 
Analysis and Evaluation

181

•	 S-16. A set of nine field stone steps descends from outside of the southwest 

corner of the garden to the parking area on the site of the former cutting 

garden. The origin of the field stone wall and steps is unknown. The F. W. 

Vanderbilt Garden Association added a handrail.

Evaluation: Contributing. The steps within the formal gardens remain intact from 

the Vanderbilt period of ownership. The sixteen sets of steps contribute to the 

historic character of the formal gardens.

Carnation House Walkway

Historic Condition: The concrete walkway between the tool house and gardener’s 

cottage was originally the interior central aisle in the glass greenhouse that 

extended between the two buildings. Although the walkway may have been 

carried over from Langdon’s 1875 greenhouse, it was likely constructed in 1907 

when the Vanderbilts replaced the “grapery” structure with their own carnation 

house. 

Existing Condition: The concrete walkway extends approximately 95 feet east 

to west between the tool house and the gardener’s cottage. The walkway is 

approximately three feet wide and is predominantly poured Portland cement 

concrete, although there is a short section of bluestone near the center of the 

sidewalk. The walkway is in fair condition with a few cracks and some sections 

heaving and uneven. 

Evaluation: Contributing. The walk is a remnant of the former carnation house 

and contributes to the character of the space.

Paved Surfaces Outside of the Gardens 

Historic Condition: Several paved areas are located close to the tool house and 

gardener’s cottage, but outside of the garden wall to the north and west. The 

origin of the concrete pad located on the north side of the tool house with three 

manholes and parking barriers is unknown. A remnant concrete pad beyond the 

southwest corner of the gardener’s cottage is possibly a footing for a porch. It is 

partially exposed and in fair condition. The origin of a bluestone paver on the 

north side of the carnation house wall near the fuel intake is unknown.

Existing Condition: The concrete pad with the three manhole covers has some 

slight heaving but overall is in good condition as are the other paved areas.

Evaluation: Unknown. The paved surfaces, utilitarian in function, are 

undocumented and their age unknown.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

182

Tool House Wooden Deck

Historic Condition: The wooden deck on the east side of the Tool house was not 

present during the historic period. The wooden deck was added by the National 

Park Service at an unknown date to make the door accessible.

Existing Condition: The deteriorated wooden deck was replaced in 2010. 

Evaluation: Non-contributing. 

VEGETATION

For the successive owners of the property, exotic and showy vegetation has always 

been a defining characteristic. Both the park-like setting of the larger property 

and the formal gardens and greenhouses were developed with an interest in 

horticulture and display. The Vanderbilts established a complex, ornamental 

landscape through the annual acquisition of plants for the garden beds and 

greenhouses. The Vanderbilts added ornamental trees and flowers to the formal 

garden spaces to create a largely geometric, classical landscape. 

Without the Vanderbilts large dedicated gardening staff, the gardens fell into 

disrepair after the death of Frederick Vanderbilt in 1938 and most of the plants 

in the garden beds were lost. Exceptions were some of the most tenacious vines, 

which without maintenance consumed the wooden elements of the pergolas. 

Most of the plant material in the gardens has been added since the mid 1980s, 

when the F. W. Vanderbilt Garden Association was established and resumed a high 

level of maintenance for the gardens. 

Turf Edges and Panels

Historic Condition: Throughout the formal gardens, turf frames the garden beds 

and holds the terrace slopes. During the historic period, turf framed a number 

of garden beds around the greenhouse buildings including the carnation house, 

palm house, and rose house. Upon the removal of the greenhouses, the entire area 

became broad panels of turf. 

Existing Condition: The footprints of the former carnation house, palm house, 

and rose house are maintained as turf panels. However the outlines of the former 

structures are still evident. The turf holds the steep slopes of the terrace in place. 

In the few spots where the turf is weak, erosion is present.

Evaluation: Contributing/Non-contributing. The turf edges that frame the garden 

beds and retain the steep terrace slopes contribute to the character of the historic 

landscape. The broad turf panels on the sites of the carnation house, palm house, 

and rose house are non-contributing.
Analysis and Evaluation

183

Vines

Historic Condition: During the historic period, vines covered the facades of 

buildings, garden walls and fences, pergolas, and overhead arbors. Both Greenleaf 

and Cridland specified multiple types of vines to soften architectural elements in 

the garden. 

Existing Condition: Many vines are thriving in the garden and ascend brick walls, 

wooden trellises, and wire lattices. Specific vines are called out below.

•	 V-01. Virginia creeper vine ascends the walls of the tool house, gardener’s 

cottage, and the remnant wall of the former carnation house. The vine both 

damages the walls as well as holds them together. The vine coverage was 

present during the historic period, but was subsequently cut back to reduce 

the amount of moisture held close to the buildings.

•	 V-02. Honeysuckle vine and wisteria climb on the arched arbor over the stairs 

between the gardener’s cottage and upper annual garden.

•	 V-03. Honeysuckle vine climbs on the wire lattice fence between the upper 

annual garden and upper perennial garden. The vines also fill a sloped bed 

along the west side of the upper perennial garden. These vines are a challenge 

to maintain because of the mix of weeds and invasive species that take root in 

the beds. 

•	 V-04. Trumpet vine climbs on the central stair arbor. The vine requires 

routine pruning to maintain its form in proportion with the trellis structure.

•	 V-05. Trumpet vine climbs on the south stair pergola at the southeast corner 

of the lower annual garden.

•	 V-06. Trumpet vine and wisteria climb on the north pergola.

•	 V-07. Grape vine and bittersweet climb on the pool pergola.

•	 V-08. English ivy formerly clung to the pool house during the historic period, 

but is not longer present.

Evaluation: Contributing. The v ines on the building walls, pergola frames, trellises 

and arbors contribute to the character of the formal gardens. However, the vines 

require routine maintenance to retain an appropriate scale and form in relation to 

the structures.

Groundcovers

Historic Condition: During the historic period, groundcovers thrived in the garden, 

filling beds along the edges of the upper perennial garden and surrounding 

the field stone wall. Most notably, Cridland specified vinca groundcover and 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

184

plumbago to line the edges of the bed along the upper perennial garden (see 

Figure 1.55). 

Existing Condition: Groundcovers are present in the upper perennial garden. 

Evaluation: Contributing.

Annual Gardens

Historic Condition: The annual gardens are documented on the 1897 survey of 

the gardens and likely existed during the Langdon period of ownership. Of all 

of the garden spaces, the annual terraces remained unchanged except for minor 

changes to the number and shapes of the garden beds. Historic photographs 

show that each bed was typically planted with one species, though occasionally 

low flowering plants, such as alyssum, were used to border and fill the beds filled 

with another species such as pelargoniums. Plantings were always symmetrical 

on either side of each garden, with contrasting colors between the beds. Although 

the plantings in the annual gardens were primarily seasonal annual flowers, other 

vegetation included vines planted along the fence between the upper annual 

garden and the upper perennial garden and a double arborvitae hedge planted 

by Robert Cridland in 1922 separating the lower annual garden and the lower 

perennial garden. This hedge lined both sides of the walkway along the eastern 

edge of the lower perennial garden and featured three integrated wire arched 

arbors that were covered in vines.

Existing Condition: The annual garden beds currently reflect the configuration at 

the end of the historic period. One exception is the overall size of the crescent 

shaped beds in the lower annual garden, which are now smaller than during the 

historic period. The double arborvitae and the wire arched arbors and their vines 

are no longer present.

Evaluation: Contributing. The annual garden beds contributed to the historic 

character of the garden. 

Upper Perennial Garden Trees and Shrubs

Historic Condition: At the end of the historic period, the upper perennial garden 

contained an abundance of trees and shrubs, which were planted in accordance 

with Cridland’s plan in the 1930s (see Figure 1.55). Three rows of trees and shrubs 

were mirrored on each side of the central axis. These included a row of “pink 

flowering cherries,” a row of single blue hibiscus with hydrangea in between, and 

a row of columnar flowering cherries labeled ‘Amagawa’ (probably referring to 

‘Amanogawa’) interplanted with arborvitae. At the southern end of the upper 

perennial garden Cridland specified a hedge of arborvitae and a bed of juniper. 
Analysis and Evaluation

185

Existing Condition: The “pink flowering cherries” were replanted in the spring of 

2009 with ‘Okame’ pink flowering cherries, and the ‘Amanogawa’ cherries and 

arborvitaes in the back row of shrubs on either side of the terrace were replanted 

in 2010. The front row on each side, comprising the hydrangeas and hibiscus are 

not extant.

Evaluation: Contributing/Missing. The trees and shrubs in the upper perennial 

garden contribute to the historic character of the formal gardens. 

Upper Perennial Garden Bedding Plants

Historic Condition: Greenleaf’s design for the upper perennial garden consisted 

of dense evergreens and shrubs, which persisted for most of the historic period 

and eventually became quite overgrown (see Figures 1.26 and 1.42). In the 1930s, 

Cridland redesigned the upper perennial garden with long beds flanking the 

central walk (see Figures 1.56 to 1.60) 

Existing Condition: The existing beds are filled with an assortment of perennials, 

some of which are the same as the historic period and others that have been 

introduced. Some of the recent introductions are too tall and not representative of 

the historic period.

Evaluation: Contributing. The perennial beds contribute to the historic character 

of the garden, but some of the plant species in them do not.

Lower Perennial Garden Trees and Shrubs

Historic Condition: In 1916, Cridland redesigned the lower perennial garden, 

incorporating arborvitae and juniper in his scheme. Arborvitaes were added to 

each bed as vertical dark green forms surrounded by an assortment of colorful 

perennials. Within five years however, the arborvitae dominated the garden and all 

but four were removed. The four that were retained were one in each of the beds 

flanking the pool and one in each of the beds on the other side of the walkway. 

Cridland implemented further changes in 1922 when he specified junipers on the 

slopes on the north and west sides of the lower perennial garden. These shrubs 

persisted through the end of the historic period. 

Existing Condition: The four arborvitaes in the lower perennial garden were 

recently replanted by the F. W. Vanderbilt Garden Association. The junipers are no 

longer present.

Evaluation: Contributing/Missing. The arborvitaes contribute to the character of 

the garden. The junipers are missing. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

186

Lower Perennial Garden Bedding Plants

Historic Condition: James Greenleaf laid out the lower perennial garden in 1903 

with geometric beds of mixed perennials. Within ten years, Greenleaf’s Italian 

garden was overgrown. The Vanderbilts employed Robert Cridland to redesign 

and rejuvenate the garden. Cridland developed a planting plan that included over 

fifty different species and varieties (see Figure 1.63). Historic photographs and the 

estate purchase ledgers suggest that Cridland’s plan was implemented. 

Existing Condition: The current bed configuration is similar to that specified by 

Cridland and present during the historic period. The form of the plant masses 

differs though, as Cridland specified bands of similar perennials and the current 

configuration consists of some bands and some clumps. The existing beds also 

have bare areas, where perennials have failed.

Evaluation: Contributing. Appendix A contains a list of plant species that would 

have been present during the historic period. The bands of perennials that were 

on Cridland’s plant list and that are extant contribute to the historic character of 

the garden.

Rose Garden

Historic Condition: The Vanderbilts commissioned Meehan and Sons to add the 

rose garden to the east side of the formal gardens in 1910. The original planting 

scheme included perennials on the upper terrace and 160 assorted roses on the 

lower terrace. Three years later the Vanderbilts hired Robert Cridland, who had 

previously worked for Meehan and Sons, to add the loggia structure and modify 

the earlier design. Cridland specified 900 roses to fill the upper and lower rose 

garden terraces and designated rose forms and colors for each bed. Although 

Cridland did not specify varieties, a separate plan by an unknown person, possibly 

a gardener or Frederick Vanderbilt, does indicate rose varieties for the interior 

rose beds. 

Existing Condition: The F.W. Vanderbilt Garden Association currently 

maintains the rose garden with roses of a variety of colors and forms. The roses 

are predominantly modern varieties, although some heirloom varieties are 

represented. There are currently none of the rose varieties historically specified in 

the 1916 plan growing in the rose garden. 

Evaluation: Contributing. Overall, the rose garden retains its historic character and 

contributes to the gardens.

Garden Surround Shrubs

Historic Condition: Meehan and Sons specified the addition of ornamental shrubs 

around the outside of the walled garden as part of their design for the rose garden 

in 1910 (see Figure 1.28). Several years later, Cridland specified further additions 
Analysis and Evaluation

187

to the shrub planting (see Figure 1.77). The abundance of shrubs surrounding the 

eastern walls of the garden is visible in a 1930s aerial photograph (see Figure 1.80).

Existing Condition: Only a few remnant shrubs remain from these plantings, and 

these have become overgrown and choked with vines and invasive plants. A row 

of junipers around the rose garden pavilion are overgrown and in poor health. 

Evaluation: Contributing. The remaining shrub plantings contribute to the 

character of the garden, but are out of scale, incomplete, and in need of 

replacement.

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES

Small-scale features encompass the minor built features that provide aesthetic 

detail and function, such as garden ornaments, benches, signs, and hydrants. The 

Vanderbilts incorporated numerous classical elements to the gardens including 

fountains, ancient Roman Corinthian capitals, vases, and well heads. All of these 

elements complimented the overall Italian-inspired landscape design. 

Garden Ornaments and Fragments

Historic Condition: Some of the earliest images of the gardens indicate that 

ornaments were part of the Vanderbilts’ gardens. By 1904, the Corinthian 

capitals were placed along the central walkway in Greenleaf’s Italian garden (see 

Figures 1.16 and 1.23). These were later moved to the upper annual garden and 

greenhouse terrace. By 1906, Baroque style sandstone vases lined the walks of the 

greenhouse terrace and the boy and dolphin fountain was partially installed on the 

fountain terrace (see Figure 1.20). By 1911, the Vanderbilts installed the odalisque 

in the pool house and commissioned Meehan and Sons to install the frog fountain 

as part of the new rose garden (see Figures 1.29 and 1.30). In 1925 the frog font 

was removed and the Orpheus fountain installed in its place (see Figures 1.73 and 

1.74). A photograph dated c. 1922 shows two tall ornamental vases by the rose 

garden loggia, but these were removed before the Orpheus fountain was installed 

(see Figure 1.72). Benches were installed in the garden in the 1920s or 30s (see 

Figure 1.31). By the 1930s, but possibly earlier, a terra-cotta wellhead and marble 

cistern were placed on either side of the central walk in Greenleaf’s Italian garden 

(see Figure 1.59 and 1.61).

Existing Condition: Many of the garden ornaments have deteriorated and some 

have been placed in museum storage, such as the pair of vases, the original 

benches, and the Orpheus fountain. Some have been replaced with replicas, such 

as the benches. Other pieces remain in the landscape but are in poor condition, 

such as the Baroque style sandstone vases that stand along the edge of the palm 

house terrace. Now only fragments of the pieces remain. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

188

Evaluation: Contributing. The vase fragments, Corinthian capitals, cistern, 

wellhead, odalisque statue, all contribute to the character of the historic 

landscape. The benches are replicas and thus are not contributing resources, 

although the placement of the replicas in the landscape contributes to the historic 

feeling and setting of the garden. 

Benches

Historic Condition: The lower perennial garden and rose garden contained 

several ornate stone benches during the Vanderbilt period (see Figures 1.28, 1.30, 

and 1.31). Some of the benches were placed in the pool house and the Loggia. 

Additional benches were cast stone with dolphin supports.

Existing Condition: A pair of stone seats that date to the historic period is located 

in the pool house. The benches are in good condition and protected from the 

elements by virtue of their location. Three stone benches are located in the rose 

garden loggia and are also protected from the elements. The cast stone benches 

with dolphin supports are now in the park’s museum collection. However, seven 

replicas were made to replace the original benches, six of which are currently in 

the gardens (see Figures 2.22 and 2.53). Locations include: 

•	 One replica by the pool pergola facing the pool.

•	 One replica in a recess in the low retaining wall of the lower perennial garden 

facing south. 

•	 Three replica(s) in recesses in the retaining wall of the upper rose garden 

facing east.

•	 One replica along the south perimeter of the rose garden facing north, 

formerly sited in a recess, but now the outer wall is missing. 

The seventh replica bench was removed to facilitate access into the rose garden via 

the north side. 

Since the historic period, several long wooden benches were added to give visitors 

a place to sit and rest while touring the gardens. These benches are approximately 

eight feet long and constructed of a metal frame with wood back and seat. Once 

painted green, the benches have recently been painted black. There are eleven 

wood and metal benches in the garden. (see Figure 2. 8). 

•	 Two benches on the edge of the carnation house terrace facing south and 

overlooking the upper annual garden. 

•	 One bench also on the edge of the carnation house terrace facing south and 

overlooking the fountain terrace.

•	 One bench beside the potting shed facing east.
Analysis and Evaluation

189

•	 One bench on the edge of the fountain terrace facing east and overlooking the 

upper annual garden.

•	 One bench on the southeast corner of the lower annual garden overlooking 

the pool and lower perennial garden. 

•	 Four benches on the southern edge of the lower perennial garden facing 

north.

•	 One bench located on the edge of the lower perennial garden facing west and 

overlooking the reflecting pool and lower perennial garden.

Evaluation: Contributing and Non-contributing. The benches in the pool house 

and Loggia may date to the historic period, but additional information is needed. 

The benches with dolphin supports are replicas, which were installed by the 

Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association. The replicas are not contributing 

resources, however, the placement of the replicas in the landscape contributes to 

the historic feeling and setting of the garden. The metal and wooden benches are 

recent introductions and thus non-contributing.

Signs

Historic Condition: Not applicable.

Existing Condition: Five signs display historic photographs and describe the 

history of the gardens. The panels are sun-faded and located in the following 

locations. 

•	 Outside of the garden wall, beside the entrance gate at the palm house terrace

•	 Outside the garden wall, near the entrance by the gardener’s cottage and 

north pergola

•	 At the eastern edge of the palm house terrace, overlooking the fountain 

terrace and annual gardens

•	 At the southeast corner of the lower annual garden, looking toward the 

annual gardens

•	 At the east side of the upper rose garden, overlooking the lower rose garden

Evaluation: Non-contributing. Non-historic signage does not contribute to the 

historic character of the gardens.

Hydrants

Historic Condition: A fire hydrant was located outside the garden wall, adjacent 

to the north side of the tool house. While it is not known when the hydrant was 

installed, it was indicated as an existing feature on a 1941 plan for updating the 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

190

park’s water system. A second hydrant was installed in 1941 between the tool 

house and gardener’s cottage on the north side of the road.

Existing Condition: Both hydrants are extant today.

Evaluation: Unknown. The older hydrant was likely installed during the Vanderbilt 

period, and it contributes to the historic character of the gardens. The 1941 

hydrant is non-contributing. 

VIEWS AND VISTAS

Views are broad prospects of a general area, while vistas are designed and directed 

views of a particular scene or feature. During the historic period there were 

expansive views across the Hudson River Valley from the upper terraces of the 

garden. Most views, however, were directed inward to the garden spaces. Key 

framed vistas from inside the garden included the open view of the upper and 

lower annual garden terraces, views of the upper and lower perennial garden 

terraces, and several framed vistas within the perennial garden and rose garden. 

View from Palm House Terrace 

Historic Condition: The upper terraces were laid out during the Langdon period to 

be observed collectively from above. The palm house terrace offers a high vantage 

point to look out over the parterre beds of colorful flowers.

Existing Condition: The view across the upper and lower annual gardens is extant.

Evaluation: Contributing. The view from the palm house terrace contributes to the 

historic character of the formal gardens.

View from North Pergola

Historic Condition: The north pergola, designed by Greenleaf in 1903 offered 

a vantage point for a view south along the central axis of the perennial garden 

toward the pool and pool house. The north pergola also offered views to the east 

and north of the surrounding estate.

Existing Condition: The view south along the central walk in the perennial garden 

is extant. The views north and east from the pergola are partially obscured by the 

surrounding trees. 

Evaluation: Contributing. The view from the north pergola contributes to the 

historic character of the formal gardens.
Analysis and Evaluation

191

View from Loggia

Historic Condition: The loggia, designed by Cridland in 1913 offered a vantage 

point for views west of the rose garden and north, east, and south of the 

surrounding landscape, including Crum Elbow Creek. 

Existing Condition: The view west of the gardens and the views to the surrounding 

landscape are extant.

Evaluation: Contributing. The view from the loggia contributes to the historic 

character of the formal gardens.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

192

Table 3.1. Landscape Features

Characteristic and Feature 

Name

LCS 

Number

Contributing NonContributingNotes

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

Formal Gardens X Constructed c. 1875, expanded 1910

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

Tool House 004 X Constructed c. 1875

Gardener’s Cottage 003 X Constructed c. 1875

Potting Shed 010 X Constructed c. 1875

Pool House 012 X Constructed c. 1903

Rose Garden Loggia 011 X Constructed c. 1916

Arched Stair Arbor 179I014 X Constructed c. 1903

Central Stair Pergola 179I014 X Constructed c. 1903, rebuilt c. 1980

South Stair Pergola 179I014 X Constructed c. 1903, rebuilt c. 1980

North Pergola 014 X Constructed c. 1903, modified c. 1922, 

rebuilt c. 1980

Pool Pergola 014 X Constructed c. 1903, rebuilt c. 1980

Cold Frames 013 X Constructed c. 1875

W-01 Carnation House Terrace 

Wall

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, modified c. 1908

W-02 Gardener’s Cottage Short 

Wall

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, modified c. 1908

W-03 Gardener’s Cottage Long 

Wall

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, modified c. 1908

W-04 Palm House Terrace Wall 179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, rebuilt 1980s

W-05 Rose House Terrace Wall 179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, rebuilt 1980s

W-06 Upper Annual Terrace 

Trellis Fence

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1903

W-07 Center Stair Pergola Wall 179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, modified c. 1903

W-08 Lower Annual Garden 

Wall

179IPIWA Missing

W-09 North Perimeter Wall of 

Upper Perennial Garden

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, modified c. 1903

W-10 East Perimeter Wall of 

Upper Perennial Garden, 

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, modified c. 1903

W-11 Curved Brick Retaining 

Walls, Lower Perennial Garden

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1903

W-12 Brick Retaining Wall, 

Lower Perennial Garden

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1903

W-13 Side Walls at base of Stair 

Pergola

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1903

W-14 Pool Pavilion Pergola 

Outer Wall

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1903 

W-15 Wall at East Side of 

Lower Perennial Garden

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1875, modified c. 1903 

and 1910

W-16 Sidewalls for El-shaped 

Staircase

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1910

W-17 Retaining Wall at West 

End of Upper Rose Garden

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1910

W-18 Rose Garden Perimeter 

Fence

179IPIWA Missing

W-19 Rose Garden Low 

Retaining Wall

179IPIWA X Constructed c. 1910, rebuilt 2008
Analysis and Evaluation

193

Table 3.1. Landscape Features (Cont.) 

Characteristic and Feature 

Name

LCS 

Number

Contributing NonContributingNotes

Field Stone Dry Laid Retaining 

Wall

179ICHWA X Constructed c. 1930s

Field Stone Mortared Retaining 

Wall

1797CUTT X Unknown

Pool 179IPOOL Constructed c. 1903

Upper Fountain Constructed c. 1875, modified c. 1908

Rose Garden Fountain 179IFOUN Constructed c. 1910, modified c. 1916

CIRCULATION

P-01 Garden Path 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1875

P-02 Garden Path 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1875

P-03 Garden Path 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1875

P-04 Garden Path 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1875

P-05 Garden Path 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1875

P-06 Garden Path 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1875

P-07 Garden Path 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1875

P-08 Garden Path 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1875

S-01 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1875

S-02 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1875

S-03 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1875

S-04 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1875

S-05 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1875

S-06 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1875

S-07 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1903

S-08 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1903

S-09 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1903

S-10 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1903

S-11 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1903

S-12 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1910

S-13 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1910

S-14 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1910

S-15 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Constructed c. 1908

S-16 Garden Steps 179ISTEP X Unknown, but dates to historic period

Carnation House Walkway 179IPATH X Constructed c. 1908

Paved Surfaces Outside of the 

Gardens

unknown

Tool House Wooden Deck X Constructed by NPS

VEGETATION

Turf Edges and Panels X X Added c. 1875, modified in early 1900s 

and by NPS

Vines X Added c. 1903, replanted 1980s

Groundcovers X Added c. 1930s, replanted 1980s to 

present

Annual Gardens X Constructed c. 1875, Modified 1920s, 

reestablished 1970s

Upper Perennial Garden Trees 

and Shrubs

X Missing Added c. 1930s, replanted 1980s to 

present, some missing
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

194

Characteristic and Feature 

Name

LCS 

Number

Contributing NonContributingNotes

Upper Perennial Garden 

Bedding Plants

X Added c. 1930s, replanted 1980s to 

present, some missing

Lower Perennial Garden Trees 

and Shrubs

X Added c. 1920s, replanted 1980s to 

present

Lower Perennial Garden 

Bedding Plants

X Added c. 1920s, replanted 1980s to 

present, some missing

Rose Garden X Added c. 1910, modified 1910s, 

replanted 1980s to present, different 

varieties

Garden Surround Shrubs X Most Missing Added c. 1910, modified 1910s, many 

removed in 2009

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES

Garden Ornaments and 

Fragments

179IORNA X

Benches X X Some date to historic period, many are 

additions

Signs X Added c. 1980s

Hydrants X Date unknown.

VIEWS AND VISTAS

View from Palm House Terrace 

View from North Pergola

View from Loggia

Table 3.1. Landscape Features (Cont.) 
Treatment

195

4. Treatment

This chapter describes the preservation strategy for long-term management of 

the Vanderbilt formal gardens based on their significance, existing conditions 

in 2011, and current use. According to National Park Service policy, the cultural 

landscape report serves as the primary supporting document guiding the 

treatment of a cultural landscape, and is required before any major intervention. 

For the formal gardens, the treatment recommendations address issues associated 

with deteriorating structures, vegetation, visitor circulation and accessibility, 

educational and interpretive objectives, and maintenance requirements. The 

overall goal of the treatment recommendations is to provide a basis for the 

sound stewardship of the formal gardens as outlined in the National Park 

Service Cultural Resource Management Guideline (1997) and the Secretary of the 

Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (1996). The cultural 

landscape report also provides documentation that supports park consultation 

responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

The National Park Service defines treatment as preservation measures intending 

to enhance the historic character of a cultural landscape while facilitating 

contemporary use. This chapter recommends modifications to the cultural 

landscape to preserve and enhance overall historic character within the context 

of park management goals, including maintenance, use, and interpretation. 

Treatment is also a strategy for short- and long-term stewardship of the landscape, 

providing a framework to inform physical changes at the conceptual level. 

Treatment does not provide detailed drawings and specifications that can be used 

to contract construction work, nor does it prescribe actions necessary to maintain 

the landscape.

The treatment recommendations in this chapter are based on the findings of 

the site history, existing conditions, and analysis and evaluation chapters of this 

report, as well as through discussion and collaboration with knowledgeable park 

staff and volunteers. This includes input from a treatment workshop conducted in 

November 2010 where general treatment issues, treatment philosophy, and tasks 

were discussed. 

The chapter begins by presenting a framework that, based on applicable 

policies, standards, and regulations, establishes an overall treatment philosophy 

that describes the intended historic character of the landscape. Based on this 

framework and a summary of general treatment guidelines, the chapter provides 

narrative tasks to preserve and enhance the historic character of the formal 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

196

gardens. The narrative recommendations are supported by graphics and by 

treatment plans (Drawings 6–11).

FRAMEWORK FOR TREATMENT

Treatment of a cultural landscape is framed by the park’s enabling legislation and 

mission, National Park Service policies, standards and guidelines for the treatment 

of cultural resources, and the park’s current planning efforts. The General 

Management Plan is the primary planning document in the National Park Service 

for determining general treatment of cultural resources. As part of the Vanderbilt 

Mansion National Historic Site, the formal gardens are addressed in the General 

Management Plan completed in 2010 for the larger administrative park unit, 

Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites. This treatment plan incorporates 

the most recent draft material from the General Management Plan to establish a 

framework for treatment of the historic formal gardens. This framework reviews 

the park legislation and purpose, discusses the relationship of the treatment plan 

to the General Management Plan, and describes a treatment approach for the 

landscape to structure guidelines and tasks that follow.

RELATIONSHIP TO PARK PLANNING

Treatment of the cultural landscape at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic 

Site is developed within the context of park planning efforts, including master 

plans and general management plans. These documents articulate park goals 

and priorities and guide management, treatment, and policy actions related to 

the park’s resources. Three master plans, written in 1941, 1961, and 1976, were 

developed to help guide the development and management of Vanderbilt Mansion 

National Historic Site. These master plans were discussed in the Summary of 

Existing Documentation section of the Introduction chapter of this report.

The current planning document for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site 

is the 2010 General Management Plan for the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National 

Historic Sites, an administrative unit that includes Vanderbilt Mansion National 

Historic Site, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, and 

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. The plan lists a number of overall goals 

for the three park units in three categories:

Preserving Park Resources

•	 All resources significant to the purposes of the parks are protected and 

preserved, with cultural and natural resources maintained in good condition.

•	 Resource management is guided by the highest quality research and analysis.
Treatment

197

•	 Through National Park Service and/or partner efforts, land outside of 

National Park Service ownership that constitutes the parks’ historic setting is 

protected from incompatible development.

Providing For Public Use And Enjoyment

•	 Visitors are informed and oriented before they arrive; are comfortable, safe, 

and able to navigate easily among the sites throughout their visit; and leave 

with an enhanced understanding of the parks’ resources and National Park 

Service priorities for stewardship.

•	 Actual and virtual audiences find interpretive materials, exhibits, and 

programs appealing and enriching. Interpretive presentations are upgraded in 

form and content.

•	 The parks attract new generations of visitors who better reflect the current 

diversity of the United States population.

Ensuring Organizational Effectiveness

•	 Partnership development is ongoing and builds constituencies that advocate 

for the long-term preservation of the sites and of related resources and values 

beyond park boundaries.

•	 The three national historic sites are administered in a safe, energy-efficient, 

and cost-effective manner, with park support facilities located to allow 

the greatest efficiency with the least impact on park resources and the 

surrounding community.

•	 There is sufficient park staff, support facilities, and equipment to protect 

and preserve resources, with the maintenance backlog largely eliminated. 

Funding, staffing levels and capabilities, partnerships, volunteer programs, 

and technology are secure, cost-effective, and used efficiently to enhance 

overall operations. Staff research, training, scholarship, and professional 

development are encouraged and facilitated.1

With respect to the formal gardens specifically, the General Management Plan 

stipulates that the garden features be rehabilitated to more closely reflect their 

historic conditions and to replace or interpret missing elements:

Rehabilitation will involve: preserving character-defining features (i.e. structures, 

circulation, and layout); repairing garden features of the periods; upgrading plantings to 

be more consistent with historic periods but substituting modern varieties for hard-toobtain plants or to address pest/maintenance issues; bringing path and roadway surfaces 

and alignments closer to historic conditions; and indicating missing features through 

new physical elements of similar massing and scale or through interpretive media.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

198

The plan also mentions the possibility of rebuilding one or more of the 

greenhouses in the formal gardens if needed for garden operation and if funding 

for the reconstruction and continued maintenance can be assured.

The treatment principles and recommendations presented below were developed 

within the context of the guidance in the General Management Plan. In 

accordance with the plan, the treatment seeks to preserve the historic features, 

enhance the historic character, and maximize visitor experience of the formal 

gardens.

TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY AND PRINCIPLES

A treatment philosophy consists of broad principles derived from the site’s 

significance that help guide decisions and provide justifications for design 

guidelines, recommendations, and specific treatment actions. The treatment 

philosophy articulates the essential qualities in the landscape that convey its 

significance and establishes principles intended to preserve those qualities. 

The primary park management goals for the Vanderbilt Mansion landscape are to 

protect and preserve the historic landscape features while developing strategies 

to enhance public use and enjoyment and managing contemporary needs for 

safe access, necessary utilities, and resource protection. Of particular importance 

is the identification of sustainable, collaborative approaches to support the 

maintenance of historic structures and landscapes and to sustain visitor programs 

and services in the park. 

The intent of the treatment principles that follow is to reestablish the character 

of the landscape as it developed through the period of the Vanderbilts’ residency. 

Emphasis is on the preservation of extant historic features and the preservation 

of the visual and spatial relationships that compose the site’s historic character. 

Treatment actions recognize the continued ownership and use of the property by 

the Vanderbilts from 1895 to 1938 and the park’s present and future management 

goals to sustain visitor programs and services.

The following treatment principles form the foundation on which the treatment 

recommendations are based. They also provide guidance for treatment decisions 

that may not be covered specifically in this document or that may arise in the 

future. 

Treatment should preserve the extant historic features associated with the formal 

gardens.

The formal gardens contain numerous historic features, many of which date as far 

back as 1875 when the gardens were first laid out by Walter Langdon, Jr. Extant 

historic features include buildings, garden walls, steps, pergolas, and statues 

and other ornamental objects. Historic features also include the paths and the 
Treatment

199

topographic features of the terraces and embankments. These features represent 

a direct physical connection to the garden’s history and contribute strongly to 

the historic character. Treatment of these structures should aim to preserve 

their locations, materials, and construction methods. Treatment actions would 

include protection, necessary repairs using existing or compatible materials and 

compatible techniques, and limited replacement in kind using new, compatible 

materials. 

Treatment should establish and maintain a full, vibrant, and colorful garden 

throughout the growing season with trees, shrubs, vines, and seasonal plantings.

The predominant character of the formal gardens during the historic period 

was of a lush garden full of flowering plants and green foliage. Beds were full to 

overflowing with a large variety of seasonal plantings that flowered throughout the 

year. As would have been the case during the historic period, particular attention 

should be paid to the colors, texture, and timing of the blooms and foliage of 

the garden plantings, ensuring that the gardens produce interest throughout the 

season, with emphasis in the early and late summer, when the Vanderbilts were 

more likely to be in residence. Green hedges, shrubs, and vine-covered walls, 

pergolas, and building facades created living garden rooms with verdant walls, 

ceilings, and floors. Full time gardeners maintained the gardens continually to 

ensure that they were always in top condition with ample color and no unsightly 

dead flowers, declining plants, or bare areas.

Treatment actions should sustain this character of a lush, full garden through 

planting and maintenance. Efforts should include seasonal planting of annuals 

and perennials in the garden beds, planting of trees, shrubs, and hedges where 

appropriate, and the maintenance of vines and ivies on vertical surfaces. Planting 

beds should be kept full with no bare spots and maintained to eliminate deadhead 

flowers, dead stems and foliage, and declining plants. Plants should be selected to 

ensure success and vigor, with poor performers replaced with another species or 

variety.

Treatment should preserve the historic organization of the gardens.

The formal gardens were highly ordered during the historic period, with each 

terrace and each bed designated for a specific garden function. The terraces 

were considered individual enclosed garden rooms intended to be experienced 

sequentially. Accordingly, each terrace had its own character, from the formal and 

geometric annual beds of solid color, to the profusion and variety of the perennial 

beds, to the quiet simplicity of the rose garden. Garden paths conveyed visitors 

through the gardens over a limited number of predetermined routes, while walls, 

pergolas, hedges, and vine-covered trellises restricted and controlled views 

of adjacent garden spaces. While the species and varieties of the plants in the 

individual beds varied from year to year, the overall organization of circulation, 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

200

constructed features, and planting in the garden was largely stable throughout the 

historic period with few major changes. The organization of the gardens was a 

defining characteristic of how the gardens were experienced.

Treatment should preserve the historic organization of the formal gardens. This 

includes the larger ordering of the terraces and their dedication to specific plant 

categories as well as the patterns of circulation, the alignment and location of 

planting beds, and the locations of trees, shrubs, and hedges.

Treatment should preserve the arrangement and character of plants within the 

beds.

The character of each bed within the formal gardens was determined not only 

by the plants that it contained, but also by how those plants were combined and 

arranged. On the annual bed terraces, large blocks of color were created with mass 

plantings of single species, uniform in size, color, and texture across any given bed. 

On the perennial terraces, on the other hand, large numbers of different kinds of 

perennials were grouped to create a profusion of colors, forms, sizes, and textures, 

with no single clump of plants larger than a few feet in diameter. The arrangement 

and character of the beds during the historic period should guide current 

practices for bed planting. 

Treatment should employ a flexible palette of plants consistent with the historic 

character and content of the gardens.

During the historic period, the formal gardens were used as a showcase for 

hundreds of varieties of annuals, perennials, and roses. What was planted varied 

from year to year and likely depended on a number of factors, including the 

wishes of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt, garden fashion, recommendations of garden 

designers, and what was available. It is also likely that the gardeners themselves 

had a certain amount of say in what was planted. As such, the formal gardens were 

living and evolving over the years, maintaining variety to sustain the interest and 

enjoyment of the owners.

In keeping with the gardening practices during the Vanderbilts’ residency, the 

garden should be planted in a varying palette of plants selected using a number 

of criteria, including use during the historic period, desired garden effect, current 

availability, and maintenance needs. These criteria can be prioritized to create a 

hierarchical palette of plants from which individual species and varieties can be 

chosen.

If feasible, plants for the formal gardens should be chosen from species and 

varieties documented in the Vanderbilt estate purchase ledgers and plants that 

appear in the garden plans by Robert Cridland and James L. Greenleaf. Although a 

variety’s appearance in the ledgers does not indicate for certain whether the plant 

was used in the garden or how it was used, it does indicate that the variety was 
Treatment

201

available and favored enough to purchase. Preference should be given to plants 

that appear repeatedly in the ledgers over several years. 

If the documented historic varieties cannot be obtained, if historic varieties 

are unknown, or if for other reasons they cannot be planted or maintained 

with sufficient success, substitutions of non-historic varieties of historically 

documented species may be used. Preference should be for heirloom varieties 

that were available prior to 1938, although modern varieties may also be used. Any 

substitute varieties should be selected to replicate the size, texture, and character 

of historic varieties.

Finally, substitutions of non-historic species may be made to address issues that 

are irresolvable with historic species. Such issues may include status as an invasive 

species or susceptibility to browsing deer. Substitute species should be selected to 

conform as closely as possible to the historic character of the replaced species.

PRIMARY TREATMENT: REHABILITATION

As a federally owned property on the National Register of Historic Places, 

decisions regarding the treatment of the Vanderbilt Mansion property and formal 

gardens should be consistent with the 1992 Secretary of the Interior’s Standards 

for the Treatment of Historic Properties. These standards specify four distinct, but 

interrelated, approaches to the treatment of historic properties, preservation, 

rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction. Application of these treatments 

to historic landscapes is further defined in the Secretary’s 1996 Guidelines for the 

Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. 

The preferred treatment approach identified in the General Management Plan 

is rehabilitation based on the extent of changes in vegetation on the property 

since 1938, as well as considerations of feasibility, maintenance requirements, 

interpretation, public access and safety, environmental sustainability, cost, and 

park operations.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation acknowledges the need to meet continuing or changing uses 

through alterations or new additions while retaining the historic character of 

the property. It allows for repairs and alterations of the cultural landscape, and 

for improving the utility and function of landscape features. It is used to make 

an efficient, compatible use while preserving those portions or features of the 

property that contribute to its historical significance. The Secretary of the Interior 

identifies the following ten standards for rehabilitation:

1. A property will be used as it was historically, or be given a new use 

that maximizes the retention of distinctive materials, features, spaces, and 

relationships.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

202

2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The 

removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial 

relationships that characterize a property will be avoided. 

3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and 

use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding 

conjectural features or elements from other historical properties, will not be 

undertaken.

4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own 

right will be retained and preserved. 

5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or 

examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

6. Deteriorated historical features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where 

the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the 

new material will match the old in composition, design, color, texture, and where 

possible, materials. Replacement of missing features will be substantiated by 

documentary and physical evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using 

the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials 

will not be used.

8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such 

resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not 

destroy historical materials, features and spatial relationships that characterize 

the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be 

compatible with the historical materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and 

massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions or related new construction will be undertaken in such a 

manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the 

historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

For some historic properties, changes are necessary to accommodate visitor 

use, such as the addition of parking, concessions, and visitor facilities or the 

modification of circulation surfaces to withstand high use and meet ADA 

accessibility standards. In other cases, modifications are necessary for sustainable 

management, such as the reduction of formal gardens or the elimination of 

agricultural practices. A rehabilitation strategy allows for the replacement of 

missing features as they existed historically based on documentary evidence, or 

replacement with compatible features. 
Treatment

203

In rehabilitation of the formal gardens at the Vanderbilt Mansion, all extant 

historic features should be preserved and maintained, including the physical 

features, structures, circulation, topography, bed layout, and overall organization 

of the gardens. Rehabilitation would allow the gardens to be brought closer 

to their historic conditions through the replacement of missing features like 

the statues, arbors, fences, and other garden furnishings. Rehabilitation also 

allows greater flexibility in the planting of the beds. While historically accurate 

species and varieties are favored, modern varieties with similar character may be 

substituted for hard-to-obtain plants or to address pest or maintenance issues. A 

larger, more flexible plant palette may be used to develop a number of rotating 

planting schemes for long-term interest and variety. 

TREATMENT DATE

As described in the overall treatment plan for the property, the character and 

composition of the landscape at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site 

evolved throughout its 110-year period of significance from 1828 to 1938. In 

order to develop a treatment plan, it is necessary to identify the historic character 

to which the landscape will be managed. The treatment period provides a 

reference to guide treatment efforts by identifying a time during the period of 

significance when the landscape reached its height of development and when it 

best reflected the characteristics for which it is significant. Further consideration 

is given to the level of historical documentation and to the existing conditions. 

The determination of a treatment period is informed by the site’s history, 

documentation, existing conditions, and interpretive goals. 

For Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, it is recommended that the 

landscape be managed to preserve the character as it had developed through 1938, 

the year Frederick Vanderbilt died and the end of the period of significance. In 

1938, the landscape retained much of the character it had exhibited through most 

of the Vanderbilt ownership. This date incorporates all of the major changes to the 

landscape that happened in the later Vanderbilt period, including changes to the 

formal gardens and to the site’s trees. Additionally, the following reasons support a 

treatment date of 1938:

•	 The Cultural Landscape Report, Volume 1 indicates that after Louise 

Vanderbilt died in 1926, Frederick Vanderbilt spent even more time at Hyde 

Park. There is little indication that the property experienced any significant 

decline in care and maintenance during this period. To the contrary, tree 

inventories from the 1940s suggest that Vanderbilt planted numerous trees 

in the later years of his residency at Hyde Park, and purchase ledgers for 

the estate show that plants and trees for the formal gardens and the estate 

grounds were purchased throughout the 1930s. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

204

•	 Significant changes to the landscape in the later Vanderbilt period include a 

redesign of the Italian garden by Robert Cridland in about 1930. The mature 

evergreen shrubs and hedges that had comprised the garden since the early 

twentieth century were replaced with two rows of flowering cherries and 

perennial border beds. This design is largely reflected in the existing garden. 

The 1938 date accommodates this change.

•	 When the National Park Service acquired the property in the early 1940s, 

they carefully documented the landscape in preparation for the park’s master 

plan. Documentation from this period includes a detailed tree survey, site 

base maps, photographs, and verbal descriptions. This documentation is 

augmented by a detailed USGS map from 1946 and aerial photos from 1936 

and 1943. The historical record gives a relatively complete picture of the 

character, composition, and condition of the landscape in the early 1940s, 

and by reasonable estimation, in 1938. The only period with a comparable 

level of documentation is the initial construction period of 1895–1906; the 

record for the intervening years is more fragmented and less complete. This 

documentation of the landscape at the end of the period of significance will 

help reduce conjecture and allows a higher level of detail and specificity in 

treatment recommendations.

•	 Choosing a date at the end of the period of significance allows the use of 

the information contained in the estate’s purchase ledgers throughout the 

1930s. These ledgers contain records of the purchases of plants for the formal 

gardens which, together with the planting plans drawn up by garden designers 

Greenleaf and Cridland and the recollections of Vanderbilt gardener Alex 

Knauss, provide a more complete picture of the gardens’ contents. This 

information will allow for treatment of the gardens in a manner that reflects 

their cyclical and evolving nature.
Treatment

205

TREATMENT TASKS

The following section provides specific treatment tasks associated with 

implementing a rehabilitation treatment approach at Vanderbilt Mansion formal 

gardens. The recommended treatment tasks have been developed within the 

context of the general treatment philosophy and principles outlined above as 

applied to the formal garden as well as the overall park. The treatment tasks are 

represented graphically in Drawings 6 through 11. 

The tasks are organized by landscape characteristics, including buildings 

and structures, circulation, vegetation, and small-scale features. Because of 

its complexity, the vegetation section is further divided into two sections: 

trees, shrubs, hedges, and vines; and seasonal plantings. The treatment tasks 

are presented using a code to help organize them and to key them to the 

treatment drawings. The codes are based on the abbreviations of the landscape 

characteristics (BS, CR, VG, and SS) followed by a task number, such as task BS-1.

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

The structural elements of the garden, including the walls, steps, pergolas, 

pavilions, pools, and pathways, form the garden’s framework, defining spaces, 

conveying visitors, and establishing the character. Many of the structures, 

including the perimeter walls, bluestone steps, and the Gardener’s Cottage, Tool 

House, and Potting Shed, date as far back as Walter Langdon’s garden in 1875. 

Other walls, pergolas, and pavilions were added during Vanderbilt’s ownership 

between the turn of the twentieth century and the early 1930s. 

The vast majority of the structural elements that were present in 1938 remain 

today. Three buildings—the Gardener’s Cottage, the Tool House, and the Potting 

Shed—remain, as well as the pavilions, pergolas, and most of the walls. The 

notable exception is the greenhouses, all of which were removed after the end 

of the historic period. The remaining garden structures deteriorated in the years 

following the National Park Service’s acquisition of the property, and by the 

1970s, many exhibited extensive weathering, damage, and loss. The structures 

were restored in the 1970s and 1980s using historic plans and photographs. 

Following this restoration, however, the structures have continued to weather, and 

today many show significant damage and erosion.

 The treatment tasks for the buildings and structures in the formal gardens 

primarily address the stabilization of deteriorating features and the selective 

replacement of lost features. Stabilization work is needed for many of the brick 

structures, including brick walls and brick pergola supports, as well as the timber 

pergola elements. Lost elements include a section of wall along the south edge 

of the lower annual garden, the fence around the rose garden, three arched wire 

trellises, and a garden gate.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

206

BS-1. Stabilize and repair eroded brick walls and pointing.

Brick was the primary material for the majority of the garden structures during the 

historic period. Langdon’s gardens were enclosed with a brick wall and featured 

brick buildings. Greenleaf used brick extensively for walls, fence columns, pergola 

columns, and the pool house. The material was carried through the subsequent 

designs by Thomas Meehan and sons and Robert Cridland, so that by the end 

of the historic period, red brick was the predominant material for structures 

throughout the gardens.

Today many of the brick structures remain, still forming the structural framework 

of the gardens. Many of the brick walls, columns, and other structures, however, 

are damaged, eroded, and generally deteriorating (see Figures 2.55 and 2.56). In 

some cases, the structures appear to be in danger of failure (see Appendix C). 

Immediate steps should be taken to stabilize and repair the brick work to 

prevent further damage and to arrest the gradual wear to the structures. In some 

structures, damage is light, and small repairs and repointing is needed. Other 

structures may need to be reconstructed using existing or new materials. Materials 

should be chosen to match the historic fabric in color, texture, and character. 

Some modern mortars may cause damage to historic brick structures, causing 

splitting and spalling of brick faces. Mortar should be of a material compatible 

with the historic brick. 

BS-2. Rebuild missing section of garden wall.

One of the key characteristics of the formal gardens during the historic period 

was their enclosure, especially in contrast to the open character of the estate 

grounds and the expansive views of the Hudson River and mountains to the west. 

Langdon’s gardens were originally enclosed by a brick wall with terra-cotta coping 

tiles. Subsequent redesigns and expansions of the gardens included walls, fences, 

and hedges that not only enclosed around their perimeter, but also separated 

the terraces from each other, creating enclosed garden rooms. Since the historic 

period, some of these structural elements have been lost, reducing the historic 

sense of enclosure. 

To restore the spatial organization of the gardens and the sense of enclosure of the 

lower annual terrace, the section of wall along the south edge of the lower annual 

terrace between the existing wall segment on the south edge of the rose house 

terrace and the south stair pergola should be rebuilt. The wall should match the 

existing wall in all aspects of design, dimension, and materials. Ideally, the new 

wall should extend the entire length of the terrace from the end of the existing 

wall to the stair pergola to create complete enclosure to the lower annual terrace 

on the south side. This, however, would block access to the gardens from the 

south and deny access to the annual and perennial gardens by wheeled carts and 

mowers. To accommodate access for these vehicles, a gate may be installed at the 
Treatment

207

eastern end of the new wall. A simple iron gate should replace the easternmost 

section of the wall between the last wall column and the existing brick of the south 

stair pergola. See Figure 4.1 for an illustration of the wall and gate replacement.

BS-3. Rebuild the rose garden fence.

The rose garden was enclosed with a fence constructed of metal wire panels 

mounted between brick piers. This fence supported the climbing roses planted 

in the perimeter beds, and with the shrubs planted along the outer perimeter of 

the garden, created a sense of seclusion and intimacy in the garden. The fence was 

installed in 1910 with the creation of the garden and altered in 1916 when the rose 

garden loggia was built. The fence remained otherwise unchanged throughout the 

historic period.

Today the fence is missing, as are most of the brick piers. The two brick piers 

associated with the retaining wall between the two terraces of the rose garden and 

one pier on the south side of the upper terrace remain. The loss of the fence has 

greatly reduced the sense of enclosure in this garden and eliminated the structural 

support for climbing roses along the perimeter beds. Reconstruction of this fence 

will help restore the historic character of the rose garden.

Rebuild the fence, using the existing piers, historic drawings, and historic photos 

as a guide. New piers should match existing piers in design, materials, and 

construction. The fence should be made of simple woven wire in a diamond 

Figure 4.1. Photo simulation showing the location and design of the missing wall on the southern edge of the lower 

annual garden. The simulation shows the inclusion of a gate at the eastern end of the new wall (OCLP 2011).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

208

pattern (see Figure 1.31). Because this fence was rather low, at approximately four 

feet high, supplemental fencing may still be needed to exclude deer from the rose 

garden (see task VG-8). Deer fencing should be installed along the outer perimeter 

of the reconstructed fence as described in that task. Reinstating the garden 

surrounding vegetation may eventually eliminate the need for supplemental deer 

exclusion (see treatment task VG-6).

Although not part of the historic configuration, a gate may be installed in the fence 

at the north side where there is currently a gate in the deer fencing. This would 

allow more access to this garden without needing to walk down steps. The tradeoff is that the dolphin bench, which historically occupied this location, would not 

be able to be restored to its historic location (see Figure 1.31). The gate should be 

of similar design as the wire fence to blend in visually.

BS-4. Repair and replace pergola wooden timber elements.

The original south and north pergolas, installed by Greenleaf in 1903 and by 

Cridland in 1922, respectively, were lost to decay and disrepair by the 1970s. 

The current pergolas were installed in the 1980s as part of the rehabilitation 

of the gardens. Since then, some of the wooden timbers of the pergolas have 

deteriorated from age, exposure to the elements, and deferred maintenance. 

Impacts include splitting, dry-rot, and insect damage (see Appendix C).

The wooden timber elements of all of the pergolas should be inspected regularly 

and repaired or replaced as needed. New timbers should match existing timbers 

in size, wood type, and character. Original drawings by Greenleaf and Cridland 

include detail specifications about the timber elements and may be consulted for 

guidance.

BS-5. Replace wire lattice in the upper annual terrace trellis fence. 

Designed by Greenleaf and constructed in 1903, the trellis fence along the east 

side of the upper annual garden was part of the redesign of the lower garden 

terraces into the Italian garden. The fence consisted of brick piers spanned by 

diamond-shaped woven metal lattice panels that supported vines. The original 

metal lattice is badly rusted and broken, presenting sharp edges in many places. 

Replace the wire lattice panels in the fence between the upper annual garden and 

the upper perennial garden. Panels should be constructed with a crimped woven 

diamond-shaped lattice that matches the existing fence in design and materials as 

closely as possible. Use an unpainted weathering steel that will take on a protective 

rust-colored surface. Repair all brickwork associated with the fence, including 

resetting and repointing existing bricks or replacing bricks as needed.
Treatment

209

BS-6. Repair pool house roof.

The pool house, constructed by Greenleaf in 1903, is covered with a terra-cotta 

tile roof supported by wooden timbers and brick columns and walls. During site 

inspections in 2009, a leak in the roof of the pool house was observed. Water 

leaking into the pool house may cause damage to the historic masonry of the 

structure. To prevent further damage, repair the roof leak using appropriate 

methods. Continue to monitor the roofs of the pool house and other structures 

for leaks or other damage and repair as necessary.

BS-7. Reconstruct wire arches on east side of annual gardens.

In 1922 Robert Cridland redesigned the edge between the lower annual garden 

and the lower perennial garden. In place of the lattice wall and overhead arbors 

designed by Greenleaf, Cridland placed a double arborvitae hedge that flanked 

the walkway on the east edge of the lower annual garden. At three regular intervals 

between the center stair pergola and the south stair pergola, the hedge bowed out 

away from the walkway and arched wire trellises spanned the walkway. The arches 

were covered in honeysuckle vine, forming green tunnels along the walkway 

(see Figure 1.53). The arches were in place as late as the 1970s but have since 

been removed. Their removal, along with the loss of the arborvitae hedge, has 

significantly diminished the sense of enclosure of both the lower annual and lower 

perennial gardens and altered the character of the gardens as a whole.

To restore the historic sense of enclosure of the gardens, reinstate the wire arches 

over the walkway in the lower annual garden. Cridland’s plan from 1922 and 

historic photos should be consulted as a guide for the construction of the arches. 

Plant the arches with honeysuckle. The wire arches should be reintroduced only 

in conjunction with the reestablishment of the arborvitae hedges (see treatment 

task VG-4). 

BS-8. Reconstruct missing gate.

Iron gates spanned the main entrances to the gardens during the historic period, 

including the entrance on the palm house terrace and the entrance near the rose 

house at the southwest corner of the gardens. The entrance at the palm house 

terrace, considered to be the main visitor entrance to the garden, was an ornate 

wrought iron gate mounted to the brick wall. The gate near the rose house was of 

a more utilitarian design, with vertical iron bars and cross bracing. It is unknown 

whether there were other gates in the gardens, such as at the corner near the Tool 

House or near the Gardener’s Cottage. The gate at the main entrance to the palm 

house terrace remains today but the gate near the Potting Shed is missing. 

Reconstruct missing iron gate at the southwest corner of the rose house terrace 

near the Potting Shed. Use historic photos as a guide to reconstruct the gates (see 

Figure 1.79).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

210

BS-9. Preserve field stone walls.

The fieldstone retaining walls that flank the central walkway in the upper 

perennial garden were designed by Robert Cridland in 1922. The walls not only 

provided a border for the long perennial beds and accommodated the grade 

change, they also provided a place for cascading rock plantings. Cridland left open 

pockets in the wall, in which he specified the planting of perennial varieties such 

as creeping phlox, sedum, and baby’s breath. Today the stone walls remain and are 

in good condition.

Preserve the stone retaining walls in the upper perennial garden. Loose or missing 

stones should be repaired or replaced promptly to prevent further damage to the 

wall. Preserve the design of the walls, retaining the open pockets for perennial 

plantings (see task VG-14).

BS-10. Preserve drainage features, including side drains, French drains, and weep 

holes.

Greenleaf included an elaborate drainage system when he designed the Italian 

garden in 1903, which included at least nineteen catch basins with eight-inch 

drain pipes as well as three-inch tile pipes to drain the garden beds near the pool 

pergola. This sophisticated drainages system was necessary to properly drain the 

sunken walkways in the garden. Today, many of the drainage features are extant. 

While some of the features retain some degree of functionality, some are blocked 

or completely covered.

Preserve and maintain the drainage system, including catch basins and drain 

pipes. Uncover any buried catch basins and keep clear of gravel, soil, and debris. 

Clean catch basins regularly and clean and repair drain pipes as needed to 

maintain a functioning drainage system.

BS-11. Provide uniform placement of irrigation heads.

An irrigation system was installed in the gardens after the historic period to 

provide adequate water for garden plantings. While non-historic, the irrigation 

system is appropriate and needed to maintain the gardens. In many instances, 

however, the placement of the heads is irregular and too close to garden walkways. 

These present a tripping hazard and are a safety concern. 

Maintain the irrigation system in proper working order to effectively deliver 

water to the garden plantings as needed. Relocate irrigation heads that are close 

to paths to reduce the tripping hazard, and ensure that all heads are of consistent 

placement and height.
Treatment

211

BS-12. Restore rose garden fountain bowl and install replica of Orpheus fountain.

The fountain in the rose garden was part of the original 1910 plan by Thomas 

Meehan and Sons. Between 1910 and 1925, the center plinth was adorned with 

a frog fountain that spurted water from its mouth. In 1925, the frog was replaced 

with a statue of Orpheus with his lyre astride a fish mounted in a broad saucer 

fountain. The Orpheus fountain was a major contributor to the character of the 

rose garden.

Since the end of the historic period, the fountain has fallen into disrepair. 

Exposure to the elements and atmospheric pollution has severely eroded the 

statue, and the concrete pool basin is cracked and deteriorated and no longer 

holds water. In 2005, the statue was removed and placed into storage to prevent 

further damage. Today the deteriorated pool basin stands empty.

Use appropriate techniques to repair the cracks and missing concrete in the 

fountain basin so that it may hold water again. The Orpheus statue is too damaged 

to be repaired and replaced in the garden and should be protected in storage. In its 

place, construct a replica and install it on the fountain pedestal.

BS-13. Preserve and maintain electrical service and plumbing fixtures for 

fountains.

During the historic period, water features added an important character to the 

formal gardens. The presence of water, the splashing and gurgling sounds of 

the fountains, and the humidifying effect would have contributed to a soothing 

and pleasant atmosphere. In addition to the still water of the pool in the lower 

perennial garden, Vanderbilt had active fountains on the top panel terrace just 

below the palm houses and at the lowest point in the rose garden.

All of the fountains in the garden contribute to their historic character and 

should be maintained in working condition. Maintain the pumps, plumbing, and 

electrical utilities to ensure their continued working order. Fountains should be 

filled with water and operational during the growing season, and drained and 

protected during the winter.

CIRCULATION

CR-1. Preserve historic circulation path network and width.

During the historic period, the circulation system of the gardens was composed 

of a network of gravel walkways, turf paths, and bluestone steps. The gravel paths 

made up the primary circulation, carrying visitors through and along the edges 

of the garden terraces. The walkways were between about four and six feet wide 

and surfaced with a light-colored gravel. Narrow turf paths separated the planting 

beds, allowing access within the beds in the annual, perennial, and rose gardens.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

212

The circulation network of paths throughout the gardens is still intact from the 

Vanderbilt period, with little or no change to alignment or width. These walkways 

should be preserved in their current configuration. One exception is the path 

around the boy dolphin fountain, which is wider due to the loss of the circular 

grass panel that once surrounded the fountain. See also VG-17 regarding the 

restoration of this grass panel. The width of the turf paths should be preserved 

through the preservation of the planting bed outlines (see tasks VG-11, through 

VG-14).

CR-2. Stabilize walkway surfaces.

Greenleaf specified in his drawings for the Italian gardens that the paths be 

surfaced with 2” of Jones Point gravel 1⁄4” size on a layer of loam binder on 6” of 

broken stone. He sourced the gravel to a vendor in Jones Point, NY. Although 

other paths in the gardens were not specified on any surviving plans, historic 

photos indicate that all of the paths were surfaced in a similar material.

The walkways are currently surfaced with light gray pea gravel, which conforms 

visually to the historic character of the gardens. However, the smooth stones of 

the pea gravel shift underfoot, creating an unstable walking surface. The loose 

stones also migrate excessively, spreading to turf areas, planting beds, steps, and 

fountain pools. Some of these issues may be mitigated by replacing the pea gravel 

with a crushed stone gravel of irregularly shaped stones. Crushed stone gravel 

tends to compact and bind more than pea gravel and would stay in place better. 

This would also provide a harder and more stable surface for wheelchair wheels 

and for visitors who are less steady on their feet, facilitating access to the gardens. 

CR-3. Repair steps.

Many of the historic bluestone steps have shifted or come loose and present a 

safety hazard for garden visitors (see Appendix C). The steps should be repaired 

using existing materials. Repair or remove and reset the stone treads so that 

they are level and stable. Reset step side walls so that they are perpendicular and 

provide support for the steps.

CR-4. Add handrails to three sets of steps on the south side.

Many of the historic steps in the garden are steep and present a safety hazard for 

unsteady visitors. Handrails, while not historic, would help provide stability for 

some of the steps, increasing access to the gardens. Handrails should be installed 

on five of the steps in the upper terraces of the gardens (see Drawing 11). Install 

simple handrails mounted in concrete footings above and below the side walls on 

one side of each flight of steps. Do not affix the handrails directly to the bluestone 

steps or sidewalls and do not install handrails on both sides of the steps. The 
Treatment

213

handrails should be either unpainted metal or black painted, powder-coated, or 

vinyl-coated metal.

CR-5. Stabilize crumbling and cracked concrete near the tool house.

An area of concrete in proximity of the tool house is now cracked and crumbled. 

This should be stabilized, repaired and eventually replaced. 

CR-6. Reset metal edges that are tripping hazards.

Planting beds in the gardens are currently edged with metal strips to contain 

turf grass and facilitate mowing. Some of these metal edges are raised above the 

ground surface, presenting a tripping hazard for garden visitors. Reset the metal 

edges to their proper height to mitigate this hazard.

CR-7. Preserve wheeled cart access to the formal gardens.

Currently, garden maintenance is facilitated by using wheeled carts and mowers 

in the gardens. The current access point is from the south into the lower annual 

garden, where the historic wall section is missing. From there, other terraces are 

accessed, notably the upper and lower perennial gardens via the corner near the 

center stair pergola. Reinstating historic structural and vegetation features to their 

1938 configuration would block this access. For the missing wall section (Task 

BS-2), a gate may be installed to allow the partial reconstruction of the wall while 

Figure 4.2. Drawing showing the placement and design of the hedge to be replaced between the upper and lower 

perennial gardens as well as the juniper shrubs on the slope in front of the hedge (OCLP 2011).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

214

maintaining access. The historic configuration of the hedges and shrubs can be 

modified according to tasks VG-2 through VG-4 and Drawing 9.

CR-8. Retain parking and service area south of gardens.

The area to the south of the rose house terrace was historically the cutting and 

display garden. The roughly square garden was planted in rows and served as 

an outside nursery for cutting and bedding plants. Today this area is covered in 

gravel and grass and is used as service parking and as a staging area for garden 

maintenance. The storage shed, compost and soil piles, and temporary storage 

of plant materials is also in this area. As it is not recommended to reestablish 

the cutting garden, and since this area is mostly out of site from the gardens, the 

continued use of this area for parking and service staging is appropriate. The area 

should be kept as tidy as is reasonable for its use as a service area, and should not 

be used for the long-term storage of debris or other materials.

CR-9. Provide occasional service parking along the west side of the gardens.

In addition to the parking provide in the lot south of the gardens, additional 

parking is necessary for volunteers and visitors who have trouble negotiating steps 

or steep grades. To provide this parking, establish two informal parking spaces on 

the turf area to the west of the potting shed. The spaces should be along the side 

of and parallel to the drive. The parking spaces should be marked with signs as 

permit only and should not be marked in any other way (lines, rope, etc.).

Initially, the spaces should be established with no change to the turf grass 

surface. If the parking is occasional enough, the grass may survive without special 

structural alterations. Maintenance steps may be taken to maximize the success 

of the lawn, such as frequent aeration and over-seeding. If it becomes untenable 

to maintain the lawn under the parking spaces, structural grass pavers may be 

installed to provide a hardened surface while still maintaining the appearance of 

the lawn. These products, such as Grasspave by the company Invisible Structures, 

Inc., consist of a plastic honeycomb structure that holds soil and is topped with 

grass. Avoid concrete products, as these tend to show through the grass.

VEGETATION: TREES, SHRUBS, HEDGES, AND VINES

During the historic period, the formal gardens were as much defined by vegetation 

elements as structural ones. Such elements included hedges that separated 

spaces, shrubs that created mass, and vines that softened hard surfaces. With 

the exception of the vines that currently cover walls and pergolas, most of these 

structural vegetation elements have been lost, and the spatial relationships and 

overall character of the garden has changed as a result. Notable hedges that have 

been lost include the double hedge that separated the lower annual garden and 

the lower perennial garden and the hedge along the top of the retaining wall 
Treatment

215

between the upper and lower perennial gardens. Several evergreen shrubs in 

the lower perennial garden have also been lost, including juniper and arborvitae 

shrubs. The reestablishment of these elements will help restore some of the spatial 

organization and historic character of the gardens.

VG-1. Reinstate upper perennial garden shrubs.

Cridland’s design for the upper perennial garden included borders planted with 

shrubs and small trees along the east and west edges of the terrace. The design for 

each border included a row of hibiscus shrubs and hydrangea in front of a taller 

row of columnar cherries and pyramidal arborvitae. These borders would have 

created showy borders for the terrace and emphasized its enclosed character. 

No historic photos have been located that clearly show these beds or give a sense 

of their character, but the fact that the rest of Cridland’s design for the upper 

perennial garden was executed, it is likely that the trees and shrubs in these beds 

were installed as Cridland indicated. 

The back row of each bed Cridland specified six pyramidal arborvitae eight to 

ten feet tall. Between each of these, he placed three ‘Amanogawa’ variety cherry 

trees, which have a form similar to Lombardy poplars, growing tall and narrow. 

While Cridland did not specify a size for these trees, they naturally grow to around 

twenty feet high and four to five feet wide. The trees were placed about six feet on 

center, which would have created a row of individual columnar plants rather than 

a continuous wall of vegetation.

These trees and shrubs were lost sometime after the historic period, and until 

recently they were absent from the upper perennial garden. In 2010, the back 

row of trees on each side was reinstated. These trees included the arborvitae and 

‘Amanogawa’ cherries according to Cridland’s plans. To recapture that enclosure 

and enhance the historic character of the garden, the front row of shrubs should 

be reinstated as well. Following the treatment plan in Drawing 8, plant a row 

of hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata or similar) punctuated every 24 feet with 

hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus or similar). The hibiscus should be positioned mid-way 

between the cherries in the back row as depicted in Drawing 8. 

VG-2. Reinstate hedge at southern end of upper perennial garden.

When Greenleaf designed the Italian garden on the two terraces that are today 

the upper and lower perennial garden terraces in 1903, he included a cedar hedge 

along the top of the slope that separated the upper and lower perennial garden 

terraces. The hedge divided the two sections of the garden with a dark green 

vertical mass over ten feet tall. At the center, flanking the center path, the hedge 

formed tall columns eighteen feet high (see Figure 1.26). Over the years, the hedge 

changed shape somewhat gradually and decreased in height. When Cridland 

redesigned the upper perennial garden terrace in 1934, he retained the hedge, but 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

216

by then it was only four to five feet high and dipped in the center near the path 

(see Figures 1.56 and 1.65). 

The cedar hedge was a major organizing element, dividing the upper and lower 

perennial gardens into two distinct rooms, and its loss has dramatically altered 

the character of the perennial gardens. To regain the historic spatial organization, 

the hedge should be reinstated as it was in the 1930s. While junipers were likely 

chosen for the original hedge because of its height and because Greenleaf used 

junipers elsewhere in his design, maintaining a juniper hedge at the lower height 

would require significant effort. A substitute species such as arborvitae would 

be easier to maintain and would be compatible with the historic character of the 

gardens.

Reinstate the two halves of the hedge as shown in Drawing 8 using arborvitae 

shrubs. Maintain the hedge at a height of five to six feet with a transition to a 

height of four to five feet near the path (Figure 4.2). The western half of the hedge 

should extend only to a point even with the pergola wall to allow garden access 

(see Drawing 8). The hedges should be neatly pruned with flat tops and slightly 

battered sides, and should be protected from deer in the winter (see task VG-8). 

VG-3. Reinstate juniper shrubs on slopes on north and west sides of the lower 

perennial garden.

In 1922, Cridland redesigned the west and north edges of the lower perennial 

garden terrace. In the plan, he placed juniper shrubs on the slopes below the 

hedges that formed the boundary between the terraces. These shrubs were low 

masses of solid foliage about two to four feet high (see Figure 1.65). These shrubs 

were an important part of the structural vegetation that helped enclose the 

garden spaces, adding a softness to the edges of the lower perennial garden. The 

loss of these shrubs diminishes this sense of enclosure and the feeling of being 

surrounded by green vegetation.

To reinstate these qualities, plant juniper shrubs along the slopes on the north and 

west sides of the lower perennial garden. Cridland specified a planting of three 

different varieties of juniper: Juniperus chinensis ‘Pfizeriana’, Juniperus sabina, 

and Juniperus communis ‘Prostrate’ or ‘Tamariscifolia’. These varieties would 

have provided a slight variation in leaf texture and plant height, with the larger 

plants in the back near the hedges and lower cascading varieties in the front over 

the retaining walls. The indicated varieties may be used in the layout drawn by 

Cridland (Cridland Plan), but varieties with similar forms may be substituted. 
Treatment

217

VG-4. Reinstate double arborvitae hedge around the path on the lower annual 

terrace.

In 1922, Cridland replaced the trellis wall and arbors on the eastern edge of the 

lower annual terrace designed by Greenleaf in 1903 with a plan that included 

hedges, wire arch trellises, and new retaining walls. The boundary between the 

lower annual garden terrace and the lower perennial garden terrace was formed 

by a double arborvitae hedge that enclosed the east walk of the lower annual 

garden terrace. The double hedge lined the walk, flaring out in three places to go 

around the wire arch trellises. The hedge not only created a border between the 

two terraces, increasing the sense of enclosure in both, but also created a tunnellike character to the walk itself (see Figure 1.53). 

The hedge terminated on the north end at the center stair pergola, abutting 

directly against the pergola columns. The south-easternmost column also served 

as the terminus of the cedar hedge between the upper and lower perennial 

gardens, forming an effective corner to the garden walls. The narrow opening 

in the pergola toward the east, then, created a passageway between the lower 

annual garden and the upper perennial garden. Like the walkway surrounded by 

the hedges, this passageway passed between the cedar hedge on the right and the 

short section of garden wall on the left, creating an enclosed corridor that then 

emerged near the wellhead and southernmost cherry tree. The loss of the hedges 

has dramatically altered the character of the lower annual terrace and the lower 

perennial terrace, and changed the experience of walking through the garden.

In order to reestablish the spatial relationship of the garden terraces and enhance 

the historic character of the gardens, the arborvitae hedge and wire trellises 

should be reinstated (see task BS-7 for replacement of the wire trellises). Plant a 

hedge of arborvitae on either side of the lower annual terrace east walk (Drawing 

9). The hedges should be approximately four feet high and two-and-a-half feet 

wide, and should flare out at each of the wire trellises. The easternmost of the two 

hedges should end approximately five feet from the central pergola column to 

accommodate mower access. The hedges should be neatly pruned with flat tops 

and slightly battered sides, and should be protected from deer in the winter (see 

task VG-8).

Garden Access

The loss of a number of vegetation features on the southern end of the formal 

gardens, including the double hedge on the lower annual terrace, the hedge 

between the upper and lower perennial terraces, the juniper shrubs around the 

lower perennial garden, and the shrub border on the upper perennial terrace, 

have had a significant cumulative impact on the sense of enclosure of the gardens. 

What were once individual garden rooms with distinct walls are now open to one 

another. Reinstating these features would restore the sense of enclosure of the 

terraces and would be an important effort to enhance the historic character of the 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

218

formal gardens. Reinstating these features, however, would also cut off what has 

become an important route to access the perennial gardens via wheeled garden 

equipment, such as riding mowers, wheelbarrows, and garden carts. 

Currently, wheeled garden equipment is used throughout the formal gardens to 

cut grass and to deliver materials and tools to work areas. The main point of access 

to the gardens is from the parking area south of the formal gardens into the lower 

annual garden. From there, access to the upper and lower perennial gardens is via 

the northeast corner of the lower annual garden, across the walk, and around the 

wall at the center stair arbor. Because of garden walls that enclose the terraces, this 

is the only route that does not require going down stairs. 

In order to restore the sense of enclosure of the gardens while preserving 

maintenance access to the perennial gardens, the historic configuration of the 

hedges and shrubs in the affected corner may be modified to allow passage of 

motorized carts and mowers. Small gaps in the hedges, combined with smallradius mowers will allow the hedges and shrubs to be reinstated while maintaining 

access (see Appendix F). Refer to Drawing 9 for the configuration of vegetation in 

this area.

VG-5. Preserve flowering cherries in historic locations.

In 1934, Robert Cridland created a new design for the upper perennial garden, 

which by that time had become overgrown with mature evergreen shrubs and 

trees. He placed a row of six flowering cherries on each turf panel, creating an 

allée through which the path descended toward the lower perennial garden. The 

redesign dramatically changed the character of the upper perennial garden from 

a narrow corridor of dense vegetation to an enclosed garden room bounded by 

walls, fences, slopes, and hedges. Documentation for the cherry tree plantings in 

the upper perennial garden includes Cridland’s original drawings of the design, 

which show the number and location of the trees along with the other elements of 

the garden. The variety of the twelve cherry trees planted on the turf panels is not 

indicated except that they are “double pink.” A number of historic photos taken 

during the 1930s demonstrate the character of the upper perennial garden around 

the end of the period of significance (see Figure 1.56 and 1.65). The cherry trees 

in these pictures are still relatively young and exhibit an upright vase form. The 

mature form of these trees is unknown.

The cherry trees were removed sometime after the end of the period of 

significance. In the 1970s, new cherry trees were planted in the upper perennial 

garden in a similar arrangement to the historic trees, but in different locations. The 

new trees were planted further out from the center path than the original trees 

and closer together. In 2009, these trees were replaced with new flowering cherry 

trees in their historic locations, reestablishing the spatial organization of the upper 

perennial garden. The replacement trees are Prunus ‘Okame’, a hybrid variety with 
Treatment

219

single pink flowers and a smaller, less spreading form than ‘Kwanzan.’ While the 

form and character of these trees are somewhat different than the mature form 

of ‘Kwanzan’, the smaller form more closely replicates the character of the trees 

in the 1930s when they were still young, and they will be easier to maintain and 

require less frequent replacements. These replacement trees should be maintained 

in their current location. Should any of the trees fail they should be replaced 

in-kind with the same variety and size tree.

VG-6: Reinstate garden surround shrubs.

The following treatment task is also included in the Cultural Landscape Report 

for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Volume II, the site-wide treatment 

plan, as Task 2.4 and is included here as a cross-reference due to its proximity to 

the formal gardens.

There are two sources of detailed planting plans for the flowering and evergreen 

shrub plantings surrounding the rose garden. In 1910, Thomas Meehan and 

Sons designed the loggia garden, known today as the rose garden, as an eastern 

extension to the original formal garden terraces (see Figures 1.28 and 1.82). The 

plans included a diverse planting of shrubs along the outside of the enclosing 

fence. In 1916, the shrub plantings were altered and augmented by Robert 

Cridland (see Figure 1.78). Cridland’s plan included a replanting of the north and 

east sides of the garden, while along the south side, the Meehan plantings were 

retained. These plans are complete with plant species and variety, and in the case 

of the Cridland plan, quantity and size of the plants. The existence and layout of 

these plantings is confirmed in the 1930s aerial photo of the garden (see Figure 

1.81). 

Today, only a few remnant shrubs remain from these plantings, and these have 

become overgrown and choked with vines and invasive plants. There are also a 

number of junipers around the rose garden pavilion, as Cridland called for in his 

plan, but it is unknown at this time if these are original plants or if they have been 

replaced since then. In either case, these are overgrown and in poor health. 

To reinstate the full shrub planting around the rose garden, the existing shrubs 

should be removed and the area planted with new shrubs. The Cridland and 

Meehan plans should be used as a guide for plant selection and placement. The 

composite of the two plans, as it would have been planted after 1916, is shown in 

Drawing 7.

If the shrubs around the rose garden are not to be reinstated at this time, the 

alternative is to stabilize and rejuvenate the existing shrubs. This would entail 

removing the vines and invasive plants and pruning the shrubs to improve form 

and health. Shrubs should be protected, mulched, and kept free of vines.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

220

VG-7: Preserve redbud and dogwood grove.

The following treatment task is also included in the Cultural Landscape Report 

for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Volume II, the site-wide treatment 

plan, as Task 2.5 and is included here as a cross-reference due to its proximity to 

the formal gardens.

The redbud and dogwood grove is located prominently on the east-facing 

slope just south of the formal gardens. As a landscape feature, the grove bore an 

orchard-like character of evenly spaced trees with an open understory. During the 

spring, the blossoms on the trees would have created a striking effect.

Today, the trees in this grove continue to suffer health issues related to their 

advanced age and from competition from invasive species in the understory, which 

not only compete with the trees for resources but also detract from the historically 

open character of the grove. Continued efforts are needed to prevent the growth 

of vines and woody plants in the grove and encourage the growth of meadow 

grasses and forbs beneath the trees. This would involve seasonal mowing as well as 

some hand removals of troublesome plants. Seeding with an understory grass may 

help establish desired species and discourage unwanted plants. 

The trees themselves should receive appropriate preservation efforts to ensure 

their health and longevity, including pruning where necessary. Replace in kind any 

dead and missing trees and those that cannot be sustained.

VG-8. Protect the garden area and individual plants from browsing deer.

Landscape damage from deer browsing has become an issue of increasing concern 

in recent decades as the deer population has swelled due to increasing forest cover 

(old field succession), decreased hunting, lack of predators, mild winters, and 

suburban development. Browsing deer in the park cause damage to vegetation, 

including arborvitae, rhododendron, hemlock, and herbaceous plantings. The 

park and the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association have implemented 

a number of methods to mitigate the deer damage, including installing a deerexclusion fence around the rose garden. Deer damage may become more of an 

issue if historic shrubs and hedges are reinstated in the formal gardens.

Deer are persistent and adaptable, and no reasonable method of deer exclusion 

will be one hundred percent effective at preventing deer damage. To maximize 

success, deer control should utilize an integrated pest management approach, 

employing multiple means including exclusion, scare devices, and/or repellants. 

Plant selection may also reduce deer damage, favoring plants that show a tolerance 

to deer browsing and replacing heavily damaged species. Due to the complex 

factors involved in deer control, including maintenance costs and operational 

constraints, it is recommended that the park contract with a deer-control specialist 

to design a system specifically for the site. The following recommendations may 
Treatment

221

provide initial guidance for the design of a comprehensive deer control system 

for the formal gardens in the context of maintaining the landscape’s historic 

character.

Deer Exclusion Fence

A site-wide deer fence would provide for the exclusion of deer from the entire 

park property, or alternatively from the historic core, thus protecting all sensitive 

vegetation together. A site-wide fence could be installed along and through 

wooded areas and away from visitor view, making it inconspicuous and more 

compatible with the landscape’s historic character. However, a site-wide fence 

has drawbacks that make its implementation unfeasible. First, the length of fence, 

over three miles for the entire perimeter of the park, would be prohibitive, both 

for installation and for maintenance. Isolated breaches in the fence would allow 

access to the deer and defeat the system as a whole. Finally, conspicuous fencing 

in some places, notably around gates and roads, would be unavoidable.

The alternative to site-wide fencing is fencing smaller areas or individual features. 

This is the method currently being employed with the deer fence around the rose 

garden. Deer fencing should be installed along the outer perimeter of the gardens 

along low walls and to cover gaps. Use inconspicuous black coated wire or plastic 

mesh fencing mounted on black metal poles. Because of visual considerations and 

visitor access, it is not desirable to completely encircle the gardens in fencing, but 

to employ fencing in strategic locations to impede access and protect the most 

vulnerable areas of the garden. Deer fencing should be employed in conjunction 

with garden walls, fences, and topography to effectively exclude deer from 

portions of the gardens or at least reduce their presence. Walls within the gardens 

and steep steps may also help discourage deer from moving into some of the 

garden terraces.

Wrapping Shrubs and Hedges

Some vulnerable shrubs and hedges may be draped or wrapped with plastic 

netting to reduce deer damage. Several products are available that interfere with 

chewing and deter deer browsing. Netting should be used on shrubs and hedges 

such as the arborvitae shrubs in the lower perennial garden and the proposed 

double arborvitae hedge in the lower annual garden (Task VG-4), as well as any 

other woody shrubs that are susceptible to deer damage. Netting should be used 

primarily during the winter when deer damage is the most severe, and may be 

installed as part of the process of winterizing the gardens.

Deer Resistant Plants

Plant selection may help reduce the damage by deer. Some plants, such as 

arborvitae, are particularly favored by deer. Unfortunately, constraints on plant 

selection due to maintenance needs, plant availability, and historic character, may 

limit the options for plant substitution. In the case of arborvitae, some varieties are 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

222

available that have shown some success with resistance to deer, such as the variety 

Spring Grove. Other species that may offer resistance while still being suitable as 

a hedge include juniper and incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens). Nominal deer 

resistance in combination with other methods of deer deterrence may be enough 

to keep damage at a manageable level.

In the case of herbaceous bedding plants, annuals and perennials may be selected 

for deer resistance either by reputation or through trial and error. Susceptible 

plants should not be replanted, and replacements selected based on the historical 

plant palettes provided in this document.

Other Methods

Other methods of deer control include chemical repellents, physical scare devices, 

and electric fencing. Chemical repellents, including commercial repellents and 

pepper sprays, may be effective in combination with other methods. The sprays 

are applied to the vulnerable foliage rendering them unpalatable to the deer. 

Physical scare devices are usually conspicuous (by design) and incompatible with 

the historic character and are typically not effective over the long term. Deer 

quickly become habituated to their presence and learn to ignore them. Electric 

fencing may be used with discretion, and would have to be deactivated during the 

day.

VG-9. Preserve and manage vines in areas as designated on historic plans.

The gardens during the historic period were lush and green, a character achieved 

in large part due to the vines and ivies that covered the majority of the vertical and 

overhead surfaces. This included the facades of the buildings, the garden walls 

and fences, the pergolas, and the overhead arbors. Many of the structures were 

designed specifically to support vines. Both Greenleaf and Cridland specified 

vines on many of their plans. Greenleaf, who specified few plants on his plans, 

included a list of twenty-one vines, ivies, and climbing roses to cover the trellises 

and arbors he designed (Table 4.1). 

In addition to the vines specified on the planting plans by the gardens’ designers, 

vines were likely planted and maintained by the gardeners. Alex Knauss, in his 

recollections in the 1960s, indicated that honeysuckle was planted on the slopes 

around the upper perennial garden and on the trellis fence between the upper 

annual garden and upper perennial garden, and that grapevine was planted on the 

pool and stair pergolas. Honeysuckle was also planted on the arched wire arbors 

over the walkway in the lower annual garden. Historic photos show vines and ivies 

on many structures, including the Gardener’s Cottage and pool house, as well as 

the many arbors and trellises. The facades of the Gardener’s Cottage appear to 

be covered in an evergreen broad-leafed ivy such as English ivy. The pool house 

appears to be covered in the same grapevine as the pool pergola. 
Treatment

223

The vines were maintained to either partially or completely cover the structures 

that supported them, but were not allowed to grow bushy or disorderly. The vines 

were kept trimmed neatly to the form of the structure, be it a wall, fence, or arched 

arbor. Some photos show structures bare of vines, suggesting that they were 

periodically cut back and then allowed to grow up again.

Today, the garden lacks many of the vines it featured during the historic period. 

Many of the brick walls, as well as the building facades are bare today. Vines, 

including honeysuckle, grapevine, and trumpet vine, are maintained on the 

stair arbors, pergolas, and trellis fences. Many of these, however, have become 

overgrown and obscure the structures beneath them. This is especially true on 

the stair pergolas and the north pergola, which are nearly completely obscured by 

large mounds of trumpet vine. In places, the mature vines are also causing damage 

to the brick structures.

To help enhance the lush, green character of the formal gardens, vines should 

be maintained on as many of the historically covered surfaces as is feasible. 

Existing vines should be pruned annually so as to reveal the form of the structures 

underneath. Vines should form a layer no more than a few inches thick covering 

the pergolas, arbors, and trellises. Periodically, the vines may be removed 

altogether and reestablished. 

Table 4.1. Vines Specified on Greenleaf Planting Plan

Species Variety or Cultivar Common Name

Euonymus fortunei Var. radicans Winter Creeper

Bigonia grandiflora (syn. Campsis 

grandiflora) Chinese Trumpet Vine

Ampelopsis vietchii Boston Ivy

Wisteria sp. Blue and White Wisteria

Hedera helix English Ivy

Vitis sp. Wild Grape

Hedera canariensis Algerian Ivy

Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper

Akebia quinata Akebia

Rosa Dorothy P. Parkens Dorothy P Parkens Climbing Rose

Celastrus scandens Bittersweet

Rosa multiflora Baby Rambler Rose

Rosa Evergreen Gem Evergreen Gem Climbing Rose

Rosa Gardenia Gardenia Climbing Rose

Rosa Prairie Queen Prairie Queen Climbing Rose

Rosa Jersey Beauty Jersey Beauty Climbing Rose

Clematis jackmanii Jackman’s Clematis

Clematis paniculata (syn. C. ternifolia) Sweet Autumn Clematis

Rosa Crimson Rambler Crimson Rambler Climbing Rose

Lonicera japonica Halliana Hall’s Honeysuckle

Rosa Baltimore Belle Baltimore Belle Climbing Rose
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

224

Historic vine species that prove difficult to control due to their vigorous 

growth, such as Hall’s honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’) and oriental 

bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), may be substituted with less aggressive species. 

Alternatives include trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), trumpet 

creeper (Campsis radicans), Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) and 

native wisteria (Wisteria frutescens).

Reestablish vines and ivies on the Gardener’s Cottage and on the brick wall along 

the southern edge of the lower annual garden (Task BS-2). Although English ivy 

(Hedera helix) was likely used during the historic period, this species is considered 

particularly invasive and should not be reintroduced into the gardens. Suitable 

substitutes that are not quite as problematic as English ivy include Boston ivy 

(Parthenocissus tricuspidata) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). 

Since these ivies may damage brickwork over time, they should be monitored 

closely and pruned or removed when necessary. Any damage to bricks or pointing 

should be repaired. 

Vines on sloped areas along the west side of the upper perennial garden are 

frequently laden with weeds. These areas should be mulched annually in the 

spring with a mix of a weed barrier clothe and leaf mold, with the vines over the 

mulch.

VG-10. Restore plants in containers near the pool, north pergola, and loggia.

Bay plants (Laurus nobilis) were placed in pots near the pool and loggia during 

the historic period as illustrated in Figures 1.56, 1.68, and 1.73. Several records 

in the Vanderbilt purchasing ledgers relate to the purchase of bay trees in 1910, 

1911, and 1923, as well as charges for loading the bay trees in 1938. All bays trees 

ordered are the same species (Laurus noblis), though three shapes are ordered, 

standard, pyramid, and pillar. Three historic photos record the shape and location 

of three pairs of bays in pots: two by the pool, two at the north end of the garden 

by the north pergola, and two by the rose garden loggia (see Figures 1.27, 1.55, 

1.67, and 1.68). The photographs show the bay plants pruned as pyramids with 

rounded tops. 

The bay plants should be restored to enrich the tapestry of the garden. If bay 

plants cannot be preserved, a similar plant with rich green foliage could be 

substituted, such as cherry laurel. See small-scale features (Task SS-2) for details 

on containers.

VEGETATION: SEASONAL PLANTINGS

The seasonal planting of herbaceous annuals and ongoing care of perennials in 

the garden beds is critical to maintaining the historic character of the gardens. Of 

primary importance is that the garden beds be planted and cared for every year in 

a fashion that is compatible with historic conditions. This would include following 
Treatment

225

the historic arrangement of the beds, planting each bed in the appropriate 

category of plants (annuals, perennials, roses), and ensuring that the species and 

varieties chosen conform to the style, height, texture, and color that would have 

been used in the gardens during the Vanderbilt period. The gardens are currently 

being maintained in such a way, largely through the dedicated and donated efforts 

of the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association. 

Beyond merely being faithful to an overall character, however, steps can be taken 

to bring the garden closer to its original condition through the careful choice of 

plant varieties based on historic documentation. The purchase ledgers that were 

kept for the Vanderbilt estate contain information about species and varieties that 

were purchased from the turn of the twentieth century through the 1930s. This 

information, together with historic photos and the recollections and drawings of 

Alex Knauss, a long-time Vanderbilt gardener, can help create a palette of plants 

that were used in the historic period. Using the historic plant palette and general 

guidelines for the arrangement of the gardens will result in a planting plan that is 

reasonably accurate to the historic conditions while providing flexibility needed to 

create and maintain a vibrant and engaging, but manageable, garden.

VG-11. Plant upper and lower annual gardens with a varying palette of flowering 

annuals in historically appropriate patterns.

The upper and lower annual gardens were used throughout the Vanderbilt period 

as displays for showy flowering annuals. The geometric beds were planted in solid 

colors of single varieties, with the gardens reflecting bilateral symmetry north to 

south and east to west. While the species, varieties, and colors varied from year 

to year, the overall pattern of single-color, single-species, symmetrical beds of 

flowering annuals was carried out at least from the early years of the twentieth 

century through the end of the Vanderbilts’ residence. Although the annual beds 

were planted primarily in solid beds of single-color, single-species annuals, some 

variations on this included the use of borders or solid fields of color with a grid 

of contrasting individually spaced plants over them. These variations were mainly 

employed on the wing-shaped beds in the lower annual garden and only appear in 

a small number of photographs.

Today, the annual garden beds continue to be planted as they were during the 

historic period, in uniform beds of flowering annuals. According to information 

provided by the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association, annual species 

planted over the past ten years include ageratum, begonias, cannas, coleus, celosia, 

dusty miller, marigolds, petunias, salvia, and zinnias. All of these species, with the 

exception of the dusty miller, appear at least once in the estate purchase ledgers 

and were likely planted at some time in the annual beds during the historic period. 

Their use in the annual garden beds, as well as the established pattern of bed 

arrangement, is historically appropriate and should be continued.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

226

In order to better represent the changing planting designs of the annual gardens, 

however, more variety should be introduced into the annual planting, both in 

species and in arrangement. Continue to plant the center beds with cannas with a 

border of pennisetum grass. The other beds should be planted with a core palette 

including begonias, petunias, heliotrope, pelargoniums, alyssum, and zinnias. 

These species appear in the majority of the historic photos and have the strongest 

correlation between the photos, the purchase ledgers, and historic accounts. This 

core palette should compose the bulk of the plantings in the annual gardens in 

any given year and should make repeat appearances from year to year in various 

combinations and arrangements. To this core, add other historically appropriate 

species to provide variety, including nasturtium, Cineraria stellata, lantana, 

marigold, pansy, primula, and salvia. Appendix D provides a list of annuals that 

appeared in the estate purchase ledgers.

Continue to plant annuals in solid uniform beds, with the following variations. 

The two round beds in the upper annual garden to the north and south of 

the center bed were typically planted with a contrasting border. Alex Knauss 

indicated zinnias in the center with a white petunia border, and historic photos 

support this or similar arrangements. Other beds that featured border plantings in 

some of the historic photos are the wing-shaped beds in the lower annual garden. 

Several photos from at least two separate years show these beds planted with what 

appears to be pelargoniums with a low border of alyssum. Other photos from 

early in the 1920s show the wing-shaped beds planted with a bed of low alyssum 

with individual plants of heliotrope or something similar planted above it. These 

variations on the solid uniform beds may be cycled into the planting plans for the 

annual gardens to add variety.

VG-12. Enlarge wing-shaped beds in lower annual garden.

No historic plans for the formal gardens survive that show the layout of the beds 

in the annual gardens as they were during the Vanderbilt period. Historic photos 

that date as far back as the early twentieth century, however, reveal the shape and 

arrangement of the beds that remained largely unchanged through the end of the 

period in 1938. In the decades following the transfer of the Vanderbilt estate to 

the National Park Service, the formal gardens suffered from inadequate care and 

resources and fell into disrepair. By the 1970s, the garden beds were gone and 

the terraces were covered in turf grass. With the rehabilitation of the gardens in 

the 1980s, the beds were reintroduced using the historic photos as guides. These 

newly-drawn beds largely conformed to the layout of the historic beds, but in the 

absence of precise plans the outline of the beds were estimated.

Comparison of existing conditions with historic photos show close agreement in 

the layout of the beds. The one discernable exception is the shape and size of the 

four crescent or wing-shaped beds in the lower annual garden. Historic photos 

depict beds that were larger, with larger central circular portions and wider wings. 
Treatment

227

These larger beds featured more bed area and thus larger blocks of color in the 

overall effect of the gardens. Redrawing the edges of these beds to increase their 

size will help enhance the historic character of the gardens. See Drawing 9 for a 

comparison of approximate outlines of the existing and historic beds.

VG-13. Preserve lower perennial garden beds, configuration, historic varieties, 

and combinations.

Perennials played a significant role in the formal gardens throughout their 

history. Greenleaf’s plans for the Italian garden did not specify any perennials, 

but paintings done shortly after completion of the design show a border of low 

flowering perennials along the central walk in the upper perennial garden terrace. 

Not long after installation of Greenleaf’s design, however, these were replaced 

with evergreen shrubs, which remained until 1934. In the lower perennial garden, 

however, the open panels of turf that Greenleaf had designed were replaced with 

geometric beds of mixed perennials. These beds would remain until the end of the 

historic period.

Historic photos show beds of mixed perennials in a wide variety of sizes, forms, 

and textures. In the photos, the perennials are layered in bands or small clumps, 

with two or three different kinds of perennials across the depth of any one bed. 

Lower growing plants tended to be placed along the edges of the beds with taller 

plants in the center, but in a varying height and foliage texture throughout the 

beds. This practice, also called ribbon planting, was common because it allowed 

for a layering of perennial species, thereby enhancing the depth and contrast 

within the garden beds. Prominent in many of the photos are large numbers of 

irises, especially in the beds near the pool, and delphiniums.

Cridland’s 1916 plan provides the only formal plant list for the lower perennial 

garden from the historic period. As it is known that the perennial plantings 

evolved over the years and looked quite different in the late 1930s than they did 

earlier in the period, it is not desirable to reinstate Cridland’s plan exactly. Rather, 

Cridland’s perennial list provides a place to start for the selection of perennials 

for current plantings. In addition to this list, plants may be chosen from the estate 

purchase ledgers and may also be supplemented with non-documented varieties 

that are consistent in form and character with the historic perennials. 

Selection of perennial varieties should follow a tiered selection process. If the 

plants are available and may be grown within the constraints of contemporary 

maintenance resources, plants of historically documented species and variety 

should be selected, chosen either from Cridland’s 1916 plant list or from the 

estate purchase ledgers. Should these plants not be available or feasible to grow, 

substitute varieties or cultivars of historically documented species may be selected, 

provided the substitute plants have a similar character to the historic varieties. 

Finally, species that were not documented as being planted in the gardens 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

228

may be used if necessary to achieve the desired character of the gardens. A list 

of perennials used in the lower perennial garden historically and currently is 

presented in Appendix E.

In arranging the perennials within the beds, historic photos should be consulted 

as a guide for composition and character. Photos from later in the period (see 

Figures 1.65 and 1.66) are particularly useful. Plant individual types of plants in 

narrow bands or small clumps, no more than four or five feet long by two feet 

deep. Clumps may be as small as two feet by one foot in some cases. As groups of 

plantings begin to exceed this size, divide them and in-fill with another species to 

maintain a high degree of variety. Vary the height, color, texture, and form of the 

perennials, from front to back in the beds as well as along the length of the beds.

The beds should be kept full and lush throughout the growing season. Struggling 

or troublesome plants should be replaced with plants that provide more success. 

Adjacent perennials should be balanced for growth rate to prevent a vigorous 

plant from overtaking slow-growing neighbors. Holes in the plantings should be 

filled with appropriate perennials. Annuals may be used to fill holes if needed as a 

short-term solution to achieve full garden beds, but the goal is to maintain vibrant 

beds full of perennials.

VG-14. Preserve upper perennial garden beds, configuration, historic varieties, 

and combinations.

The upper perennial garden was characterized by dense evergreen trees and 

shrubs through much of the period. In 1934, Cridland designed a new garden 

for this terrace with open lawn panels, flowering trees and shrubs, and long 

perennial borders flanking the central walk. His design also included new stone 

walls along these borders that had pockets planted with low, creeping, and 

cascading plants. Cridland specified forty-two different varieties for the perennial 

borders and another seventeen for the rock walls. Along the tops of the rock 

walls were long borders of periwinkle (Vinca minor) and plumbago (Ceratostigma 

plumbaginoides).

For this new perennial planting, Cridland chose low-growing alpine varieties 

with small flowers, fine foliage, and either a creeping or mounding habit. Most of 

the plants were less than eighteen inches high, with a few as high as two to two 

and a half feet for variety. Even more so than in the lower perennial garden, the 

groupings of plants in the upper perennial garden were small and numerous.

Cridland’s plan for the upper perennial garden was the last formal design drawn 

up for the formal gardens before the end of the period of significance. There is 

high confidence that the plan was implemented, if not exactly, at least in character. 

The plan is detailed in plant varieties, quantities, and location. The plan should 

thus serve as a strong guide in planting the upper perennial garden today. 
Treatment

229

Plant perennials in the long border beds along the central walkway of the upper 

perennial garden. Perennial varieties should be chosen, if possible, from the 

list provided by Cridland. Substitute species may be used provided they are 

low-growing with a tidy habit. Plants that tend to grow higher than about two 

feet or are bushy or un-kempt in character should be avoided. Perennials should 

be planted in small groups and divided regularly. Table 4.3 provides the list of 

perennials from Cridland’s plan, as well as existing perennials and perennials 

specified by the National Park Service’s 1941 Master Plan for comparison.

VG-14. Preserve lawn areas on the greenhouse terraces.

Small circular annual beds were located on the west side of the palm houses, near 

the gate. Visible in the historic aerial from the 1930s (see Figure 1.81), the beds 

were planted with annuals such as pelargonium. Planting beds also surrounded 

the palm houses and greenhouses (see Figure 1.23). These beds are no longer 

present and the area is covered with turf. These beds should not be restored as 

they would be out of context without the buildings, especially the beds that lined 

the foundations of the structures. An interpretive sign, such as the one outside of 

the gate on the west side of the garden can provide photographic interpretation of 

the lost structures.

VG-15. Preserve rose garden beds, configuration, historic varieties, and 

combinations.

Cridland arranged the roses in the rose garden by color and form, indicating 

a combination of tea, hybrid tea, standard, climbing, and polyantha bedding 

roses. The roses were arranged in blocks of color, with contrasting deep rich 

crimsons, light delicate pinks, strong yellows, and white blooms. The garden was 

largely symmetrical around its central axis in regard to color and arrangement, 

with the exception of alternating pink and yellow roses on the outer beds of the 

lower terrace. The roses were categorized in the beds according to form and 

rose classification. The center beds were filled with solid masses of single-color 

Polyantha roses, while the beds against the fences and walls contained climbing or 

rambler roses. The narrow beds in between contained blocks of tea or hybrid tea 

varieties. 

The rose garden today is planted in a mixture of modern and older rose varieties 

planted symmetrically around the central walkway. The colors represented are 

primarily shades of pink, with some white, red, or variations thereof. The roses are 

predominantly hybrid teas, with climbing roses planted along the retaining walls at 

the top of each terrace. Although the overall character of the rose garden is similar 

to what it exhibited during the historic period, the rose varieties, their placement, 

and the color scheme that Cridland established have changed. Changes to the rose 

garden planting plan can bring the garden closer to its historic conditions and 

serve to educate visitors on historic rose varieties and forms.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

230

Significant challenges hinder the complete restoration of the rose garden. These 

include the difficulty in obtaining historic rose varieties, the challenges of growing 

rose varieties that may not be suited to the Hyde Park climate, and the limited 

resources, personnel, and time available to cultivate high-maintenance varieties. 

Some of the roses listed in the historic plans and in the purchase ledgers would 

not survive the winter without protection or are susceptible to pests and diseases 

that make them difficult to grow. Vanderbilt had a staff of full-time gardeners and 

greenhouse facilities to care for the roses, as well as the money to replace roses 

that did not fare well, resources not available to the park or the volunteers that 

currently maintain the gardens. 

The following treatment recommendations for the rose garden focus on 

establishing and maintaining a character consistent with historic conditions and 

favoring historic varieties, colors, and arrangement, while allowing for flexibility 

to meet current maintenance resources. Emphasis is placed on reestablishing 

the color scheme indicated by Cridland and organizing the garden according 

to rose type and form. Secondary priority is on selecting roses that were either 

documented as present in the garden or were available during the historic period.

Organization

When Cridland laid out the rose garden in around 1916, he did not indicate the 

rose varieties on the original plan. Rather, he specified the arrangement of roses by 

form and color. The center beds held baby ramblers, or polyanthas. Tea and hybrid 

tea roses were placed in the narrow middle beds, and climbers or ramblers placed 

along the walls, fences, and fence piers. The beds around the edge of the garden, 

against the fence, were labeled “assorted.” Cridland also indicated standard roses 

within the center beds, but photographs suggest that these were not planted. To 

enhance the historic character of the gardens, plant the rose garden according to 

its historic organization of color and form.

Center Beds: The center beds on each terrace should be planted with red and 

white polyantha roses in solid masses of color. The two upper terrace beds should 

be red, as should the two western beds of the lower terrace. The two beds closest 

to the loggia should be planted with white polyanthas. Maintain these roses so that 

they fill the beds, with individual plants indistinguishable.

Narrow Geometric Beds: The narrow beds that surround the center beds should 

be planted with hybrid tea roses, tea roses, or roses of similar character in color 

blocks described below. These beds can serve to establish the historic character 

of the rose garden and showcase historic and heirloom roses. To that end, efforts 

should be made to be as faithful to historic conditions as feasible, favoring 

cultivars that were documented in the gardens, heirloom cultivars, or roses that 

have a character compatible with the historic period. 
Treatment

231

Perimeter Beds: The beds that enclose the perimeter of the rose garden terraces 

along the fence and retaining walls were labeled “assorted” in Cridland’s plan. 

The drawing that includes rose cultivars does not specify anything in these beds, 

and there is very little evidence to suggest how Cridland’s direction of “assorted” 

was implemented in the garden. It is not known, for instance, whether roses 

were grouped by color or cultivar or whether they were interspersed in smaller 

numbers. From the historic photos, the roses in the perimeter beds appear to be 

tea and hybrid tea roses, resembling in form the roses in the narrow geometric 

beds. In the absence of historical information regarding the contents of these 

beds, they may be utilized to add flexibility and variety to the rose garden. 

The beds may be used to test historic varieties for suitability to the climate, for 

example, or to grow roses of particular interest to the gardens, such as the yellowpeach hybrid tea rose ‘Mrs. Frederick W. Vanderbilt.’ 

Color

Figure 1.71 and Drawing 10 show the colors and locations that Cridland specified, 

categorized in the plan as red, pink, white, and yellow. Cross-referencing this plan 

with Figure 1.76, which indicates specific rose cultivars, gives an idea of how these 

colors were manifest in the garden.

Red: The red roses ranged from scarlet (‘Gruss an Teplitz’) and crimson (‘Hadley’) 

to deep pink (‘General MacArthur’). The red hybrid tea roses were placed around 

the fountain and in the easternmost beds of the upper rose terrace. Red baby 

ramblers also filled the center beds on both the upper and lower terrace.

Pink: The pink roses were mostly very pale or lilac pink, with some exhibiting a 

medium pink hue. Although they didn’t occupy more area within the garden, pink 

roses were represented by the greatest number of cultivars, with seven different 

roses indicated on the plan.

White: The four white roses indicated on the plan range from the pure white 

‘Kaiserin Augusta Victoria’ to creamy white roses tinged with pale yellow, such as 

‘Mrs. Herbert Stevens’ and ‘Molly Sharmon-Crawford.’

Yellow: The yellow roses show a variety of hues, including very pale yellow, 

apricot, salmon, and a deep orange-yellow.

To enhance the historic character of the rose garden, reestablish the color scheme 

indicated by Cridland by planting roses by color according to Drawing 10. Choose 

colors as described above, avoiding colors and combinations that were not 

represented in the gardens, such as variegated roses.

Form

The roses specified by Cridland fell into three primary categories: polyantha roses, 

climbing or rambler roses, and tea and hybrid tea roses. These rose forms were 

used in specific configurations in the garden.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

232

Polyantha Roses: Polyantha roses, referred to by Cridland as baby ramblers, were 

planted in the center beds of the lower rose terrace, and for part of the period also 

on the upper terrace. These were either white baby ramblers (Katharina Zeimet) 

or crimson baby ramblers, with each bed presenting a solid mass of color. The 

beds were between one and three feet high and densely planted. 

Today, polyantha roses are readily available and are successful in the Hyde Park 

climate. Continue to plant the center beds with polyantha roses in red and white 

according to Drawing 10. 

Climbing Roses and Ramblers: In his 1916 plan, Cridland indicated “Climbing 

roses” should be planted along the retaining walls and fence, and white climbing 

roses at each pier. Although he specified climbing roses, it is likely that he intended 

this as a generic term referring to roses with a climbing nature, rather than 

roses confined to the classification “climbers.” In his book, Practical Landscape 

Gardening, Cridland discusses climbing roses and lists a number of cultivars that 

fall into both the climber and rambler categories. 

Today, both climbers and ramblers are commercially available and would be 

successful in the garden. Plant climbing or rambler roses in all perimeter beds 

of the rose garden along the retaining walls and where the fence used to be. For 

the perimeter beds, provide inconspicuous climbing support in the form of rebar 

until such a time when the fence can be reconstructed (see treatment task BS-3). 

Assorted colors may be planted along the fence and walls, with white roses at each 

pier.

Tea/Hybrid Tea: With the exception of the center beds, which were planted in 

baby ramblers, and the perimeter, planted in climbing roses, the majority of the 

roses in the rose garden were tea and hybrid tea roses. These occupied the narrow 

geometric beds around the baby rambler beds, as well as the perimeter beds in 

front of the climbing roses. These were the showcase roses of the garden and 

were represented by numerous varieties in many shades of pink, red, white, and 

yellow. The focus of these beds was on the individual roses and not on the beds as 

a whole. Many of the historic photos of the rose garden show these beds as more 

sparse than other beds, with much of the soil visible between the twiggy roses.

Maintaining heirloom tea and hybrid tea roses in the garden at Vanderbilt 

Mansion presents significant challenges. Tea and hybrid tea roses that were 

available during the historic period are substantially different from hybrid tea 

roses that were developed in the last half of the twentieth century. Teas and early 

hybrid teas were shrubbier, with thin stems and large blooms. These roses were 

also not as cold-hardy as modern hybrid tea roses, and many would not survive a 

Hyde Park winter without significant protection. 

Nonetheless, in order to convey the historic character of the rose garden, it is 

important that these beds continue to be planted in heirloom hybrid teas or roses 

of similar character. The hardiest heirloom varieties should be sought out, with 
Treatment

233

emphasis on varieties documented in the plans and ledgers (varieties are discussed 

below). Rose varieties may be tested on a smaller scale in the perimeter beds, 

with successful roses being moved to the geometric beds and fitted into the color 

scheme outlined above. The hardiness of some of the roses may be extended by 

protecting the roses in place with mulching or burlap cover. 

In cases where heirloom hybrid tea or tea roses can not be found to fill a certain 

color, roses of other types may be chosen, such as shrub roses that bear the 

characteristics of the heirloom varieties. This is preferable to planting modern 

roses with characteristics typically not found in roses during the historic period.

Rose Cultivars

Although Cridland did not indicate rose cultivars in his drawing for the 

rose garden, a second plan, written in a different hand than Cridland’s, does 

indicate specific varieties that match Cridland’s color scheme (see Figure 1.76). 

Comparison of this plan with purchase ledgers suggests that these roses were 

indeed planted in the garden, perhaps among others. These roses provide a 

starting point in selecting roses for planting in the garden today and give a clear 

sense of the form and character of the roses that grew during the Vanderbilts’ time 

at Hyde Park.

The rose cultivars, indicated in Drawing 10, range in hardiness, with some suitable 

for growing in Hyde Park with minimal protection. Efforts should be made to 

obtain and grow these cultivars in the garden. Those that are successful should be 

planted in their historic arrangement according to the drawing. The cultivars that 

are marginally successful or that require additional effort in the form of protection 

or cultivation might be grown in smaller numbers in the perimeter beds. Even 

small numbers of historic rose cultivars can serve an interpretive purpose and help 

represent the garden’s historic character.

Annuals

Cridland’s 1916 plan for the loggia garden consisted entirely of roses in both the 

upper and lower terraces. Photos from the period, however, clearly show canna 

and other perennial and annual plants in some of the beds of the upper terrace. 

Alex Knauss recalled that all of the beds were originally planted with roses, 

but that in later years the upper level of the rose garden was changed to grow 

annuals as well, with roses around the edges, and around the side borders.2

 In 

the photos, canna is clearly visible in the center beds of the upper terrace along 

with annual bedding plants in the outer beds. Although the garden was likely in 

this configuration in 1938, the treatment date for the formal gardens, restoring 

the upper terrace to annual plantings may be considered an optional treatment 

approach. In keeping with the loggia garden’s primary historic role as a rose 

garden, in deference to Cridland’s original design and vision for the garden, and as 

an opportunity to interpret heirloom roses of the period, cultivation of the loggia 

garden in all roses is appropriate.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

234

VG-16. Preserve aquatic plants in the pool.

Historic photographs capture a number of aquatic plants in the pool. The plants, 

however, were never as dense as to eliminate the reflective qualities of the water. 

Entries in the purchasing ledgers indicated that a number of species were used 

during the Vanderbilt period. Some of the species used are now considered 

non-native invasive aquatics and should not be used given the proximity of natural 

areas such as Crum Elbow Creek. 

VG-17. Restore circle of turf around the boy dolphin fountain.

Historic photographs show that the fountain was once surrounded by a circular 

panel of turf and narrow walkway. This turf is now gone and the walkway is 

too wide. The small turf panel should be preserved to provide the historically 

appropriate setting for the fountain. 

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES

SS-1. Preserve and display garden ornaments in their historic locations.

During the historic period, the formal gardens were adorned with numerous 

decorative art objects, including sculptures, fountains, and antique pieces. These 

elements, many of which remain today, were in keeping with the design styles 

that characterized the formal gardens during the historic period. Their continued 

presence in their historic locations and contexts contribute to the historic 

character of the garden and should be preserved in situ whenever possible. 

Care of all objects within the gardens should follow the best practices for the 

conservation of historic objects. Experts in the conservation of stone, metal, cast 

stone, terra-cotta, and other materials should be consulted on the appropriate 

measures to ensure the survival of these objects. Measures may range from 

cleaning and protection to complete replication and removal of the original object 

to storage. 

The recommendations below focus on the historic placement, chronology, and 

context of each object and how the objects should be treated with respect to 

their role in the formal gardens. Any recommendations given for the treatment 

of the objects themselves, such as whether they should remain in the garden or 

be replaced with replicas, should be undertaken in consultation with a qualified 

conservator.

Semi-circular Terra-cotta Garden Seat

This elaborate, curved garden seat was likely located in the North Pergola during 

the historic period, although there are no historic photos showing the seat in this 

location. In the 1970s the seat was in the pergola, heavily weathered and damaged. 

The seat was subsequently removed to storage.
Treatment

235

If a complete casting can be made from the existing pieces of the garden seat, it 

should be replicated and placed in the north pergola. If a reasonably accurate copy 

cannot be made, the seat should remain in storage and not replaced in the pergola.

Marble Garden Vase

The existing garden vase was historically located between the two wings of the 

rose house on the south side. Figure 1.79 shows the vase in this location. An 

aerial photo from the late 1930s (see Figure 1.80) appears to show another object, 

possibly a matching vase, between the wings on the north side of the terrace. Only 

one vase survives today and is currently in storage. The top is separated from the 

base and there is minor damage and loss.

The vase may be repaired and placed back in the garden in its original location. 

The loss of the rose house will make locating the vase more difficult, and careful 

assessment should be made using historic plans and images to ensure proper 

placement. The loss of the rose house, however, also diminishes the historic 

context of the vase. The vase, therefore, would neither add significantly to the 

historic character should it be replaced, nor detract from the historic character 

should it not be replaced. The replacement of the vase is therefore optional and 

may be undertaken at the park’s discretion. The alternative option is place the 

vase indoors for display and interpretation, such as in a new museum space in the 

park’s Coach House. The vase should not be placed in the garden in any other 

location but its historic location. 

Should the vase be placed in the garden, appropriate protection and conservation 

measures should be taken to preserve the vase. 

Dolphin Benches

Six cast stone dolphin benches were originally located in the rose garden upon 

its completion in 1910. Three were placed along the top retaining wall along the 

western edge, one each against the north and south fence on the lower terrace, 

and one at the eastern terminus of the garden (see Figure 1.28). When the rose 

house was added in 1916, the bench that had been placed there was moved, but 

it is not known whether it was moved somewhere else in the garden or removed 

entirely. There is no record of a dolphin bench elsewhere in the garden. In 1934, 

when Cridland redesigned the upper perennial garden, he removed the walkway 

and stairs along the east edge of the terrace. In place of the stairs, he added a 

recess in the retaining wall in the northeast corner of the lower perennial garden, 

and in it he specified a wooden seat. One historic photo shows a bench in this 

location, but not with enough detail to determine if it is indeed a wooden bench 

or if perhaps the last dolphin bench was placed here.

Today the original benches are in storage, and six replicas are in the garden. Four 

are currently located in the rose garden with three along the top retaining wall and 

one along the south fence, all in their historic locations. One bench is located in 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

236

the recess at the northeast corner of the lower perennial garden, and one is near 

the south stair pergola in the southwest corner of the lower perennial garden. 

There is no record indicating a bench in this last location during the historic 

period.

The four replica benches in the rose garden should be retained in their current 

location. If the fence around the rose garden is reconstructed in its historic 

configuration, the bench near the south stair pergola should be moved to the 

north fence of the rose garden opposite the bench on the south fence (see Task 

BS-3). If the fence is not reconstructed, or if the fence is reconstructed with a gate 

at this location to maximize access to the garden, all benches should be retained in 

their current location.

Sandstone Finials

A total of six sandstone finials decorated the palm house terrace during the 

historic period. These finials were of two similar designs. Four identical finials 

marked the central entrance walkway between the two palm houses, with two 

flanking the path to the west of the houses and two flanking the path to the east at 

the top of the steps leading down to the fountain terrace. Two finials of a slightly 

different design marked the eastern corners of the terrace so that they, along with 

the two at the top of the steps, formed a line along the eastern edge of the terrace. 

The finials were large, between four and five feet tall and twenty-four inches 

across at their widest point.

Today the finials remain on the palm house terrace, but are badly weathered and 

are in a number of pieces. It also appears that there is significant loss of material, 

and it is unclear how many complete finials could be assembled from the pieces 

and of which design. Assessment should be made to determine the status of the 

remaining pieces and whether complete models can be assembled. If complete 

models can be assembled using the existing pieces, cast copies may be made and 

placed in their historic locations. As with the vases on the rose house terrace, 

however, replication of the finials is not crucial for the historic character of the 

gardens, as the loss of the palm houses has diminished the historic context of 

the finials. The alternative option is to remove the finials to a location indoors 

for display and interpretation, such as a new museum space in the park’s Coach 

House.

Marble Corinthian Capitals

Two Corinthian capitals were located in the formal gardens during the historic 

period. Photos from early in the period show the two capitals along the center line 

of the walkway in the lower perennial gardens near the reflecting pool. It doesn’t 

appear that the capitals were there for very long, since the majority of the photos 

of the perennial gardens do not show the capitals. One of the capitals was moved 

to the central circular bed in the upper annual garden, where it remained for the 

rest of the historic period. The second capital appears in an aerial taken in the late 
Treatment

237

1930s on the south edge of the palm house terrace. It is likely that the capital was 

moved here at the same time the first capital was moved to the annual bed.

Both capitals remain today in their historic locations. In the upper annual garden, 

the capital is situated at the center of the middle bed, mounted on a bluestone slab 

and raised on stacked bricks, so that during the growing season about two-thirds 

of the capital is visible above the tall plantings. Comparison to historic photos 

indicates that this is similar to its historic configuration. The capital shows some 

weathering and damage. On the palm house terrace, the other capital is mounted 

on a bluestone slab directly on the ground. No historic photos show this capital to 

verify this configuration, but it is likely at least similar to historic conditions. The 

bluestone paver on which the capital rests is unlevel, and one side is covered with 

turf grass. 

Both capitals should be retained in their current locations, or alternatively, 

replicated, with the replicas returned to the garden in current locations. The 

capital on the palm house terraces should be leveled and placed on a larger 

bluestone paver or on a square concrete paver, providing approximately six inches 

of base on all sides of the capital. This will help keep grass away from the capital 

and prevent damage from edging and other lawn maintenance. Appropriate 

protection and conservation measures should be taken to preserve the capitals.

Boy and Dolphin Fountain

The white marble fountain featuring a figure of a boy, or putto, with a dolphin in a 

scallop shell basin is located on the fountain terrace below the palm house terrace. 

It is not known when the fountain was acquired; the fountain does not appear 

in earlier photos of the gardens, such as the circa 1905 photo of the greenhouses 

(Figure 1.20), but appears in a photo taken a few years later after the construction 

of the rose house (see Figure 1.22). 

The fountain should be retained in its current location, and appropriate 

protection and conservation measures should be taken to ensure the fountain’s 

preservation.

Homer Terra-cotta Faux Wellhead

A late nineteenth-century Italian terra-cotta faux wellhead, located in the north 

pergola, features scenes depicting the death of Homer in bas relief. This wellhead 

does not appear in any historic photos before the 1970s, but since no photos show 

the interior of the north pergola, it is likely that the wellhead was located in the 

pergola during the historic period.

The wellhead should be retained in its current location.

Wellhead and Cistern in Upper Perennial Garden

Two decorative objects, a late-nineteenth-century terra-cotta wellhead with 

ornamental wrought-iron overthrow and an antique Roman marble cistern, are 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

238

located at the south end of the upper perennial garden. Although it is not known 

when these objects were placed in the garden, the overthrow of the wellhead is 

visible in a photo taken around 1922, and both objects are visible in photos from 

the 1930s. It is believed that the wellhead and cistern are in their historic locations.

The wellhead and cistern should be retained in their current locations. 

Appropriate conservation measures should be undertaken for both objects to 

ensure their preservation, including the repair, removal of rust, and repainting of 

the wrought-iron overthrow.

Antonio Galli Sculpture

The mid-nineteenth-century Italian white marble sculpture of an odalisque by 

Antonio Galli is located within the pool house at the south end of the lower 

perennial garden overlooking the reflecting pool. The sculpture was not installed 

in 1903 when the pool house was built, but it appears in photos from at least the 

1910s. A 1911 entry in the purchase ledgers for a marble base for the “Italian 

Garden Statue” may have been for this sculpture. Often referred to affectionately 

as Barefoot Kate, the sculpture was featured prominently in the garden for much 

of the historic period.

Today, the sculpture remains in its historic location overlooking the pool. The 

sculpture shows signs of damage, including a broken fan, broken finger, and 

other chips and staining. The sculpture should be retained in its current location, 

and appropriate conservation measures should be employed to ensure its 

preservation.

Orpheus Fountain

The fountain, featuring a statue of Orpheus with a dolphin in a scallop shell 

fountain basin, adorned the rose garden fountain from 1925 until it was removed 

to storage in 2005. At that time the fountain was showing signs of extensive 

erosion and damage and was removed for its protection. 

The Orpheus fountain should be replicated and placed in the rose garden fountain 

pool. This should be done in conjunction with the repair of the fountain pool 

basin (Task BS-12). The fountain should be maintained in working order and 

operated during the growing season.

SS-2. Restore plants in containers near the pool and loggia. 

Historic photographs show bay plants in containers (see Figure 1.56, 1.67, and 

1.73). From the photos, there appear to have been six plants in containers placed 

in pairs at the north pergola, the pool at the south end of the lower perennial 

garden, and at the rose house. Two additional potted bays were specified to be 

placed at the retaining wall between the upper and lower perennial gardens by 

Cridland in 1934, but these do not appear in any photos. 
Treatment

239

The plants were large, more than eight feet tall in some photos, and were 

planted in large containers approximately eighteen inches high by twenty-four 

inches wide. Although the historic photos do not show a great deal of detail, the 

containers appear to be nearly straight sided wooden barrel containers, with 

vertical staves and metal hoops. The containers are dark in color and may have 

been painted. The containers were replaced over the years as the trees grew and 

the barrels aged, but they all appear to be of similar style and dimensions.

The six bay shrubs in containers should be reinstated in the gardens at the north 

pergola, pool, and rose house (see task VG-10). Containers should be wooden 

barrel tubs with metal hoops as described above. Historic photos should be 

consulted for specifics on container style and plant location. Pot liners of plastic 

or other material may be used within the barrels to maximize the longevity of 

the containers, and the wooden barrels should be replaced periodically as they 

weather.

SS-3. Repaint or replace non-historic benches.

There are eleven non-historic wood and metal benches located throughout the 

gardens. The benches, previously painted green, have recently been painted black. 

The black paint, however, has already started to flake off, revealing the green paint 

underneath. Furthermore, the black paint may become hot in the summer sun. 

To alleviate these problems, the benches should be sanded or stripped of all loose 

paint, primed, and then repainted. Despite the heat problem, dark or drab colors 

are preferable to light colors to help reduce the visual presence of the benches. 

Brown or a medium gray may reduce the solar heating effect.

Alternatively, the benches may be replaced with a more compatible design that 

would also eliminate many of the maintenance issues with the current benches. 

As a replacement, choose light-colored concrete benches of a traditional style 

and simple decoration. The backless benches should be about six feet long with 

a concrete bench and concrete pedestal supports. These benches would prove 

durable and would not require regular painting and would be substantial yet 

moveable, should the park choose to reconfigure them within the gardens. Such 

benches would also be more compatible with the historic character without 

being confused with historic features. Figure 4.3 illustrates a possible conceptual 

design for a concrete bench, and Appendix G offers a sample source for procuring 

benches.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

240

Figure 4.3. Conceptual drawing of 

a concrete bench (OCLP 2011).
Treatment

241

ENDNOTES

1 Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites General Management Plan, National Park Service, 2010.

2 Alex Knauss, oral interview, transcript on file at Vanderbilt Mansion NHS Archives.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

242
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 6

NORTH

0 50 100 FEET

Trees

Shrubs

Lawn

Perennial Beds

Annual Beds

Rose Beds

Water Feature

Wooden Trellis

LEGEND

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All vegetation shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Planting bed graphics are representational and do not 

indicate species or arrangement.

3. Feature and terrace names indicated are those in current 

use.

BS-1. Stabilize and repair eroded brick walls and 

pointing.

BS-2. Rebuild missing section of garden 

wall.

BS-3. Rebuild fence 

around the rose garden.

BS-4. Repair and replace pergola wooden timber 

elements.

BS-5. Repair Pool House roof.

BS-7. Reconstruct missing gate.

BS-10. Provide uniform placement of irrigation 

heads.

BS-11. Restore rose garden 

fountain bowl and install replica 

of Orpheus fountain.

BS-12. Preserve and maintain 

electric supplies and plumbing 

fixtures for fountains.

VG-7: Preserve redbud and dogwood 

grove.

VG-8. Protect the garden area 

and individual plants from 

browsing deer.

VG-9. Preserve and manage vines in areas as 

designated on historic plans.

VG-10. Restore plants in containers near 

the pool, north pergola, and loggia.

VG-11. Plant upper and lower annual gardens with 

a varying palette of flowering annuals in solid, 

single-color beds.

VG-14. Preserve lawn areas on the greenhouse 

terraces.

VG-16. Preserve aquatic plants in the pool.

VG-17. Restore circle of 

turf around the boy and 

dolphin fountain.

UPPER

ROSE

GARDEN

LOWER

ROSE

GARDEN

UPPER

PERENNIAL

GARDEN

LOWER

PERENNIAL 

GARDEN

UPPER

ANNUAL

GARDEN

LOWER

ANNUAL

GARDEN

ROSE 

HOUSE

TERRACE

PALM

HOUSE

TERRACE

CARNATION HOUSE

TERRACE

FOUNTAIN 

TERRACE

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Treatment Plan

Rose Garden Shrubs

Sources

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

3. Aerial Photograph, 1943

Notes

1. All features shown in appoximate 

scale and location.

2. Recommendations are based on 

the 1910 plan by Thomas Meehan 

and Sons and the 1916 alterations to 

this plan by Robert Cridland.

3. Plant heights indicate 

approximate desired mature height.

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

for L a n d sca p e Pr e s e r va t i on

Drawing 7

NORTH

0 30 60

FEET

20

19

17

18

16

15

13

2

1

6

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

14

12

10

21 22

23 24

25

26 27

28

29

Planting Key

1. Pinus mugho, 2’-2.5’

2. Juniperus communis, 1.5’-2’

3. Juniperus communis, 3’-4’

4. Symphoricarpos racemosus, 3’-4’

5. Ilex crenata, 1.5’-2’

6. Symphoricarpos racemosus, 3’-4’

7. Ilex crenata, 1.5’-2’

8. Philadelphus grandiflora, 5’-6’

9. Juniperus pfitzeriana, 3’-4’

10. Deutzia ‘Pride of Rochester,’ 4’-5’

11. Cornus alba, 3’-4’

12. Ilex crenata, 1.5’-2’

13. Euonymus alatus, 3’-4’

14. Aralia pentaphylla, 3’-4’

15. Viburnum lantana, 4’-5’

16. Viburnum dentatum, 4’-5’

17. Ligustrum ibota, 4’-5’

18. Rhus aromatica3’-4’

19. Deutzia ‘Pride of Rochester,’ 5’-6’

20. Crateagus oxycantha, 5’-6’

21. Crateagus oxycantha, 5’-6’

22. Pyrus japonica, 5’-6’

23. Spirea vanhouttei, 3’-4’

24. Philadelphus coronaris, 5’-6’

25. Symphoricarpos racemosus, 3’-4’

26. Weigela ‘Eva Rathke,’ 3’-4’

27. Abies balsamea, 3’-4’

28. Forsythia suspensa, 3’-4’

29. Ilex crenata, 1.5’-2’

VG-6: Reinstate garden surround shrubs.

Drawn By

John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2008

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan

Upper Perennial Garden 

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 8

NORTH

0 15 30 FEET

Trees

Lawn

Perennials

Vine-covered Trellis

Shrubs

LEGEND

Annual Beds

Groundcover

Roses

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Planting bed graphics are representational and do not 

indicate species or arrangement.

3. Feature and terrace names indicated are those in current 

use.

Prunus serrulata “Kwanzan” 

or similar

Prunus serulata ‘Amanogawa’

Pyramidal arborvitae Hibiscus syriacus, blue or violet variety

Honeysuckle

Potted bay trees

Hydrangea paniculata

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides 

and Vinca minor

Delphinium and Lilium 

candidum

Perennials, various

VG-3. Reinstate juniper shrubs on slopes 

on north and west sides of the lower 

perennial garden.

VG-4. Reinstate double arborvitae hedge around the 

path on the lower annual terrace.

BS-9. Preserve drainage features, including side 

drains, French drains, and weep holes.

BS-8. Preserve field stone 

walls.

VG-13. Preserve perennial garden beds, 

configuration, historic varieties and combinations in 

the lower perennial garden.

VG-1. Reinstate upper perennial garden 

shrubs.

VG-2. Reinstate hedge at southern end of upper 

perennial garden.

VG-5. Maintain flowering cherries in historic locations.VG-14. Preserve perennial garden beds, configuration, historic varieties and combinations in the upper 

perennial garden.

VG-9. Preserve and manage vines in areas as 

designated on historic plans.

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan

Lower Annual Garden 

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 9

NORTH

0 15 30 FEET

Perennials

Shrubs

Trees

Lawn

Vine-covered Trellis

Water

Ferns

LEGEND

Annual Beds

Groundcover

Roses

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Planting bed graphics are representational and do not 

indicate species or arrangement.

3. Feature and terrace names indicated are those in 

current use.

VG-12. Enlarge wing-shaped beds in lower annual 

garden.

Existiing bed outline

BS-6. Reconstruct wire 

arches on east side of 

annual gardens.

VG-4. Reinstate double arborvitae 

hedge around the path on the 

lower annual terrace. BS-2. Rebuild missing section of garden 

wall.

BS-4. Repair and replace pergola 

wooden timber elements.

Leave gaps in hedges and 

shrubs for mower access.

VG-9. Preserve and 

manage vines in areas as 

designated on historic 

plans.

5’

4’

4’

VG-11. Plant upper and lower annual gardens with 

a varying palette of flowering annuals in solid, 

single-color beds.

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan

Rose Garden 

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY

John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 10

NORTH

0 15 30 FEET

Trees

Shrubs

Lawn

Perennial Beds

Annual Beds

Rose Beds

Water Feature

Wooden Trellis

LEGEND

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. Substitutions may be made for the indicated rose 

varieties. Substitution varieties should be consistent in 

color and habit as the variety being replaced.

2. Where color is not indicated on the plan, assorted colors 

may be used.

3. Assorted Hybrid Tea roses should be planted in the 

border beds where indicated. Rose choice should favor 

heirloom varieties that were available before 1938.

4. Climbing roses should be planted along all walls and 

fences as indicated. White varieties should be planted 

at piers.

VG-15. Preserve rose garden beds, configuration, 

historic varieties and combinations.

1

1 6

7

7

6

3

4

2

8

12 17 19 7

7

5

7

9

16

15

20 21

20

15

16

9

21

10

14

14

10

7

5

1

1

18 19 13 11

8

2

4

3

White Climbing Roses Climbing roses along the fence; white varieties at all piers.

Climbing roses along the fence; 

white varieties at all piers.

Assorted Hybrid Tea and Hybrid Perpetual roses in border beds.

Assorted Hybrid Tea and Hybrid 

Perpetual roses in border beds.

Rose Planting Key

Red

1. Crimson Baby Rambler

2. Hadley

3. Gruss an Teplitz

4. General MacArthur

5. Hoosier Beauty

White

6. White Baby Rambler (Catherine Zeimet)

7. Kaiserin Augusta Victoria

8. Mrs. Herbert Stevens

9. Molly Sharman Crawford

10. William R. Smith

Pink

11. La Tosca

12. Lady Ashtown

13. Jonkheer J.L. Mock

14. Viscountess Folkstone

15. Mme. Abel Chatenay

16. Mme. Jules Grolez

17. Farbenkonigen

Yellow

18. Harry Kirk

19. Lady Hillingdon

20. Mrs. Aaron Ward

21. Mme. Ravary

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion 

Formal Gardens

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan 

Small-Scale Features

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 

2. USGS Map, 1946

DRAWN BY: John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2011

Drawing 11

NORTH

0 50 100 FEET

 

Ol m s t e d

Ce n t e r

f o r L a n d sca p e Pr e s e rvat i on

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location.

2. Planting bed graphics are representational and do not 

indicate species or arrangement.

3. Feature and terrace names indicated are those in current 

use.

Trees

Shrubs

Lawn

Perennial Beds

Annual Beds

Rose Beds

Water Feature

Wooden Trellis

LEGEND

CR-1. Preserve historic circulation path network and 

width.

CR-2. Stabilize walkway 

surfaces.

CR-4. Add handrails 

to steps.

CR-5. Stabilize crumbling and cracked 

concrete near the tool house.

CR-6. Reset metal edges that 

are tripping hazards.

CR-7. Preserve 

wheeled cart 

access to the 

formal gardens.

CR-8. Retain parking 

and service area south of 

gardens.

CR-9. Provide occasional 

service parking along the 

west side of the gardens.

SS-1. Preserve and display garden ornaments in their 

historic locations.

SS-2. Restore plants in 

containers near the pool and 

loggia. 

CR-3. Repair steps.

Semi-circular Terra-Cotta Garden Seat

Marble Garden 

Vases

Non-historic 

Benches

Dolphin Benches

Dolphin Bench

Dolphin Bench 

Alternate Placement B Dolphin Bench 

Alternate Placement A

Sandstone Finials

Marble Corinthian 

Capital

Marble Corinthian 

Capital

Boy and Dolphin 

Fountain

Homer Terra-Cotta Faux Wellhead

Wellhead and Cistern in Upper Perennial 

Garden

Odalisque

Orpheus Fountain

Bay Planters

Bay Planters

Bay Planters

Appendix A

255

APPENDIX A: ESTATE PURCHASE LEDGERS

The following table lists all purchases for plants and other garden-related items found in the estate purchase ledgers 

from 1901 to 1939 in chronological order.

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1901 10-31 12 Chrysanthemums ($1.20) Sold to TH Howard Bk 17, P. 30

1901 10-31 12 Chrysanthemums ($1.20) Sold to E. Burnett Bk 17, P. 30

1901 10-31 24 Chrysanthemums ($2.40) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 30

1901 10-31 2611 Roses ( $78.33) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 30

At $.03 each, these may 

be cut roses instead of rose 

plants

1901 10-31 48 Roses ($1.44) Sold to TH Howard Bk 17, P. 30

1901 10-31 9 Chrysanthemums ($.90) Sold to E. H. Wales Bk 17, P. 30

1901 11-11 100 Chrysanthemums ($12.50) Sold to VF Lichtenhan Bk 17, P. 43

1901 11-30 108 Chrysanthemums ($10.80) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 12 Chrysanthemums ($3) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 18 Chrysanthemums ($1.80) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 200 Chrysanthemums ($20) Sold to VF Lichtenhan Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 2554 Roses ($76.62) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 62

At $.03 each, these may 

be cut roses instead of rose 

plants

1901 11-30 29 Carnations ($.29)

Dianthus sp. Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 3 Chrysanthemums ($2.25) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 36 Chrysanthemums ($3.60) Sold to T.H. Howard Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 54 Roses ($1.62) Sold to T.H. Howard Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 7 Chrysanthemums ($10.50) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 74 Gardenias ($11.10) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 62

1901 11-30 2 Chrysanthemums ($3) Sold to US Agor Bk 17, P. 63

1901 11-30 24 Roses ($.75) Sold to US Agor Bk 17, P. 63

1901 12-09 Roses E. Burnett Bk 12, p. 8 Bouquet 

1901 12-09 Roses ($.84) E. Burnett Bk 12, P. 8

1901 12-14 200 Chrysanthemums ($20) (To) Lichtenhan Bk 12, p. 8

1901 12-31 Roses ($2.88) E Burnett Bk 12, P. 10

1901 12-31 119 Roses ($3.57) Sold to TH Howard Bk 17, P. 85

1901 12-31 1460 Roses ($43.80) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 85

1901 12-31 169 Carnations ($1.69)

Dianthus sp. Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 85

1901 12-31 24 Carnations ($.24)

Dianthus sp. Sold to TH Howard Bk 17, P. 85

1901 12-31 329 Gardenias ($49.35) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 85

1901 12-31 343 Roses ($10.29) Sold to Mr. Vanderbilt Bk 17, P. 85

1901 12-31 40 Carnations ($.40)

Dianthus sp. Sold to Mr. Vanderbilt Bk 17, P. 85

1901 12-31 6 Gardenias ($.90) Sold to Mr. Vanderbilt Bk 17, P. 85

1902 01-31 1009 Roses ($30.27) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 100

1902 01-31 282 Gardenias ($42.30) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 100

1902 01-31 336 Carnations ($3.36)

Dianthus sp. Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 100

1902 01-31 12 Gardenias ($1.80) Sold to Mr. Vanderbilt Bk 17, P. 101

1902 01-31 156 Roses ($4.68)) Sold to Mr. Howard Bk 17, P. 101

1902 01-31 24 Carnations ($.24)

Dianthus sp. Sold to Mr. Vanderbilt Bk 17, P. 101

1902 01-31 244 Roses ($7.32) Sold to Mr. Vanderbilt Bk 17, P. 101

1902 01-31 65 Carnations ($.65)

Dianthus sp. Sold to Mr. Howard Bk 17, P. 101

1902 02-01 1 oz Marvel of Peru Mix R & J Farquhar Co Bk 17, P. 106

Marvel of Peru is a mix 

of six different colors of 

Mignonette

1902 02-20 2 pk Arnebia Carnuta ($.50)

Arabian Primrose R & J Farquhar Co Bk 17, P. 115

1902 02-20 3 pk Heliotrope ($.15) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 17, P. 115

1902 02-26 100 Roses ($3) Sold to E.H. Wales Bk 17, P. 115
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

256

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1902 02-26 137 Gardenias ($20.55) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 115

1902 02-26 372 Carnations ($3.72)

Dianthus sp. Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 115

1902 02-26 872 Roses ($26.16) Sold to WG Saltford Bk 17, P. 115

1902 03-17 12 Carnations ($.12)

Dianthus sp. Bk 12, P. 18

1902 03-29 12 Carnation HT Briggs ($.12)

Dianthus HT Briggs HT Briggs? Bk 12, P. 18

1902 03-31 1285 Roses ($38.55) Sold to W. G. Saltford Bk 17, P. 130

1902 03-31 188 Roses ($5.64) Sold to TH Howard Bk 17, P. 130

1902 03-31 24 Carnations ($.24)

Dianthus sp. Sold to TH Howard Bk 17, P. 130

1902 03-31 4 lbs Sweet Peas

Lathyrus odoratus R V J Farquhar Co Bk 17, P. 130

1902 03-31 403 Carnations ($4.03)

Dianthus sp. Sold to W. G. Saltford Bk 17, P. 130

1902 03-31 44 Gardenias ($6.60) Sold to W. G. Saltford Bk 17, P. 130

1902 04-01 300 Pachysandra terminalis ($18) W A Manda Bk 17, P. 135

1902 04-03 3 Trees (Maples) ($50)

Acer sp. Mrs. J. S. Gilbert Bk 17, P. 146

2 Trees have been moved. 

3 to be moved within 12 

months

1902 04-17 Shrubs ($2) E.L. Brardman Bk 12, P. 23

1902 04-19 25 Cornelian Cherry ($2.50)

Cornus mas Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 25 Golden Bell ($1.75)

Forsythia ‘Golden Bell’ Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 25 Hydrangea ($2.25) Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 25 Japanese Snowball ($3.75)

Viburnum plicatum Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 25 Mist Bush ($2.75)

Cotinus sp. Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

Referred to as “Cotinus, 

Mist Bush” in Meehan & 

Sons catalog

1902 04-19 25 Red Twigged Dogwood ($2)

Cornus alba, stolonifera, or sericea Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 25 Rosa rogosa white ($2.75) Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 25 Rosa rugosa red ($2.75) Thos Muhan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 25 Spiraea ‘Anthony Waterer’ ($4.50)

Spiraea x bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’ Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147 Magenta flowers

1902 04-19 25 Spiraea reevesii ($2.50) Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147 Double flowering spirea

1902 04-19 25 White flowered dogwood ($5)

Cornus florida Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 50 Bush Honeysuckle ($5)

Lonicera Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 50 Deutzia gracilis ($5) Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 50 Japanese Barberry ($7.50)

Berberis thunbergii Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 04-19 50 Lilac Rothomagensis ($4)

Syringa chinensis ‘Red Rothomagensis’ Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 17, P. 147

1902 05-01 84 Roses ($2.52) Bk 12, 24

1902 05-01 38 Carnation ($.38)

Dianthus sp. Mr. Esterbrook Bk 12, p. 24

1902 05-20 Forget-me-not Elisa Fourobert !1/2 oz H Briggs Bk 11, p. 20

1902 05-20 Antirrhinum tall mixed 1 oz

Snapdragon H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Arabis Alpina 1oz

Rockcress H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Cyclamen Persicum mixed 2 pkts H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Eschscholzia mixed 1oz

Californian poppy H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Foxglove mixed 1 oz

Digitalis H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Hardy phlox Hybrids mixed H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Helenium bigelovii pk

Sneezeweed H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4 Yellow herbaceous perennial

1902 05-20 Helianthus x multiflorus fl pk 2 pkts

Sunflower H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Ipomaea grandiflora noctiflora 1 pkt

Morning glory H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4 Climber
Appendix A

257

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1902 05-20 Ipomaea sinseata 1 pkt

Morning glory H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4 Climber

1902 05-20 Ipomoea imperialis1 pkt

Morning glory H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4 Climber

1902 05-20

Lathyrus latifolius 1 pkt red & 1 pkt 

Mixed

Perennial Sweet Pea red

H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4 Climber 

1902 05-20 Mignonette common sweet 1oz H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Mina Lobata 1 pkt

Firecracker vine, Spanish Flag H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Nasturtium climbing mixed 1oz 

Tropaeolum H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Penstemon mixed 2 pkts H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Platycodon grandiflora mixed 2pkts H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4 herbaceous perennial

1902 05-20 Primula sinensis rosea and alba 1 pkt 

of each H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

Possibly for display in 

Mansion may have been 

used as bedding display

1902 05-20 Sweet peas mixed 1

Lathyrus odoratus H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Sweet William mixed 2 pkts

Dianthus barbatus H Briggs Bk 11, p. 4

1902 05-20 Cyclamen Coum 2oz H Briggs Bkk 11, p. 4

More likely to have been 

used outside in the ground, 

deep rose, pale pink7 white 

colors were available at this 

time

1902 08-02 500 Roman Hyacinths Bobbin & Atkins) Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 100 Daffodils, Sir Watkin Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17 large daffodil, entirely 

yellow

1902 08-02 1000 Daffodils Poeticus Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 1000 Hyacinthus botryoides blue Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 1000 Scilla siberica

Bluebell Siberian Siberian squill Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02

1000 Triteleia uniflora

Spring Star flower, Trumpet lily, Ipheion 

uniflorum

Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 12 Ismene calathea

Peruvian daffodil Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 200 Daffodils Major Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 2000 Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 24 Dielytia spectabilis

Dicentra spectabilis Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 300 Paper White Narcissus Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 50 Hyacinths, Baroness Van Tuyll Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17 Single light blue

1902 08-02 50 Hyacinths, General Pelissier Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17 Exhibition variety, light blue

1902 08-02 500 Daffodils Incomparable Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 500 Daffodils Van Sion Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17 Double narcissius

1902 08-02 500 Gladiolus ‘The Bride’ Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11 p. 17

1902 08-02 100 Callas Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11, p. 17

Can be made to flower in 

winter by resting during the 

summer, ie dried and stored

1902 08-02 100 Montbretia crocosmiiflora

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11, p. 17

1902 08-02 100 Spiraea astilbe

Astilbe sp. Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11, p. 17

1902 08-02 1000 Freesias Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11, p. 17

1902 08-02 12 Incarvillea Delavagii

Garden Gloxinia Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11, p. 17

1902 08-02 2000 Crocus, blue Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11, p. 17

1902 08-02 2000 Crocus, yellow Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11, p. 17

1902 08-02 2000 Snowdrops

Galianthus Bobbin & Atkins Bk 11, p. 17

1902 08-02 Lilium Harrisii 7 to 9 in 3 legged 

Bermuda lily Clucas & Boddington Bk 11, p. 17

1902 08-16 1 oz Wallflower Blood Red

Cheiranthus sp. Farquhar Bk 11, p. 20

1902 08-16 1 oz Wallflower Primrose yellow

Cheiranthus sp. Farquhar Bk 11, p. 20
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

258

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1902 08-16 Daisy 2 pkts double rose

Leucanthemum, Chrysanthemum Farquhar Bk 11, p. 20

1902 08-16 Daisy 2 pkts double white

Leucanthemum, Chrysanthemum Farquhar Bk 11, p. 20

1902 08-16 Special mixture pansies 1⁄4 oz

Viola sp. Farquhar Bk 11, p. 20

1902 08-28 1 oz Broussonetia papyrifera

Paper mulberry Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-23

Deciduous tree growing to 

50 ft tall, fruit is edible and 

very sweet

1902 08-28 1 oz Clethra alnifolia

Summer sweet pepper bush Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-3

1902 08-28 1 oz Colutea arborescens

Bladder Senna Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-3

1902 08-28 1 oz Hedera Helix

English ivy Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-3

1902 08-28 1 oz Kalmia latifolia

Mountain Laurel Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-3

1902 08-28 1 oz Rhus cotinus

Cotinus coggygria Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-3

1902 08-28 1 oz Ribes sangeuinea Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-3

1902 08-28 1 oz Ulex Europaea

Common Gorse Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-3

1902 08-28 1 oz Pyrus arbutifolia Thorburn & Co. Bk 11, p. 22-3

1902 10-23 1,000 Yellow Crocuses Bobbink & Atkins Bk 11, p. 28

1903 01-16 Adonis vernalis

False hellebore; Spring Adonis Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35 Yellow flowered sprind flowering perennial 

1903 01-16 Alstroemeria aurantiaca

Lily Peruvian Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Anthericum liliago

St Bernard’s Lily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35 white flowers, 2 to 3 feet 

high. 

1903 01-16 Aquilegia chrysantha 

Golden columbine Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35 Yellow flowers

1903 01-16

Aretolis grandis 

African Daisy

(Arctotis stoechadifolia)

Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35 White flowers with blue 

center tipped with yellow

1903 01-16

Aristolochia siphon 

Dutchman’s pipe

(Aristolochia macrophylla)

Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35 Visible in some of the 

historic garden images

1903 01-16 Asphodelus luteus

Yellow Asphodel Flower of Hades Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35 2-4 feet high, yellow flowers in May & June

1903 01-16

Bocconia japonica

Plume poppy

(Macleaya cordata)

Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Campanula mariesii

Bellflower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35 Short blue variety with single flowers

1903 01-16 Cyperus papyrus

Papyrus sedge Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Delphinium hybrids Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Dictamus Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Echinops ritro

Small globe thistle Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Eryngium amethystinum

Amethyst sea holly Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Eucalyptus globules 

Blue gum Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Heliopsis

False sunflower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Hunnemannia fumariifolia 

Mexican Tulip Poppy Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Leptosyne maritime

Sea dahlia Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35 Perennial herb

1903 01-16 Liatris spicata

Blazing Star Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35

1903 01-16 Aconitum Napellus

Turk’s-cap; garden monkshood Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35- showy blue flowers produced on spikes

1903 01-16 Achillea Ptarmica ‘The Pearl’

Bride flower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-

36

White flowered hardy 

perennial

1903 01-16 Calceolaria

Lady’s purse; slipper flower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-

36
Appendix A

259

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 01-16 Calliopsis atrosanguinea

Calliopsis crimson Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-36

Crismon suitable for 

bedding

1903 01-16 Calliopsis grandiflora Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-

36

Cutflower brilliant golden 

flower

1903 01-16 Calliopsis lanceolata

Lance-leaved Coreopsis Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-36

1903 01-16 Candytuft carmine

Iberis sempervirens Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-36

1903 01-16

Centaurea montana

Cornflower perennial; Batchelors 

buttons

Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Dianthus Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Eschscholzia californica

Californinan poppy Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Gloxinea Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Helianthus cucumerifolia

Sunflower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Helianthus cucumerifolia stella

Sunflower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Helianthus Maximiliana

Sunflower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Helichrysum

Straw flower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Lobelia speciosa

Lobelia Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Malope grandiflora rose

Mallow wort Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Nigella Damascena

Love-in-a-mist Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Poppy coccineum

Poppy Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Poppy Glaucum

Tulip Poppy Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6 Well adapted for edging as 

only gets 15 inches high

1903 01-16 Poppy Shirley

Papaver rhoeas Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Ricinus Cambodgensis

Castor oil plant Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6 Black stems, 5 feet high

1903 01-16 Ricinus Gilsoni mirabilis

Castor oil plant Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6 Deep red foliage , 5 feet high

1903 01-16 Ricinus sanguineus

Castor oil plant Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6 Red stalks and fruit, 8 feet high

1903 01-16 Ricinus zanzibariensis

Castor oil plant Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6 Green leaved can grow to 20 feet

1903 01-16 Cosmos Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Malope grandiflora rose Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Petunia Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Primula stellata

Primrose Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Statice

Sea Lavender Farquhar Bk 11, p. 35-6

1903 01-16 Lychnis viscaria splendens

German Catchfly Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Morina elegans Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Nelumbium kermesinum

Lotus Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36 Aquatic plant Light rose color

1903 01-16 Nelumbium luteum

American Lotus; Chinkapin Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36 Sulpher yellow blooms

1903 01-16 Nelumbium speciosum Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36 Indigo flowers

1903 01-16 Nymphaea hybrid

Waterlily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Nymphaea stellata

Waterlily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Oenothera lamarckiana

Evening primrose Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Paeony mixed

Peony Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Phlox decussate

Phlox perennial Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

260

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 01-16 Pyrethrum atrosanguineum

Painted Daisy Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36 Single dark red flowers

1903 01-16 Rudbeckia newmanii

Compact Black eye Susan Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Rudbeckia purpurea

Purple cone flower Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Scabious scarlet Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Scabious white Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Solanum robustum

Shrubby nightshade Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Stevia Lindleyana Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16

Toutomia uveria

(Kniphofia uvaria)

Red Hot Poker

Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16 Trollius Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36

1903 01-16

Andropogon argenteus

(Andropogon saccharoides)

Silver Beard Grass

Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-

37

Ornamental 2-3 ft. tall, 2 ft. 

wide. Bright green leaves 

becoming orange in the fall

1903 01-16 Arundo donax variegate

Variegated giant reed Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-37 Ideal for massing or borders

1903 01-16 Briza maxima

Rattle snake grass; Large quaking grass Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-37 Grows to a height of 2 feet

1903 01-16 Eragrostis elegans

Love Grass Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-37

1903 01-16 Erianthus Ravennae

Hardy pampas Grass; plume grass Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-37

1903 01-16 Eulalia Zebrina

Zebra Grass Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-

37 Ideal for dried flowers

1903 01-16

Miscanthus sinensis 

Grass Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-

37

1903 01-16 Stock Brompton

Matthiola Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-

37

1903 01-16 Sweetpea Black Knight

Lathyrus odoratus Black Knight Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-

37

1903 01-16 Sweetpea Lady Grisel Hamilton

Lathyrus odoratus Lady Grisel Hamilton Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-

37

1903 01-16 Sweetpea Mrs. Eckford

Lathyrus odoratus Mrs. Eckford Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-37

1903 01-16 Sweetpea Prima Donna

Lathyrus odoratus Prima Donna Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-37

1903 01-16 Sweetpea Sadie Burpee

Lathyrus odoratus Sadie Burpee Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-37

1903 01-16 Sweetpea Salopian

Lathyrus odoratus Salopian Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-37

1903 01-16 Pennisetum Ruppelianum

Purple fountain grass Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-7

1903 01-16 Stipa pennata

Feather Grass Farquhar Bk 11, p. 36-7

1903 01-16 Amaryllis (Hippeastum) vittata

Hippeastrum vittatum Farquhar Bk 11, p. 37

1903 01-16 Amaryllis vallota purpurea

George lily; Scarborough lily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 37

1903 01-16 Crinum kirkii

Panama lily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 37

1903 01-16 Lilium Candidum

Madonna Lily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 37

1903 01-16 Lilium speciosum album

Japanese lily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 37 Ideal for cut flowers

1903 01-16 Lilium speciosum melpomene

Lily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 37 Ideal for cut flowers

1903 01-16 Lilium speciosum rubrum

Rubrum lily Farquhar Bk 11, p. 37 Ideal for cut flowers

1903 02-09 25 Carnations Adonis

Dianthus Adonis F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 25 Gardenia florida Fortunai Neeber & Don Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 3 Chrysanthemum C. J. Salter F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 3 Chrysanthemum Durban Pride F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 3 Chrysanthemum Lord Salisbury F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38
Appendix A

261

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 02-09 3 Chrysanthemum Milicent Richardson F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 3 Chrysanthemum Mrs. L. W. Pockett F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 50 Carnations Enchantress

Dianthus Enchantress F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 50 Gardenia florida Neeber & Don Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 New Chrysanthemums: 3 

Chrysanthemum W. R. Church F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-09 New Chrysanthemums: 3 Mrs. J. C. 

Neville F. R. Pearson Co. Bk 11, p. 38

1903 02-17 1⁄2 oz Poppy Mix ($.20) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 24 Perennial or annual 

unknown

1903 02-17

1 1⁄2 lbs Sweet Peas in 6 varieties 

($1.50)

Lathyrus odoratus

R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 24

1903 03-04 1 oz Tamarix gallica Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz. Viburnum Lantana

Wayfaring Tree Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 pk 4591 Clematis Jackmanii Hybrids Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 pk 6180 Styrax Japonica

Japanese snowbell Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 pk 6224 Tecoma Smithii

Orange Bells Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1⁄2 oz Andromeda Japonica

Flame bush Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1⁄2 oz Gaultheria shallon

Salal, Shallon Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Amelanchier Canadensis

Canadian Serviceberry Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Amorpha fruticosa

Desert false Indigo bush Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Andromeda ligustrina

Bog rosemary; Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

Small shrub growing to 1-2 

feet tall with slender stems 

flowers white or pink & 

flower late spring to early 

summer

1903 03-04

1 oz Berberis Aquifolium

(Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape

Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Cercis Siliquastrum

The Judas Tree Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Chionanthus Virginica

Fringetree Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Citrus trifoliate

Poncirus trifoliata, syn. Citrus trifoliata Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Exochorda grandiflora

Pearl Bush Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Gleditschia horida Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-1

1903 03-04 1 oz Ilex crenata

Japanese Holly Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

1903 03-04 1 oz Ilex opaea

American Holly Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

1903 03-04 1 oz Myrica cerifera 

Wax myrtle, Bayberry, Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

1903 03-04 1 oz Negundo aceroides

Acer negundo, Box Elder Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

Fast-growing that grows up 

to 40 to 60 ft tall

1903 03-04 1 oz Nyssa multiflora

Black Gum; Tupelo Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

1903 03-04

1 oz Rhus cotinus (Cotinus coggygria)

Smoke bush

Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-

41

1903 03-04 1 oz Symphoricarpos vulgaris

Snowberry Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

1903 03-04

1 pk 4092 Agathaea coelaskis

Felicia amelloides 

Blue Marguerite Kingfisher Daisy

Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-

41

Annual or tender tropicam 

perennial, Blue flowers

1903 03-04 1 pk 4233 Anemone Jap. Hon. Jubert

Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

White flowers with yellow 

stamens. Herbaceous 

perennial
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

262

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 03-04

1 pk 4272 Aristolochia Siphon

Dutchman’s pipe

(Aristolochia macrophylla)

Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-

41

1903 03-04 1 pk 4286 Asparagus verticillatus

Fern (Vining Asparagus) Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

Climbing asparagus fern 

with glossy green foliage 

covered in fragrant white 

flowers in late spring, and is 

smothered with 1/2” bright 

red berries in late summer

1903 03-04 1 pk 4290 Asparagus Broussonetti Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-

41 Shade loving

1903 03-04 1 pk 4324 Baptisia australis

False indigo Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

Perennial Upright 3-4 feet, 

blue flowers

1903 03-04 1 pk 4590 Clematis Davididia

Tube Clematis Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

Shrubby clematis light blue 

flowers

1903 03-04 1 pk 5270 Heliborus

Helibore Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

1903 03-04 1 pk 5364 Justicia multiflora

Water willow Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

1903 03-04 1 pk 5802 Phygelius capensis

Cape fuchsias Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-41

1903 03-04

1 pk 6126 Spiraea ariaefolia

(Holodiscus discolor)

Cream bush; ocean-spray

Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-

41

1903 03-04

1 pk 6128 Spiraea aruncus

Goat’s Beard

(Aruncus dioicus)

Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-

41

A tall 4-6’ high, clumpforming perennial with dark 

green foliage and plumelike spikes of tiny, cream 

colored flowers which rise 

well above the foliage in 

early to mid summer

1903 03-04 1 pk Spiraea Douglasii Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-

41

1903 03-04 2 oz Elaeagnus angustifolia

Russian Olive Thorburn’s Seeds Bk 11, p. 40-

41

1903 03-04 45 Rosa wichuraiana Pierson Bk 11, p. 41

1903 03-04 50 Rosa wichuraiana Jersey Beauty Pierson Bk 11, p. 41

1903 03-09 1 oz Amelanchier Canadensis ($.20)

Canadian Serviceberry JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

Deciduous shrub or small 

tree growing to 20 to 25 ft 

tall Flowers in early spring, 

fruit is edible

1903 03-09 1 oz Amorpha fruticosa ($.10)

Desert false Indigo bush JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33 Grows from 10 to 15 ft tall. It is an invasive plant

1903 03-09

1 oz Berberis Aquifolium ($.10)

(Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape

JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Cercis Siliquastrum ($.15)

The Judas Tree JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Chionanthus Virginica ($.20)

Fringetree JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Citrus trifoliate ($.20)

Poncirus trifoliata, syn. Citrus trifoliata JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33 shrub or small tree

1903 03-09 1 oz Exochorda grandiflora ($.40)

Pearl Bush JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Gaultheria shallon ($.15)

Salal; Shallon JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Ilex opaca ($.10)

American Holly JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Myrica cerifera ($.20)

Wax myrtle; Bayberry JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Myssa Multiflora ($.10)

Sour Gum JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09

1 oz Rhus cotinus ($.25) (Cotinus coggygria)

Smoke bush

JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Symphoricarpos

Snowberry JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 1 oz Viburnum lantana ($.10)

Wayfaring Tree JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33
Appendix A

263

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 03-09 1 pk Spirea douglasii

Rose spirea JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 2 oz Elaeagnus augustifolia ($.40)

Russian Olive JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 3 pk Flower Seed ($.15) JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 4 pk Flower Seed ($.40) JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-09 4 pk Flower Seed ($1) JM Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 33

1903 03-10 18 Chrysanthemums Novelties as 

follows 3 Mrs. J. C. Melville FR Pierson Co Bk 15, p. 34

1903 03-10 3 C. J. Salte FR Pierson Co Bk 15, p. 34

1903 03-10 3 Lord Salisbury FR Pierson Co Bk 15, p. 34

1903 03-10 3 Mrs. TW Pockett FR Pierson Co Bk 15, p. 34

1903 03-10 3 William Richardson FR Pierson Co Bk 15, p. 34

1903 03-10 3 WR Church FR Pierson Co Bk 15, p. 34

1903 03-12 20 Delaware Grape Vines

Vitus sp. J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42 Ideal variety for jelly making

1903 03-12 20 Niagara Grape Vines

Vitis vinifera Niagara J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-12 35 Cherry Currants

Ribes vulgarae Cherry J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-12 35 Pearl Gooseberries

Ribes grossularia Pearl J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42 First appeared in 1885 in Ontario

1903 03-12 35 Red Cross Currants

Ribes Red Cross J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42 Bred 1894, hardier than many other varieties

1903 03-12 35 Red Jacket Gooseberries

Ribes grossularia Red Jacket J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42

First produced in 1876 in 

Ontario, small fruits packed 

with flavor

1903 03-12 35 Victoria Currants

Ribes rubrum Victoria J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42

Widely grown in North 

America at the turn of 20 

century

1903 03-12 35 White Currants

Ribes rubrum White J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-12 40 Concord Grape Vines

Vitis vinifera Concord J Harris & Co. Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-16 12 Golden Privet (1 yr) ($5)

Ligustrum W A Manda Bk 15, p. 38

1903 03-18

Plants and Bulbs:

2 doz. Gerbera Jamesoni

Barberton daisy

H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-18

Plants and Bulbs: 2 doz. Eucharis 

Amazonica

Lily Amazon

H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-18

Plants and Bulbs: 3 seeds of Victoria 

Trickeri

Santa Cruz water lily

H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-18

Plants and Bulbs:1 doz. Euphorbia 

Jacquiniflora

Spurge

H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42 Red flowers appears in 19c 

and early 20c bks

1903 03-18 Seeds 2655 Pennisetum Ruppelianum

Purple fountain grass H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-18 Seeds: 2648 Eulalia Varigata

Japanese silver grass H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-18

Seeds: 2649 Eulalia Zebrina

Zebra grass; Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis Zebrina

H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42 Green and Yellow Banded 

Foliage

1903 03-18 Seeds: 4051 Stokesia cyanea

Cornflower aster; Stoke’s aster H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-18 Seeds:1621 Buddleya Variabilis

Butterfly bush; Summer lilac H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-18

Seeds:1721 Campanula Carpalia

Alpine Bellflower

(Campanula caespitosa)

H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-18

Seeds:1724 Campanula Persicifolia 

grandiflora

Bellflower

H. Dreer Bk 11, p. 42

1903 03-20

8 lbs (4 qts) Sweet Peas Farq’ Col 

Hybrids ($8)

Lathyrus odoratus Farquhar Col 

Hybrids

RVJ Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 41
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

264

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 03-26 25 Carnations Adonis ($4.50)

Dianthus Adonis FR Pierson Bk 15, p. 41

1903 03-26 3 Chrysanthemums (Derbans Pride) 

($1.50) FR Pierson Bk 15, p. 41

1903 03-26 50 Carnations Enchantress 

Dianthus Enchantress FR Pierson Bk 15, p. 41

1903 03-28 30 Gardenias Florida ($.30) Weeber & Don Bk 15, p. 46

1903 03-28 150 Iris Germanica ($13.50)

Bearded Iris F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51

1903 03-28 2 Lilac Chinese Weeping ($2)

Syringa F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51

1903 03-28 2 Lilac Giant Tree ($3)

Syringa reticulata F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 White bloom

1903 03-28

20 Acer Aurercum ($3)

Acer negundo ‘Auratum’

Ash leaved Maple

F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 Unable to find this variety

1903 03-28 3 Lilac Chas X ($1.50)

Syringa vulgaris Charles X F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 Deep purplish red

1903 03-28 3 Lilac Marie Le Graye

Syringa vulgaris Marie Le Graye F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 White

1903 03-28 45 Roses Hic F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51

1903 03-28 5 Roses Evergreen Gem F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 Light Yellow, double 

fragrant flower

1903 03-28 5 Roses Gardenia F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51

1903 03-28 5 Roses Mandas F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51

1903 03-28 5 Roses Pink Roamer F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51

1903 03-28 5 Roses South Orange Perfection

Wichurana Rose F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 Blush changing to white 

flowers

1903 03-28 5 Roses Universal Favorite

Wichurana Rose F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 Large double soft light pink

1903 03-28 50 Iris Sibirica ($3)

Siberian Iris F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 Late spring to early summer 

flowering

1903 03-28 50 Roses Jersey Beauty

Wichurana Rambler F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51

Single flowers of pale 

lemon-yellow large clusters 

produced in profusion on 

a vigorous plant with rich, 

glossy, green foliage.

1903 03-28

6 Lilac Louis Spaeth ($4.50)

Syringa vulgaris ‘Souvenir de Louis 

Spaeth’

F A Pierson Bk 15, p. 51 Long lasting intensly 

fragrant purple bloom

1903 04-05 100 Clematis paniculata ($15)

Sweet autumn clematis T.N. Yates Co Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-05 12 Pots Eng Ivy ($3)

Hedera helix T.N. Yates Co Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-05 4 Celastrus scandens ($.80)

American bittersweet T.N. Yates Co Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-07 12 Lilium Candidum ($2)

Madonna Lily RV Farquhar Co. Bk 15, p. 68

1903 04-07 10 Crimson Rambler ($1.50)

Rose Crimson Rambler Samuel C. Moon Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-07 3 Crimson Ramblers ($3)

Rose Crimson Rambler Samuel C. Moon Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-07 5 Wistaria White ($2.50)

Wisteria floribunda Samuel C. Moon Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-07 5 Wisteria Blue ($2.50)

Wisteria floribunda Samuel C. Moon Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-10

1 Bignonia Grand ($.10)

(Campsis radicans)

Common trumpet creeper

Hiram T. Jones Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-10

1 Bignonia Radicans ($.10)

(Campsis radicans)

Common trumpet creeper

Hiram T. Jones Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-10 14 Wisteria Chinensis ($2.80)

Wisteria sinensis Hiram T. Jones Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-10

4 Scarlet Trumpet ($.60)

Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens

Hiram T. Jones Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-10

8 Ampelopsis quinque($.60)

Virginia Creeper

(Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Hiram T. Jones Bk 15, p. 86
Appendix A

265

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 04-10 Begonia Grand ($.75)

Begonia grandis Hiram T. Jones Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-11

175 Honeysuckles Halleaus ($13.13)

Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’

Hall’s Honeysuckle

Hiram T. Jones Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-13 100 Pinus Mugho 12-18 in

Mugo Pine Thomas Meehan & Sons Bk 11, p. 45

1903 04-13 150 Azalea amoeha (5 in pots)

Rhododendron x kurume ‘Amoena’ Thomas Meehan & Sons Bk 11, p. 45

1903 04-13 350 Juniperus (Douglas’ golden) Thomas Meehan & Sons Bk 11, p. 45

1903 04-13 50 Azalea amoeha

Rhododendron x kurume ‘Amoena’ Thomas Meehan & Sons Bk 11, p. 49

1903 04-13 20 Clematis Jackmanni ($10) Bobbink H. Atkins Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-13

21 Ivy Canariensis ($18.90)

Algerian Ivy

Hedera helix canariensis

Bobbink H. Atkins Bk 15, p. 86

1903 04-15 1 Mignonette machet 

Reseda odorata Clucus & Boddington Co B Bk 11, p. 45

1903 04-15 12 Gladiolus Agusta ($1.50) Clucus & Boddington Co B Bk 11, p. 45

1903 04-15 1 pk Mignmette Allen’s Defiances ($1)

Reseda odorata Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 11, p. 45

1903 04-15 1 pk Shasta Daisy ($.25)

Chrysanthemum maximum Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 11, p. 45

1903 04-15 100 Gladiolus Groff’s Hybrids ($3.50) Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 11, p. 45

1903 04-15

12 Tritoma pfitzeri ($2.50)

(Kniphofias pfitzeri)

Kniphofia Red hot poker

Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 11, p. 45 Bright orange, late summer 

flowering

1903 04-15 Mignonette Allen’s Defiant

Reseda odorata H Briggs Bk 11,p. 45

1903 04-15 Mignonette Macheta

Reseda odorata H Briggs Bk 11,p. 45

1903 04-15 Shasta Daisy

Chrysanthemum maximum H Briggs Bk 11,p. 45

1903 04-18 1 Mignonette machet ($.15)

Reseda odorata Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 15, p. 59

1903 04-18 1 pk Mignmette Allen’s Defiances ($1)

Reseda odorata Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 15, p. 59

1903 04-18 1 pk Shasta Daisy ($.25)

Chrysanthemum maximum Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 15, p. 59

1903 04-18 100 Gladiolus Groff’s Hybrids ($3.50) Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 15, p. 59

1903 04-18 12 Gladiolus Agusta ($1.50) Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 15, p. 59

1903 04-18

12 Tritoma pfitzeri ($2.50)

(Kniphofias pfitzeri)

Kniphofia Red hot poker

Clucus & Boddington Co Bk 15, p. 59 Bright orange, late summer 

flowering

1903 04-22 150 Azalea amoena

Rhododendron x kurume ‘Amoena’ Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 62

1903 04-22 350 Juniperus Douglasii 

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Douglasii’ Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 62

1903 04-23 1 Rose Crimson Rambler ($.50)

Rose Turner’s Crimson Rambler R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 77 Large double red bloom

1903 04-23 1 Rose Farquhar Climber ($1) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 77

Introduced by Farquhar in 

1903, cross between Rosa 

wichuraiana small double 

pale pink blooms with a 

hint of salmon borne in 

large clusters

1903 04-23 1 Rose Yellow Rambler ($.50) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 77 Deep golden yellow

1903 04-23

18 Ampelopsis Veitchii ($4.50)

Parthenocissus tricuspidata ‘Veitchii’

Boston Ivy

R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 77

1903 04-23 2 Rose Multiflora ($.50) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 77 Invasive

1903 04-29 10 Evergreen Gem Rose($3) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 87

1903 04-29 4 Crimson Ramblers ($1.20)

Rose Crimson Rambler The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 87

1903 04-29 4 Dorothy Perkins Rose ($2 The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 87

Wichurana Colourful 

cascades of clear pink 

flowers

1903 04-29 4 Jersey Beauty ($1.20) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 87
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

266

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 04-29 4 Multifora Japanese Roses ($1) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 87

1903 04-29 6 Dawson Rose ($1.50) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 87 Rose Pink multiflora rose

1903 04-29 6 Pink Pearl ($1.50) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 87

1903 04-29 8 Gardenia Rose ($2.40) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 87

1903 05-01 100 Pinus Montana ($65)

Pine WA Manda Bk 11, p. 47

1903 05-01 250 Pinus Montana ($70)

Pine WA Manda Bk 11, p. 47

1903 05-05 100 Pinus Mugho ($30)

Mugo Pine Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 82

1903 05-09 100 Pinus Montana ($65)

Pine WA Manda Bk 15, p. 77

1903 05-09 250 Pinus Montana ($70)

Pine WA Manda Bk 15, p. 77

1903 05-21

50 Azalea amoena 4” pots @.25 

($12.50)

Rhododendron x kurume ‘Amoena’

Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 82

1903 05-31 12 Euphorbia Jacquiniflora ($2.50)

Spurge Henry A Dreer Bk 15, p. 44

1903 05-31 24 Gerbera jamesoni ($6) Henry A Dreer Bk 15, p. 44

1903 05-31 3 Seeds Victoria Trickeri ($.50)

Santa Cruz water lily Henry A Dreer Bk 15, p. 44

1903 05-31 6 pk Flower seeds ($.55) Henry A Dreer Bk 15, p. 44

1903 07-15 18 Cedar Trees 20 to 24 feet high @ 

$20 ($360) Wadley Smythe Bk 15, p. 125

1903 07-15 21 Cedar Trees 16 to 20 ft high @ $18 

($378) Wadley Smythe Bk 15, p. 125

1903 07-15 42 Cedar Trees 8 to 16 ft @ $12 

($504) Wadley Smythe Bk 15, p. 125

1903 07-15 6 Amaryllis Follota Purpurea ($2.50) RVJ Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 127

1903 07-21 2 oz Portulaca Scarlet ($1.20)

Purslane scarlet R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, 130

1903 07-21 2 oz Portulaca Scarlet ($1.20)

Purslane scarlet R & J Farquhar Co Bk p. 56

1903 07-31 24 Eucharis Amazonia ($12)

Amazon Lily Henry A Dreer Bk 15, p. 138 Glasshouse

1903 08-01 100 Lilium Harrisii 7-9 in

Bermuda lily Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

1903 08-01 100 Lilium Longifolium 7-9 in

Lily Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

1903 08-01 100 White Italian Hyacinths

Muscari botryoides Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

Bloom two weeks later than 

Roman white hyacinths and 

blooms are large. Ideal for 

cut blooms

1903 08-01

200 Roman Hyacinths 12-15 cfm. Dark 

rose

Hyacinthus orientalis

Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

1903 08-01 200 Roman Hyacinths 12-15 in White

Hyacinthus orientalis Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

1903 08-01 25 Gen. Pelissier (Dutch)

Hyacinths General Pelissier Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58 Exhibition variety, light blue

1903 08-01 25 La Grandesse (Dutch)

La Grandeese Spanish Bluebells Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

1903 08-01 300 Narcissus (Trumpet Major) 

Daffodil Trumpet Major Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

1903 08-01 300 Narcissus Double Von Sion

Daffodil Von Sion Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58 Double

1903 08-01 50 Callas 4.5 to 5.5 in. around

Egyptian Lily Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

1903 08-01 500 Cold storage Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58

1903 08-01 500 Spanish Iris (Blanche superbe)

Iris xiphium Clucus & Boddington Bk 11, p. 58 Pure white dwarf iris flowers mid spring to mid summer

1903 08-01 Pansy Seed 31 different order numbers

Viola Clovena Nurseries Bk 11, p. 58

Sowing seeds at this time 

of the year is to generate 

plants for spring display
Appendix A

267

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1903 09-02 1 Baltimore Belle Rose ($.10)

Rosa Belle de Baltimore The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 162 Vigorous climber Pinkish white to creamy white

1903 09-02 100 Evergreen Gem Roses ($10) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 162

1903 09-02 100 Gardenia Rose($10) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 162

1903 09-02 100 Jersey Beauty ($10) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 162

1903 09-02 5 Begonia Grade ($7.25) The Elizabeth Nursery Bk 15, p. 162

1903 09-03 10 Akebia Quinata ($1.50)

Chocolate vine H. T. Jones Bk 15, p. 163 Aggressive species used as ground cover

1903 09-03

100 Euonymous Radicans ($12.50)

Winter creeper H. T. Jones Bk 15, p. 163

1903 10-31 1 Crimson Rambler Rose Bushes ($5)

Rose Crimson Rambler S. G. Harris Bk 15, p. 178

1903 11-14 Pack 12 Mignonette Eliasr

Reseda odorata Eliasr H Shear Bk 11, p. 66

1903 11-14 Pack 12 Salvia Splenda

Sage H Shear Bk 11, p. 66

1903 11-14 Packs 12 Cineraria mix H Shear Bk 11, p. 66

1903 11-14 Packs 12 Sweet Alyssum

Lobularia maritima H Shear Bk 11, p. 66

1903 11-14 Packs 6 Ageratum white

Ageratum houstonianum white H Shear Bk 11, p. 66

1903 12-01 Nepenthes: 25 Dicksoniana

Pitcher plant H Shear Bk 11, p. 68

1903 12-01

Palms: 25 Cocos Belmarcana

Howea belmoreana

Curly Palm; Kentia Palm; Belmore 

Sentry Palm

H Shear Bk 11, p. 68

1903 12-01

Palms: 25 Cocos Forsteriana

Howea Forsteriana

Kentia Palm; Thatch Palm

H Shear Bk 11, p. 68

1903 12-01 Palms: 25 Cocos Latania H Shear Bk 11, p. 68

1903 12-01

Palms: 50 Cocos weddelliana

Wedding palm

Lytocaryum weddelliana H Shear Bk 11, p. 68

1903 12-03 Pine Trees Jas. Keegan Bk 15, p. 194

1903 12-03 Cedar Trees Jas. Keegan Bk 15, p. 194S

1904 00-00 Zinnia Alice? R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 00-00 Zinnia Casino R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 00-00 Zinnia Dazzler R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 00-00 Zinnia Wilson R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 10 Nasturtium Tall

Tropaeolum R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 10 pk Nasturtiums, yellow

Tropaeolum R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 10 pk Snapdragons White (462)

Antirrhinum White R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 10 Portulaca Mix ($5 per two oz) 

(6462) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 2 oz Nicotiana Colassia

Tobacco Plant R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 2 oz Petunia, double (6355) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 2 oz Smilax R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 2 pk Petunia, mix (6462) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 2oz Poppy Shirley (6195)

Papaver rhoeas R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 3 pk Stevia R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 50 Dahlia, Double Mix R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71 Tubeoses Bulbs Pearl see Bk 

15, p. 213 

1904 01-04 50 Gerberas Double R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 500 Gladioli R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 Carmen? R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 Coleus Golden Bedder R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 Stocks ten week

Mattholia R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-04 Sweetpeas Eckfords mix

Lathyrus odoratus Eckfords mix R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

268

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1904 01-04 Zinna verbena R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 71

1904 01-13 1⁄4 oz Petunia Double ($15) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 1 lb Sweet Peas ($.15)

Lathyrus odoratus R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 1 oz Nicotiana Affinis ($.50)

Tobacco Plant R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 1 oz Petunia ($.75) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 1 oz Poppy Shirley Mix ($.40)

Papaver rhoeas R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 1 oz Portulaca ($5) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 1 oz Smilax ($.75) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 10 Nasturtium Tall ($5)

Tropaeolum R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 50 Tubeoses Bulbs Pearl ($1) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 01-13 500 Gladioi Bulbs Mix ($6)) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 213

1904 02-04 Caladium Fancy dormant tubers 1 doz H Shear Bk 11, p. 74

1904 02-04 Candytuft 4

Iberis H Shear Bk 11, p. 74

1904 02-04 Salvia Splendid

(Salvia splendens) Sage H Shear Bk 11, p. 74

1904 02-04 Verbena auricular mix 4 pkts H Shear Bk 11, p. 74

1904 02-06

Ricinus gibsonii

Ricinus communis gibsonii

Castor Oil plant

J.& Thorburn Co Bk 11, p. 75

1904 02-09 10 Col Anthirrhinum($5)

Snapdragon R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 224

Antirrhinum were grown 

in one of the sections of 

the Rose House Terrace 

presumably as cut flowers 

for display

1904 02-09 35 Pk Flower seeds ($3.50) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 224

1904 02-09 5 Col Asters Giant Cornet ($2.50)

Callistephus chinensis Cornet R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 224

1904 02-09 5 Col Asters Victoria ($6.25)

Callistephus chinensis Victoria R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 224

1904 02-09 50 Dahlias (Double Mix) ($8) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 224

1904 02-09 8 pk flower seeds ($.40) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 224

1904 02-11 2 oz Ricinus gibsonii ($.50)

Castor Oil plant J.M. Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 240

1904 02-11 6 pk Verbena ($.60) J.M. Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 240

1904 03-17 20 Concord Grape Vine

Vitis vinifera Concord GC Stone Bk 11 p. 78

1904 03-18 4 oz Ricinus gibsonii 

Castor Oil plant D Welsh Bk 11, p. 79

1904 04-02 1 doz Caladium Esculentum ($2.50)

Elephant’s ears J.M. Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 255

1904 04-02 4 oz Ricinus gibsonii ($.40)

Castor Oil plant J.M. Thorburn Co Bk 15, p. 255

1904 04-15 12 Arbor Vitae Globe

Thuja occidentalis, ‘Globe’ R Pierson Bk 11, p. 82

1904 04-15 12 Arbor Vitae Hoveys Golden

Thuya orientalis Aurea R Pierson Bk 11, p. 82

1904 04-15 12 Retinesphora filifera 

Chamaecyparis pisifera R Pierson Bk 11, p. 82

1904 04-15 12 Retinesphora plumosa amea.

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Plumosa’ R Pierson Bk 11, p. 82

1904 04-15 6 Cornus

Dogwood R Pierson Bk 11, p. 82

1904 04-15 6 Kalmia R Pierson Bk 11, p. 82

1904 04-15 1 doz Caladium Icy Leaved ($2)

Elephant’s ears R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 259

Can be used in conjunction 

with castor oil plant or 

canna for a spectacular 

border. May also have 

been used near water or 

rockwork. Is visible in one 

of the historic images of the 

glass house

1904 04-15 1 lbs Sweet Peas Mix ($1)

Lathyrus odoratus R & J Farquhar Co Bk 15, p. 259
Appendix A

269

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1904 04-18 100 Ivy leaved Geraniums

Pelargonium peltatum R & J Farquhar Bk 11, p. 83

1904 04-18 500 Golden Bedder in 3 in pots R & J Farquhar Bk 11, p. 83

1904 04-19 6 Austrian Pine 

Pinus nigra Thom Meehan Bk 11, p. 83

1904 04-19 6 Balsam Fir

Abies balsamea Thom Meehan Bk 11, p. 83

1904 04-19 6 Douglas Spruce 

Pseudotsuga Thom Meehan Bk 11, p. 83 Bk 15, p. 266

1904 04-19 6 Dwarf Pine Thom Meehan Bk 11, p. 83

1904 04-19 6 Nordman Fir 

Abies nordmanniana Thom Meehan Bk 11, p. 83

1904 04-19 6 Norway Spruce

Picea abies Thom Meehan Bk 11, p. 83

1904 04-19 7 Blue Spruce

Picea pungens Thom Meehan Bk 11, p. 83

1904 04-19 7 Pinus Cembra 

Swiss Stone Pine Thom Meehan Bk 11, p. 83

1904 05-02 2 Col’ Blue Spruce (Blue Kosters) ($8)

Picea pungens Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 266

1904 05-02 2 Pinus Cembra ($2.50)

Swiss Stone Pine Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 266

1904 05-02 6 Austrian Pine ($7.50)

Pinus nigra Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 266

1904 05-02 6 Balsam Fir ($2.10)

Abies balsamea Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 266

1904 05-02 6 Douglas Spruce ($6)

Pseudotsuga Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 266

1904 05-02 6 Dwarf Pine ($3.60)) Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 266

1904 05-02 6 Nordmans Fir ($12)

Abies nordmanniana Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 266 Large evergreen coniferous

tree growing to 60 m tall

1904 05-02 6 Norway Spruce ($2.10)

Picea abies Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 15, p. 266

1904 05-06 6 Kalmia (Mountain Laurel) ($6) W. Terpining Bk 15, p. 265

1904 06-22 Pansy Emperor William

Viola R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 87 Bk 14, p. 8

1904 06-22 Pansy Victoria

Viola R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 87

1904 06-22 Pansy White

Viola R & J Farquhar Co Bk 11, p. 87

1904 08-11 1 oz Pansy Emp William ($3)

Viola R V J Farquhar Co Bk 14, p. 8

1904 08-11 1 oz Pansy Victoria ($2)

Viola R V J Farquhar Co Bk 14, p. 8

1904 08-11 1 oz Pansy White ($1.25)

Viola R V J Farquhar Co Bk 14, p. 8

1904 08-20 Ferns:

1 doz Merolepia? ? Bk 11, p. 90

1904 08-20 Ferns: 1 doz Adiantum macr ? Bk 11, p. 90

1904 08-20 Ferns: 1 doz Adiantum Moori ? Bk 11, p. 90

1904 08-20 Ferns: 1 doz Pteris ? Bk 11, p. 90

1904 08-20 Ferns: 1 doz Pteris craltca ? Bk 11, p. 90

1904 09-21 50 Ferns (for table spans) ($3) FR Pierson Co Bk 14, p. 20 Pan Ferns

1904 09-21 50 Ferns (for table spans) ($3) FR Pierson Co Bk 14, p. 20 Pan Ferns

1904 12-27 Portulaca Double 2oz ? Bk 11, p. 97

1904 12-27 Sweet peas Mrs Shankey 2oz

Lathyrus odoratus Mrs Shankey ? Bk 11, p. 97

1909 12-17

50 Rooted Dorothy Gordon 

Carnation($5)

Dianthus Dorothy Gordon

Jos Heacock Co Bk 7, P. 302-

303

1909 12-17

50 Rooted Mrs. C. W. Ward 

Carnation($6)

Dianthus Mrs. C. W. Ward

Cottage Garden Co Bk 7, P. 302-

303

1910 01-01 6 Chestnut Trees ($9)

Aesculus or Castanea Glenwood Nurseries Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 12 Chrysanthemum Bessie Evans ($2) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 12 Chrysanthemum Brighthurst ($.75) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 12 Chrysanthemum Leslie Morrison 

($2) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

270

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1910 01-04 12 Chrysanthemum R. Fulton ($5) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 12 Chrysanthemum W Mease ($5) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 12 Chrysanthemum WA Etherington 

($.75) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 3 Chrysanthemum Anunda ($5) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 3 Chrysanthemum Mrs. David ($5) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 6 Chrysanthemum J Lock ($4.50) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-04 6 Chrysanthemum Mrs. Stevens 

($2.50) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-17 1 Cineraria Matchless Stell Mix ($1) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-17 1⁄4 oz Verbenia White ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Crimson ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Pink ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Snowball 

($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17 1 pk Primula lilacina ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17

1/16 oz Aster Ostrich Plume Lavender 

($.25)

Callistephus chinensis 

A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17

1/16 oz Aster Ostrich Vick’s Pink ($.25)

Callistephus chinensis Ostrich Vick’s 

Pink

A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17 1/8 oz Salvia Zurich ($.75) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17 2 pk Gypsophila elegans rosea ($.20) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17 pk Antirrhinum Queen Victoria ($.25)

Snapdragons A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-17 18 Gloxinia Bulbs Cyclops A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 310

1910 01-17 18 Gloxinia Bulbs Duchess of Yor A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 310

1910 01-17 18 Gloxinia Bulbs Goliath A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 310

1910 01-17 18 Gloxinia Bulbs Her Majesty A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 310

1910 01-17 18 Gloxinia Bulbs Reading Scarlet A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 310

1910 01-17 18 Gloxinia Bulbs Spotted Hybrid A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 310

1910 01-24 1 Cineraria Matchless Dwarf Mix ($1) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-24 1 Cineraria Matchless Giant Mix ($1) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-24 1 Cineraria Matchless Tall Mix ($1) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-24 2 oz Alyssum Carpet of Snow ($1)

Lobularia maritima ‘Carpet of Snow’ A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 306

Annual or Tender perennials 

4-6 inches produces 

fragrant spreading masses 

of white flowers.

1910 01-24 2 oz Alyssum Maratima ($1)

Lobularia maritima ‘Carpet of Snow’ A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 306

1910 01-24 1⁄4 oz Verbenia Morn. Blue ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1⁄4 oz Verbenia Pink ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1⁄4 oz Verbenia Scarlet ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1⁄2 oz Kochia trichophylla ($2) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 oz Marigold French Legion of Honor 

($.40) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Antirrhinum Lilacinum ($.25) 

Snapdragons A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Calceolaria Hybrid perfection 

($1) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Blue ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Cherry ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Lilac ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Red ($0) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Rose ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Cyclamen Bd. Gig. Syringa ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Primula alba ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1 pk Primula rosea ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24

1/16 oz Aster Ostrich Plume Dark Blue 

($.25)

Callistephus chinensis

A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308
Appendix A

271

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1910 01-24

1/16 oz Aster Ostrich Plume Light Blue 

($.25)

Callistephus chinensis 

A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24

1/16 oz Aster Ostrich Plume White 

($.25)

Callistephus chinensis Ostrich Plume 

White

A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24

1/16 oz Aster Ostrich Vick’s Crimson 

($.25)

Callistephus chinensis Ostrich Vick’s 

Crimson

A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1/16 oz Cosmos Lady Lenox ($.20) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1/8 oz Salvia Clara Bedman ($.40) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 1oz Lobbs Nasturtium mix

Tropaeoleum A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 2 Mrs. _____ ($6.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 2 pk Begonia atropurpurea ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 2 pk Begonia rosea ($.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 2 pk Gypsophila elegans alba ($.20) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 2 pk Pennisetum Longistylus ($.10) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 2 pk Pennisetum Ruppelii ($.20)

Fountain Grass, Crimson A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 2 pk Schizanthus ($1.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 pk Antirrhinum ($.25)

Snapdragons A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 pk Antirrhinum Carmine ($.25)

Snapdragons A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 pk Antirrhinum Ceresia ($.25)

Snapdragons A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 pk Antirrhinum Luteum ($.25)

Snapdragons A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 01-24 pk Antirrhinum Salmon ($.25)

Snapdragons A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 308

1910 03-09

1⁄4 lb. Nasturtiums Golden King Dwarf 

($.60)

Tropaeolum majus

A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 318

1910 03-09

1⁄4 lb. Nasturtiums King of Tom Thumb 

($.060)

Tropaeolum majus

A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 318

1910 03-09 1 pk Primula Kewensis ($.75) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 318

1910 03-22 300 Am. Beauty Rose Plants ($24) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 320

1910 03-30 Centaurea imperalis deep lavender

Cornflower; Batchelor Buttons Bk 7, p. 322 Royal Sweet Sultan

1910 03-31 100 Associated Dish ferns ($6) Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 322

1910 03-31

12 Ageratum Princess Pauline ($1)

Ageratum houstonianum ‘Princess 

Pauline’

Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 322

4” in height, light lavender 

color, used as border or 

bedding plant under taller 

plants.

Mentioned often in 

gardening literature of 

1900-1920

1910 03-31 12 Ageratum Stella Gurney ($1) Ageratum houstonianum ‘Stella 

Gurney’

Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 322

Mentioned often in 

gardening literature of 

1900-1920

1910 03-31

12 Myosotis alpestris robusta 

grandiflorus ($1)

Forget-me-nots

Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 322

1910 03-31 12 Myosotis palustris semperflorus ($1)

Forget me not Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 322 Sky blue flowers

1910 03-31

50 Centaurea Imperalis deep lavender

Royal Sweet Sultan Cornflower; 

Bachelor Buttons

Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 322 Vendor could not supply

1910 03-31

50 Centaurea Imperalis delicate lilac

Royal Sweet Sultan Cornflower; 

Bachelor Buttons

Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 322 Vendor could not supply

1910 03-31 6 Campanila carpalua ($.75)

Alpine Bellflower Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 322
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

272

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1910 04-11

Extension to Italian Garden Draft 

($1147.50), ($2686.82), ($1237.68), 

($800)

Thos Meehan & Sons Bk 16, p. 32 This is a significant entry in 

monetary terms

1910 04-11 Unknown ($30.44) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 04-11 Unknown ($4) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 04-13 3 Clematis Jackmani ($2.75) R & J Farquhar Co Bk 7, P. 328

1910 04-13 35 Halls Honeysuckle ($5.40)

Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ R & J Farquhar Co Bk 7, P. 328

1910 04-18 2 Bay Trees Laurus nobilis

Sweet bay trees Julius Roehis Co Bk 7, P. 328 Not supplied

1910 04-21 2 Bay Trees Laurus nobilis

Sweet bay trees Henry A Dreer Bk 7, P. 328

1910 05-05 100 Antirrhinum Dwarf White ($7.50)

Snapdragon Dwarf White A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 336

1910 05-05 2 doz Cactus Dahlias Flora ($5) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 336

1910 05-05 2 doz Cactus Dahlias Krimhilde ($3) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 336

1910 05-05 2 doz Cactus Dahlias Prince of Yellow 

($3) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 336

1910 05-05 2 doz Cactus Dahlias Standard Bearer 

($3) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 336

1910 05-05 200 Antirrhinum Mix ($15)

Snapdragon Mix A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 336

1910 05-05 3 doz Cactus Dahlias Countess of 

Lonsdale ($4.50) A T Boddington Bk 7, P. 336

1910 05-24 150 White Killarney Roses ($30) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 338

1910 05-24 250 Pink Killarney Roses ($45) Charles H. Totty Bk 7, P. 338

1910 05-26 200 Geraniums ($7)

Pelargonium A. Vincent Sons Co Bk 7, P. 338

1910 05-26

50 Geraniums dwarf variegated 

($1.75)

Pelargonium

A. Vincent Sons Co Bk 7, P. 338

1910 05-27 600 Violet Plants ($9)

Viola Stanton Rockefeller Bk 7, P. 338 600 ordered

1910 06-00 Plan No. 2011 Italian garden ($75) Thomas Meehan & Sons Bk 16, p. 3

1910 06-02 50 Hydrangea in 2 1⁄2 inch pots ($1.50) Mrs J H Claus Bk 16, p. 1

1910 06-16 1⁄2 Doz Jackmanni Red ($6) J G Johnson Bk 16, p. 2

Possibly Potentilla fruticosa 

‘Jackmanni’ yellow flower, 

Clematis jackmanni, purple, 

which is ordered in 1915, 

bk 16, p. 183

1910 06-16

1 Doz Roses Gruss an Teplitz ($8)

Fountain Grass, Crimson

Rosa Grüss an Teplitz

J G Johnson Bk 16, P. 2

aka Grüss an Teplitz, 

Virginia R. Coxe, 1897 

introduced, very fragrant, 

crimson flowers

1910 06-16 2 1⁄2 Doz Euomymus radicans var. ($15) J G Johnson Bk 16, P. 2

1910 06-28 100 Gladiolus Lemoinei John Lewis Childs Bk 16, p. 3

Could not supply Lemoinei 

1878 introduction 

Enthusiasts have ventured 

to say that some of the 

richest colorings in the plant 

kingdom are found in the 

lemoinei.

1910 06-28 200 Gladiolus America John Lewis Childs Bk 16, p. 3 Could not supply

1910 06-28 200 Gladiolus Mix Childsi John Lewis Childs Bk 16, p. 3

Could not supply Childsi 

introduced 1882, flowers 

of the best varieties are of 

great size and substance, 

often measuring 7 to 9 in. 

across, while the range of 

colour is marvellous, with 

shades of grey, purple, 

scarlet, salmon, crimson, 

rose, white, pink, yellow, 

&c., often beautifully 

mottled and blotched in the 

throat.
Appendix A

273

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1910 06-29

250 Cold storage Lilly of the Valley 

(250 Cold storage Lilly of the Valley 

250 Cold storage Lilly of the Valley

250 Cold storage Lilly of the Valley 

($20)

Convallaria majalis

Heeber & Don Bk 16, p. 3 Likely that these were for cut flower or pot plant 

production for the house

1910 07-07 10 Azaleas Breuhard Andreas White H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 5 Not listed by Azalea Society 

of America

1910 07-07 10 Azaleas Niobe white H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 5 Listed on Azalea Society of 

America

1910 07-07

100 Asparagus Plumosus Seeds ($1)

Asparagus Fern

(Asparagus setaceus) A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 5

Asparagus Plumosus is most 

likely Asparagus setaceus 

(Common Asparagus Fern, 

Lace Fern). Ideal in house 

or in glasshouse border 

possible use in borders or in 

Mansion as a house plant.

1910 07-07 100 Asparagus Sprengeri Seeds ($.50)

Asparagus fern A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 5 Asparagus Sprengeri aka asparagus fern 

1910 07-07

2 pkts B’s Pot Myosotis ($1)

Forget-me-nots A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 5

Can be grown in 

greenhouse and made to 

flower mid-winter and 

continue for many weeks.

1910 07-07 5 Azalea Empereur du Bresil H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 5 Listed on Azalea Society of 

America

1910 07-07 5 Azalea Memoire de Louis Van Houtte H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 5 Listed on Azalea Society of 

America

1910 07-07 5 Azalea Sacountala H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 5 Listed on Azalea Society of 

America

1910 07-07 

5 Azalea Schryveriana

May be Azalea Schryderii H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 5 Not listed on Azalea Society 

of America however it may 

be Schryderii

1910 07-07 5 Azaleas Ernst Thiers H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 5 Listed on Azalea Society of 

America

1910 07-07 5 Azaleas Vervaeneana H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 5 Listed on Azalea Society of 

America

1910 07-07 7 Pkt Giant Sweet Sultan 7 var.

Centaurea imperialis A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 5 Giant Sweet Sultans are 

Centaurea imperialis

1910 07-30 12 Camellias ($30) Bobbunk & Atkins Bk 16, p. 6

1910 08-02 Unknown ($49) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 08-18 Unknown ( $25) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 09-08 Unknown ($48.50) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 09-08 Unknown ($51.20) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 10-12 Unknown ($14.30) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 10-15 100 seed Dracanea indivisa

Cordyline indivisa A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 14

1910 10-27 1 pkt Celosia seeds ($1)

Cockscomb Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 15 Julius Roehrs is still trading. 

1910 10-27 50 Violet plants ($1.50)

Viola John G Bahret Bk 16, p. 15

1910 11-12 Unknown ($2) Haggerty Floral Co. Bk 6, p. 443

1910 11-14 Unknown ($35.45) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 12-08 Unknown ($14.50) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 12-11 Unknown ($22) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1910 12-21

10 Chrys. Chrysolora ($6)

Chrysanthemum Chrysolora Percy Ellings Agt to Elmar 

D Smith

Bk 16, p. 21

Could find reference to 

Chrys. Chrysolora on web. 

Usually single-stemmed pot 

plant 

1910 12-21 10 Chrys. Morristown ($6)

Chrysanthemum Morristown

Percy Ellings Agt to Elmar 

D Smith

Bk 16, p. 21 Morristown Exhibition 

Bloom

1910 12-21 10 Chrys. Roman Gold ($4)

Chrysanthemum Roman Gold

Percy Ellings Agt to Elmar 

D Smith

Bk 16, p. 21

1910 12-21 10 Chrys. Smith’s Advance ($4)

Chrysanthemum Smith’s Advance

Percy Ellings Agt to Elmar 

D Smith

Bk 16, p. 21

1910 12-21 10 Chrys. Tarrytown ($6)

Chrysanthemum Tarrytown

Percy Ellings Agt to Elmar 

D Smith

Bk 16, p. 21

1910 12-21 10 Chrysanthemum Pokupsi ($6) Percy Ellings Agt to Elmar 

D Smith

Bk 16, p. 21
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

274

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1911 01-16 500 Mannetti rose stock A J Boddington Bk 1, p. 7

‘Manettii’ Commonly used 

as an rootstock in the 19th 

century, especially in the 

U.S.A. A dense, medium 

shrub with pale pink flowers

1911 03-17 300 Gladioli American Bulbs ($15) A T Boddington Bk 16, P. 28

Grand pink and ideal for 

cut flowers. May have been 

bought as cut flower for 

Mansion

Arthur T Boddington was 

on the executive committee 

of the American Gladiolus 

Society 1910

1911 04-19 100 Small Pan Ferns Asst. var. ($6) Henry A Dreen Bk 16, p. 32 Interior display plants for greenhouse, exhibition or 

mansion

1911 04-20 2 Pyramid Bay Trees ($40)

Laurus nobilis Bobbink & Atkins Bk 16, p. 32

1911 04-20 2 Standard Bay Trees ($75)

Laurus nobilis Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 32 

These bay trees are possibly 

the trees that stand outside 

the mansion house in 

photograph

1911 04-20 4 Pillar bay Trees ($125)

Laurus nobilis Bobbink & Atkins Bk 16, p. 32

1911 04-21 25 American Beauty Rose Bushes 

($12.50) Chas Totty

Rosa American Beauty 

developed in France in 1875 

aka Madame Ferdinand 

Jamin, Hybrid perpetual 

Double, spring flowering, 

dark pink, fragrant 

Totty mail order 

contained delphiniums, 

chrysanthemums and roses 

amongst others. Totty 

involved in setting up 1st

Madison Flower Show. 

1911 05-03 28 Evergreen Trees ($58) Sunnyfield Nursery Co Bk 16, p. 34

1911 05-04 30 Ampelopsis Veitcii ($3.60)

Parthenocissus tricuspidata R & J Farquhar & Co. Bk 16, p. 34

1911 05-11 50 hybrid Rhododendrons assorted 

colors ($124.25) Thos. Meehan & Sons Bk 16, p. 35 assorted colors written on side of page

1911 05-17 2 Pyramid bay Trees ($35)

Laurus nobilis The ? Moon & Co. Bk 16, p. 35

1911 05-20 6 Gardenia Rose plants ($9.75) H A Manda Bk 16, P. 35 Climbing, rambler, apple scented, soft creamy yellow 

flower

1911 05-27 12 Begonia Lonsdale ($3) Robert Craig & Co Bk 13, p. 36

1911 05-27 12 Begonia Lorraine ($3) Robert Craig & Co Bk 13, p. 36 Lorraine is a pink begonia

1911 05-27 12 Begonia Norwood ($4) Robert Craig & Co Bk 13, p. 36

1911 06-06 12 Begonia Gloria of Cincinati ($6) Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 23

Glory of Cincinnati Winter 

flowering with masses of 

rose pink flowers. Very 

expensive plants.

1911 06-06 12 Cattleya Labiata Imp. ($30.25) Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 23

Very expensive plants. These 

are possibly the cattleya 

that appear in the Alex. 

Knauss photographs. The 

rediscovery of C. labiata 

(1889) was heralded by The 

Orchid Review as “the event 

of the year,”. Will flower 

Sep-November

1911 06-22 200 Double Violet Plants ($3)

Viola Stanton & Rockerfellow Bk 16, P. 39

1911 06-24 1 doz. Limnocharis Humbolt ($1.50) Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 39 
Appendix A

275

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1911 06-24 

250 Lily of the Valley Cold Storage ($6)

250 Lily of the Valley Cold Storage ($6)

250 Lily of the Valley Cold Storage ($6)

250 Lily of the Valley Cold Storage ($6)

Convallaria majalis

Heeber & Don Bk 16, P. 39

1911 06-24

1 doz. Eichhornia crassipes major 

($1.50)

Water hyacinth

Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 39 

Aquatic plants 

1911 08-01 Furnishing and placing Marble base Martin H Collins Bk 16, p. 46

1911 08-10 1⁄4 lb Sweet Peas Wallacea

Lathyrus odoratus Wallacea A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 45 1911 publication on sweet pea trials

1911 09-01 3 Lilac President Gre ($1.50)

Syringa vulgaris ‘Président Grévy’ Brown Bros. Co. Bk 16, p. 4

1911 09-01 3 Lilac Prince of Wales ($1.50)

Syringa vulgaris ‘Prince of Wales’ Brown Bros. Co. Bk 16, p. 48

1911 09-01 6 Lilac Marie ($3)

Syringa vulgaris Brown Bros. Co. Bk 16, p. 48

1911 09-09

1/8 oz. Sweet Peas ‘Anita 

Wehrmann’($1)

Lathyrus odoratus

A.J. Boddington Co. Bk 1, p. 1

1911 09-13 2 pkts. Schizanthus grandiflora ($1.50)

Butterfly flower A.J. Boddington Co. Bk 1, p. 1

Schizanthus grandiflora 

described as very pretty half 

hardy annuals. Silver gilt 

floral medal, RHS 1908

Used as exhibition plant 

and described as weedly 

like appearance and better 

to grow in self supporting 

groups. 

1911 09-15 1⁄4 oz. Sweet Peas ‘Anita Wehrmann’ 

($.40) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 1, p. 1

1911 09-15 1/8 oz. ‘Early Heather Bell’ ($.75)

Lathyrus odoratus Early Heather Bell’ Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 1, p. 1

1911 09-15 1/8 oz. Rose Queen ($.30)

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Rose Queen’ Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 1, p. 1

1911 09-29 1⁄2 doz. Crimson Rambler Rose bushes 

($10.50) R & J Farquhar & Co. Bk 16, p. 46

1911 10-05 1 doz. Spirea Queen Alexandra ($2.25)

Astilbe x rosea ‘Queen Alexandra’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 51 Deep pink flowers

1911 10-05 100 7’ Standing Flower Pots ? Bk 16, p. 51 Most likely used for displays

1911 10-05 2 doz. Spirea Gladstone Astilbe ($4)

Astilbe ‘W E Gladstone’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 51 Astilbe ‘W E Gladstone’ 

which is white

1911 10-10 100 Narcissus ($1.25)

Daffodils W.E. Marshall & Co. Bk 1, p. 3

1911 10-10 500 Crocus ($6.00) W.E. Marshall & Co. Bk 1, p. 3

1912 01-08 12 Chrys. C. Matherson ($7.50)

Chrysanthemum C. Matherson Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 58 C Mathersom (Christy Mathewson)

1912 01-08 12 Chrys. Countess of Granard ($5)

Chrysanthemum Countess of Granard Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 58

1912 01-08 

12 Chrys. Mary Farnsworth ($2.50)

Chrysanthemum Mary Farnsworth Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 58

Most likely used for 

flower shows and as cut 

flowers for mansion. 

Chrysanthemums appear 

frequently in historic 

photographs. Price varies 

greatly. These varieties 

would appear to be no 

longer available.

1912 01-08 12 Chrys. White Queen ($2.50)

Chrysanthemum White Queen Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 58

1912 01-08 12 Chrys. Wm Turner ($5)

Chrysanthemum Wm Turner Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 58

William Turner named 

after RHS judge in 

Chrysanthemums and sweet 

pea

1912 01-22 50 Double Fuchsia ($2) Wood Brothers Bk 16, p. 58 Bedding scheme or display, 

or mansion or flower show

1912 01-22 50 Single Fuchsia ($2) Wood Brothers Bk 16, p. 58 Bedding scheme or display, 

or mansion or flower show

1912 02-08 Seeds ($20), Bulbs ($24) A J Boddington Bk 16, p. 60
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

276

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1912 02-15

12 Oncidium varicosum Rogersi 

(Rogersii) ($36)

Dancing Doll Orchid flowers

Julius Roehrs & Co. Bk 16, p. 60 Flowers Fall throught to 

Spring

1912 02-24 1⁄2 pkt Cineraria ($.60) A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 60

Cineraria maritime most 

likely, does appear as 

edging plant to define beds 

in photographic archive. 

Could also be more tender 

cinerarias which would have 

been grown as pot plants in 

the glass house

1912 02-24

1/8g Salvia Bedman ($.40)

Salvia splendens ‘Bonfire’ (‘Clara 

Bedman’) A T BoddingtFF Bk 16, p. 60

Scarlet-spiked plants grow 

to a very even 26-inch 

height. Bedman after 

Bedman Brothers Seed 

company established with 

help from James Thorburn 

(also supplier for Hyde park)

1912 02-27 12 each Nash & Stells Late Pink 

Chrysanthemus ($4) Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Mason

Chrysanthemum Mason Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Merstham Gem

Chrysanthemum Merstham Gem Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Merstham Rose

Chrysanthemum Merstham Rose Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Mrs Nash

Chrysanthemum Mrs Nash Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Ms Godfrey

Chrysanthemum Mrs Godfrey Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Narcissus

Chrysanthemum Narcissus Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Pink Felicity 

Chrysanthemum Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Rowbottom

Chrysanthemum Narcissu Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61 

1912 02-27 6 Chrys Thorn 

Chrysanthemum Thorn Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys W. Buckingham 

Chrysanthemum W. Buckingham Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61

1912 02-27 6 Chrys, Mary Cope

Chrysanthemum Mary Cope Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61 

1912 02-27

6 Hydrangea Madam Mouillier

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame 

Emile Mouillere’

Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 61 Hydrangea macrophylla 

“Madame Emile Mouillere” 

is a white mophead,

1912 03-18 100 Rose Rosesunburst “own root 

stock” ($40) Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 64 Unable to find this variety

1912 03-22 4 English Walnut Trees 2 1/2 ft ($10)

Juglans Regia E C Pomeroy Bk 16, p. 64

1912 03-25 50 small Pan Ferns Assorted varieties Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 64 Presumably for display in 

the Mansion or Glasshouses

1912 04-01

Furnishing & Planting as per contract 

($382.25)

Replanting garden extension ($71.65)

Thos. Meehan & Sons Bk 16, p. 66

1912 04-10 2 Juniperus Sinensis 

(Juniperus chinensis) Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 66

1912 04-10

2 Retinispora Squar. Veitchei 

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘squarrosa 

veitchii’

Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 66

1912 04-10 2 Thuja occidentalis ‘Ellwangeriana”

Eastern arborvitae Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 66

1912 04-10 30 Poplars Lombardy ($21)

Populus nigra Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 66

1912 04-10 6 Evergreens ($8) Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 66

1912 04-17 Mughs Pinus ($43.75)

Pinus mugo var. mughus Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 67

1912 04-19

40-18’ Pinus Mughus 66 Boxing 1.50 

($67.50)

Pinus mugo var. mughus

Thos. Meehan & Sons Bk 16, p. 67

1912 04-25 12 Dahlia Amos Perry Harry A Dreer Bk 16, P. 67 Amos Perry crimson
Appendix A

277

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1912 04-25 12 Dahlia Floradora Harry A Dreer Bk 16, P. 67 Floradora is wine crimson

1912 04-25 12 Dahlia Gorgeous Harry A Dreer Bk 16, P. 67

1912 04-25 12 Dahlia Master Carl Harry A Dreer Bk 16, P. 67

1912 04-25 12 Dahlia Mrs C Turner Harry A Dreer Bk 16, P. 67

1912 04-25 36 Dahlia Countess Lonsdale Harry A Dreer Bk 16, P. 67 Countess of Lonsdale is 

salmon tinted

1912 05-04 12 Begonia Glory De Lorraine ($3) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70

1912 05-04 12 Begonia Glory of Cincinati ($4) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70

1912 05-04 12 Begonia Lonsdale ($4) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70

1912 05-04 12 Dahlia Amos Perry ($1.44) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70

1912 05-04 12 Dahlia Floradora ($1.44) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70

1912 05-04 12 Dahlia Master Carl ($1.92) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70

1912 05-04 12 Dahlia Mrs Turner ($0.96) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70

1912 05-04 36 Dahlia Countess of Lonsdale 

($4.32) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70

1912 06-10 Unknown ($35.45) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1912 06-15 2 Cybotium Scheidi ($5)

Mexican Tree fern Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 75

1912 06-15 2 Dracaena Lord Wolseley($3) Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 75

1912 06-15 2 Phoenix Roebelenii ($4)

Syn. Pygmy Date Palm Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 75

1912 06-15 4 Kentia Belmoreana ($8)

(Howea belmoreana) Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 75 Howea belmoreanaSyn. Kentia belmorean

1912 06-15 4 Kentia Forsteriana ($8)

Howea fosteriana Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 75 syn. Kentia Palm

1912 06-15 4 Kentia Forsterianamade-up ($6) Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 75

1912 06-15 6 Phoemix Roebelinii (small) ($5)

Syn. Pygmy Date Palm Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 75

1912 06-27 1 Juniper 4 ft

Juniperus Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 75

1912 06-27 1 Mughus Pine 2 1⁄2 ft

Pinus mugo var. mughus Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 75

1912 06-27 1 Retinispora plumose 3ft 

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Plumosa’ Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 75

1912 06-27 2 Hemlock 4 ft

Tsuga Sunnyfield Nursery Bk 16, p. 75

1912 07-06 1⁄4 lb Sweet Pea Wallacea ($2)

Lathyrus odoratus Wallacea A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 77 

1912 07-06

1⁄2 lb of Sweet Pea Mrs Alex Wallace

Lathyrus odoratus Mrs Alex Wallace A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 77 

Mrs Alex Wallace Pinkish 

lavender color. The sweet 

pea could be used as cut 

flowers or as part of a 

display

1912 08-28 1 doz Spirea H. Witte ($1.50) A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 80

1912 08-28 1 doz Spirea Peach Bloom ($1.75)

Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 80 Peach Blossom

1912 08-28

1 pkts Muschere (Muscari moschatum) 

Bod. Giant Eng. Exhibition ($1) A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 80

Muscari moschatum syn. 

Grape Hyacinth fragrant 

bloom produced Feb & 

March

1912 08-28 2 pkts Pansies Bod. Challenge ($1)

Viola Bod. Challenge A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 80

Challenge series are 

Medium sized winter 

hardy perennial, masses of 

medium sized blooms on 

compact plants. In a full 

range of colors.

1912 08-28 3 doz Spirea Gladstone ($4.50)

Astilbe ‘W E Gladstone’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 80 Astilbe ‘W E Gladstone’ which is white

1912 09-10 Unknown ($35.45) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1912 09-24

250 Lily of the Valley ($5) 

250 Lily of the Valley ($5)

250 Lily of the Valley ($5)

250 Lily of the Valley ($5)

Convallaria magalis

Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 84

1912 09-24 Assorted pan ferns ($3) H A Dreer Bk 16, p. 84

1912 11-07 Unknown ($1.90) Saltford Flower Shop Bk 6, p. 424
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

278

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1912 11-20 100 Mrs Chas Russell Roses (own 

roots) ($30) Waban Rose Conservatories Bk 16, p. 90

This HT rose is listed 

American Rose Annual 

1913 it is a double rose and 

ideal for cut flowers

1912 11-30 100 Milady Roses (own roots) ($30) A N Pierson Co Bk 16, p. 90

.

Rose Milady HT red in color 

and listed American Rose 

Annual 1913. A.N. Pierson 

Inc was a rose breeder who 

operated out of Cromwell 

Connecticut between 1890-

1991. Mentioned frequently 

in the American Rose 

society reports from 1910 

onwards

1912 J06-

27

800 Marie Louise Violet Plants ($12)

Viola Marie Louise S. Rockefellow Bk 16, p. 74 Rich mauve colored, double, very fragrant

1913 01-09 12 Begonia Glory De Lorraine ($3.50) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70 Same varieties as ordered 

the previous May 4

1913 01-09 12 Begonia Lonsdale ($4) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70 Same varieties as ordered 

the previous May 4

1913 01-09 24 Begonia Glory of Cincinnati ($8.20) Knight & Struck Co. Bk 16, p. 70 Same varieties as ordered 

the previous May

1913 01-10 500 Gladiolus America ($22.50) Heeber & Don Bk 16, p. 95 America is a pink flower 

ideal for cutting

1913 01-10 500 Gladiolus Graffi Hybrids ($17.50) Heeber & Don Bk 16, p. 95 

1913 01-10 Unknown ($.60) Saltford Flower Shop Bk 6, p. 424

1913 01-13 Flower seeds ($34.45)

Flower seeds ($4.60) A J Boddingtons

1913 01-24 100 Pink Carnations Northport ($20)

Dianthus Northport Chas. Totty Bk 16, p. 96

1913 01-24 12 Chrys. Harry E Converse ($2.50)

Chrysanthemum Harry E Converse Chas. Totty Bk 16, p. 96 Harry E converse bronze 

exhibition flower

1913 01-24 12 Chrys. Mrs Gilbert Drabble ($5)

Chrysanthemum Mrs Gilbert Drabble Chas. Totty Bk 16, p. 96

1913 01-24 6 Chrys. Caddie ($1.50)

Chrysanthemum Caddie Chas. Totty Bk 16, p. 96

1913 01-24 6 Chrys. Josephine ($1.50)

Chrysanthemum Josephine Chas. Totty Bk 16, p. 96

1913 01-24 6 Chrys. Mrs Harry Turner

Chrysanthemum Mrs Harry Turner Chas. Totty Bk 16, p. 96 Mrs Harry Turner exhibition 

bloom

1913 01-24 6 Chrys. Oriole ($1.50)

Chrysanthemum Oriole Chas. Totty Bk 16, p. 96

1913 03-01 3 Pine ? Trees ($62)

Pinus Jas Keogan Bk 16, p. 104 This is a lot of money for 3 trees

1913 03-10 Unknown ($43.35) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1913 03-18 1 pkt Scabious Fire King ($0.10)

Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Fire King’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 102 hardy Annual fragrant 24-36”

1913 03-18

500 White Pine 6 yrs Transplants 

($42.50)

Pinus strobus

American Forestry Co Bk 16, p. 102

Could not supply

large evergreen coniferous

tree growing to 40-50 m

1913 03-31 50 Bank’s Pine 3’-4’ Twice Transplanted 

($3.75) Pinus American Forestry Company Bk 16, p. 103

1913 04-10 Unknown ($30) Waban Rose Conservatories Bk 6, p. 311

1913 04-14 Morning Glory seed (Ipomoea 

violacea) ($0.50) Du Bois Bros. Bk 16, p. 106

1913 04-22 4 Pks Flowering seed Primula

primrose A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 107

1913 04-29

Prof Service Stock & Planting ($1470)

Less Planting Plan # 2469 ($72.50)

Total ($1397.50)

Robert B Cridland Bk 16, p. 107

1913 05-01 Greenhouse Contract ($350) E S Foster Bk 16, p. 111

1913 06-06 800 Marie Louise Violet Plants ($12) S. Rockefellow Bk 16, p. 112 Double violet, mauve color, very fragrant.This same 

order was placed in 1912

1913 07-17 10 Azaleas Breuhard Andreas white 

($2.50) H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 115

This is the same order as 

one that was placed on 

1910-7-7 with the same 

company
Appendix A

279

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1913 07-17 10 Azaleas Noibe ($2.50) H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 115

1913 07-17 5 Azaleas Empereur de Brisel ($1.25) H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 115

1913 07-17 5 Azaleas Ernest Thiers ($1.25) H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 115

1913 07-17 5 Azaleas Memoire de Louis Van 

Houtte ($1.25) H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 115

1913 07-17 5 Azaleas Sacorentala ($1.25) H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 115

1913 07-17 5 Azaleas Schryveriana ($1.25) H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 115

1913 07-17 5 Azaleas Vervaeneana ($4.75) H Zijp & Co Bk 16, p. 115

1913 08-07 4 oz Sweet Peas Le Marquis ($1.50)

Lathyrus odoratus Le Marquis A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 117 Le Marquis is a dark blue

1913 08-07

4 oz Sweet Peas Mrs Alex Wallace 

($1.75)

Lathyrus odoratus Mrs Alex Wallace

A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 117

Mrs A Wallace is described 

as Lavender or mauve

This is one of the varieties 

that Boddingtons entered 

into the Sweet Pea trials at 

Cornell University in 1911

1913 08-07 4 oz Sweet Peas Wallacea ($0.75)

Lathyrus odoratus Wallacea A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 117

1913 09-09

24 Chrys. Frutescens Mrs Sanders 4’ 

pots ($3)

Chrysanthemum Frutescens Mrs 

Sanders

Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 120

1913 11-01

5 Days Survey & Maps NYC& HRRR 

($125)

Computing areas 10 2 Maps 5 & 8 

($23)

B H Brevoort Bk 16, p. 128

1913 11-20 12 Parrot’s feathers ($1)

Myriophyllum proserpinacoides Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 126 Myriophyllum aquaticum 

now considered invasive 

plant

1913 11-23 1 doz Spirea H. Witte ($1.50) A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 126 Same as order placed 1912-

8-28

1913 11-23 1 doz Spirea Peach Bloom ($1.75)

Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 126 Same as order placed 1912-

8-28

1913 11-23 3 doz Spirea Gladstone ($3.)

Astilbe ‘W E Gladstone’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 126 Same as order placed 1912-

8-28

1913 12-06 250 Manette Stock for Rose Grafting Jackson & Perkins Co Bk 16, p. 129 Could not supply is written 

in the margin Rosa gallica 

‘Manette’, 

1913 12-10 250 Manette Stock for Rose Grafting 

($3.75) Henry a Dreer Bk 16, p. 129

Could not supply is written 

in the margin Rosa gallica 

‘Manette’

1913 12-16

2 sets each of 21 “New French 

Hydrangeas’ 6 pots ($17.50)

Hydrangea macrophylla

H A Dreer Bk 16, p. 129

1914 01-01 Pinus ($5.10)

Pine Jas Keogan Bk 16, p. 134

1914 01-08 Unknown ($36.25) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1914 01-14 100 Gorgeous Carnation rooting Cut Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 132

1914 01-14 3 Chrys Jas Frazer 

Chrysanthemum James Frazer Chas H Totty Bk 16, p. 132

1914 01-16 36 Gloxinias ($9)

Sinningia speciosa A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 132

1914 01-16

Flower seeds

36 Callas Elliottiana, ($10.80) 

Zantedeschia elliottiana

A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 132

1914 01-22

2 pkts Aster Heatherhome’s Sea Shell 

($1)

Callistephus chinensis

Knight & Stuck Co. Bk 16, p. 132

1914 01-22 2 pkts Cosmos Midsummer Giant ($1) Knight & Stuck Co. Bk 16, p. 132

1914 01-22 2 pkts Heliotrope Pearly Blue ($0.50) Knight & Stuck Co. Bk 16, p. 132

1914 01-22 48 Begonia Cinn ($16)

Begonia ‘Gloria of Cincinnati’ Knight & Stuck Co. Bk 16, p. 132

1914 01-22

6 Bouganvillea Sanderiana ($9.35)

Bougainvillea glabra ‘Sanderiana 

Variegata’

Knight & Stuck Co. Bk 16, p. 132 Purple flowers

1914 02-02 Myriophyllum proserpinacoides ($1)

Parrot’s Feathers Vaughan’s Seeds Bk 16, p. 135 Syn. Parrot’s feathers, aquatic

1914 02-07 Unknown ($36.45) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

280

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1914 02-10 12 Roses Edith Part Samuel McGreedy & Sons Bk 16, p. 130 Edith PartRed & yellow moderate & 

Bushy

1914 02-10 12 Roses F W Vanderbilt Samuel McGreedy & Sons Bk 16, p. 130

These may have been 

introduced to trial at Hyde 

Park as no $ is indicated. F 

W Vanderbilt

HT Coppery rose moderately 

bushy

1914 02-10 12 Roses Lady Mary Ward Samuel McGreedy & Sons Bk 16, p. 130

1914 02-10 12 Roses Mrs Chas E Pearson Samuel McGreedy & Sons Bk 16, p. 130

1914 02-10 12 Roses Old Gold Samuel McGreedy & Sons Bk 16, p. 130

1914 03-26 50 Rose Hadley Tea ($7.50) A M Pierson Bk 16, p. 138 Red Rose, American Rose Society Gold Medal Winner 

1914

1914 03-26 50 Rose Hadley Tea Grafted ($20) A M Pierson Bk 16, p. 138

Red Rose, American Rose 

Society Gold Medal Winner 

1914

1914 03-27 50 Assorted Pan Ferns ($3) Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 138

1914 04-11

100 (8c) White Pines 2’ to 3’

Pinus strobus American Forestry Co Bk 16, p. 141 An order was placed March 18 1913 for 500 white pine 

that could not be supplies.

1914 04-11 200 (20c) White Pines 2 1⁄2’ to 3’

Pinus strobus American Forestry Co Bk 16, p. 141 An order was placed March 

18 1913 for 500 white pine 

that could not be supplies.

1914 04-15 75 Rhododendron Maximum ($56.25) Rort B Cridland Bk 16, p. 141

1914 04-17 100 Manette rose root Stock ($2.50) Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 142 Manette stock was used for 

budding roses

1914 04-21

200 Common White Willow Rooted 

Stock 3’-4’ ($50)

Salix alba

Brown Brothers Bk 16, p. 142

1914 04-23 25 Hardy English Ivy

Hedra helix Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 143

1914 05-06 12 Hemlock Trees 3-4 ft ($8)

Tsuga Canadensis R B Cridland Bk 16, p. 145

1914 05-06 50 Asparagus Hatcheri ($5)

Fern lace veil Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 145

Asparagus harcherii is 

believed to be a chance 

hybrid of A. plumosa 

appears in contemporary 

gardening magazines

1914 05-06

50 Asparagus Sprengeri 2 1⁄2’ or 3’ 

pot ($4)

Asparagus Fern

Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 145

1914 05-07 Unknown ($2) Saltford Flower Shop Bk 6, p. 424

1914 05-14 20 Honeysuckle Hallean ($5)

Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ Thomas Meehan & Son Bk 16, p. 146

Hall’s Honeysuckle, pale 

yellow in color, repeat 

flowering late spring to mid 

summer, fragrant

1914 05-14 24 Honeysuckle Halleane 5 Pots ($6) 

Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ Thomas Meehan & Son Bk 16, p. 146

Hall’s Honeysuckle, pale 

yellow in color, repeat 

flowering late spring to mid 

summer, fragrant

1914 06-12 50 Caladium Esculentum 5” pots ($9)

Elephant ears A M Pierson Bk 16, p. 149 Syn; Colocasia antiquorum, Caladium esculentum

1914 06-12 800 Marie Louise Violet Plants ($12) S Rockefellow Bk 16, p. 149 Same as order in June 1912 

& 1913

1914 06-12 Unknown ($11.50) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1914 06-16 Visits ($25), Plans ($142.50) Expenses 

($10) ($177.50) Rob B Cridland Bk 16, p. 149

1914 07-10 Unknown ($1.40) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1914 08-24 1 pkt Myositis Bod. Pot ($0.50)

Forget-me-not A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 157

1914 08-24

2 pkts Myositis Oblongata perfecta 

($0.30)

Forget-me-not

A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 157
Appendix A

281

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1914 08-24

3 pkts Sweet Pea Lavender Orchid 

($1.25)

Lathyrus odoratus Lavender Orchid

A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 157

1914 08-24

3 pkts Sweet Pea Orchid Beauty 

($1.25)

Lathyrus odoratus Orchid Beauty

A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 157

1914 09-12 Unknown ($17.94) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1914 09-19

250 Lily of the Valley ($8)

250 Lily of the Valley ($8)

250 Lily of the Valley ($8)

250 Lily of the Valley ($8)

Convallaria majalis

Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 161 1000 ordered in 1910, 

1911, 1912 & 1914

1914 09-25 Collection of Dahlias ($25) N Harold Cotton Bk 16, p. 162

1914 10-08 Unknown ($1.20) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1914 10-08 Unknown ($70) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1914 10-09 50 Assorted pan ferns ($3) Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 164

1914 10-09 Unknown ($2) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1914 11-07 Unknown ($14.50) Vaughan’s Seed Store Bk 6, p. 413

1914 11-17 12 Spirea H Witte ($1) A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 167 Same as order placed 1912-

8-28 & 1913-11-23

1914 11-17 12 Spirea Peach Bloom ($1.50)

Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 167 Same as order placed 1912-8-28 & 1913-11-23

1914 11-17 36 Spirea Gladstone ($3)

Astilbe ‘W E Gladstone’ A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 167 Same as order placed 1912-8-28 & 1913-11-23

1914 12-04 Unknown ($1) Saltford Flower Shop Bk 6, p. 424

1915 01-05 500 Manette Stock for Rose Grafting 

($7.50) H A Dreer Bk 16, p. 173 100 had been ordered the 

previous April

1915 01-16 12 Chrysanthemum Mendon ($5) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 01-16 6 Chrysanthemum Bob Putting ($3.75) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 01-16 6 Chrysanthemum E Roope ($3.75) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 01-16 6 Chrysanthemum Ellan (Gratis) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 01-16 6 Chrysanthemum L M Bennett 

($3.75) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 01-16 6 Chrysanthemum Mrs Jones (Gratis) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 01-16 6 Chrysanthemum Mrs Walkin ($3.75) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 01-16 6 Chrysanthemum Nesissa ($2.50) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 01-16 6 Chrysanthemum Odessa ($2.50) Scott Bros. Bk 16, p. 173

1915 02-02 100 Sweet Pea Yarrawa ($5)

Lathyrus odoratus Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 176

1915 02-02 3 Lilac Christmas ($6) Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 176

1915 02-02 3 Lilac Rhods Pink Peach ($7.50)

Syringa Rhods Pink Peach Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 176

1915 02-02 48 Begonia Cincinnati ($16) Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 176

1915 02-02 6 Chorozema Cordatum Splendens 

($6) Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 176

1915 02-02 Sweet Peas ($5)

Lathyrus odoratus R & J Farquhar & Co. Bk 16, p. 176

1915 02-15

Tree moving from Dec 14- feb 5th

Labor ($621.80)

Tree Mover Truck ($415)

Isaac Hicks & Son Bk 16, p. 176

1915 02-18 Flower Seeds ($40.95) A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 176

1915 03-12

2 doz Lonicera Hallean ($4.80)

Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’

Hall’s Honeysuckle

The Morris Nursery Bk 16, p. 179

Same Lonicera also ordered 

from Thomas Meehan 1914 

May14

1915 03-12 3 doz Hydrangea Paniculata 

Grandiflora ($9.00) The Morris Nursery Bk 16, p. 179

1915 03-16 12 Cattleya Mossiae Imp. ($40) Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 179 Expensive item different 

Cattleya than ordered in 

1911 bk 16, p. 23

1915 04-12 Unknown, ($13.80) The Morris Nurseries Bk 6, p. 303

1915 04-22

6 Ampelopsis Veitcii ($1.50)

Parthenocissus tricuspidata A & J Farquahar Bk 16, p. 183 

Ampelopsis Veitcii 

Parthenocissus tricuspidata 

was ordered in May 1911 

from the same supplier, Bk 

16, p. 34

1915 04-22 6 Clematis Jackmanii ($4) A & J Farquahar Bk 16, p. 183 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

282

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1915 04-22 6 Clematis Panaculata ($2.50)) A & J Farquahar Bk 16, p. 183 

Clematis paniculata,C. 

maximonowicziana, C. 

terniflora White, August 

September flowering, 

fragrant.

1915 04-23 2 pkts Kochia trichophylla ($0.20) A J Boddington Bk 16, p. 184 Glasshouse or annual check 

photographs

1915 04-28 1 lb Tom Thumb Nasturtium ($1.75)

Tropaeolum A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 184

1915 05-15 50 Asst Pan Ferns ($3) H A Dreer Bk 16, p. 187

1915 05-31 200 Mad. Butterfly Roses ($ 61.00) Totty’s Bk 1, p. 253

Mme. Butterfly is a HT with 

blooms in several shades 

of pale pink to blush with 

lemon centre.

1915 06-01

Wall at Italian Garden ($330)

Steps at Italian Garden ($59)

Brick Wall at Italian Garden ($15.20)

H Myers Bk 16, p. 192

1915 06-09 26 Water Lillies Asst ($25) 

Nymphaea Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 190 Photos of John Moore in pond with waterlilies

1915 06-18 1 Box 12 x 16 D J Glass E V Grant Bk 16, p. 190

1915 06-23 500 Freesia Mam Purity Fishers ($20) Burrnett Bros. Bk 16, p. 191 

possibly grown in the 

greenhouses as cut flowers 

for the house

1915 07-01

4 Each of Jap. Iris (Iris laevigata) 5, 6, 

7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 15, 20, 21, 22, 

26, 27, 33, 34, 36, 40, 41, 43, 44, 50, 

29, 3?,

(Total $35)

Brown Brothers Bk 16, p. 193

1915 07-01 Marie Louise Violet Plants ($12) Rockerfellow Bk 16, p. 193 Same order as Same as 

order in June 1912, 1913 

& 1914

1915 07-16

6 Kenita Belmoreana 4” pots ($3)

Howea belmoreana

Syn. Kentia belmoreana

Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 193

Previous order was placed 

for these plants with Julius 

Roehrs in June 1912 Bk 16, 

p. 75

1915 07-16 6 Phoenix Roebelenii 4” pots ($4.50)

Pygmy Date Palm Henry A Dreer Bk 16, p. 193

Previous order was placed 

for these plants with Julius 

Roehrs in June 1912 Bk 16, 

p. 75

1915 08-03

1⁄2 oz Sweat Pea Fair Orchid (could not 

supply)

Lathyrus odoratus

A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 196

1915 08-03 1⁄2 oz Sweet Pea Orchid Beauty ($2.50)

Lathyrus odoratus A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 196

1915 08-03

1 oz Sweet Pea Lav. Nora (could not 

supply)

Lathyrus odoratus

A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 196

1915 08-03 1/8 Mignonette Bod. Majesty ($1.50)

Reseda odorata A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 196

1915 09-17 12 Lemon Verbena Pot Grown ($1)

Aloysia triphylla

Bk 16, p. 

200 Lippia 

citriodora, 

Aloysia triphylla may have 

been used as part of floral 

display check photographs

1915 09-21 1⁄4 oz Sweat Pea Anita Wehrman ($2)

Lathyrus odoratus Vaughan Seed Store Bk 16, p. 200

1915 11-20 Uruguayan Grass

Cortaderia selloana Saltford Flower Shop Bk 16, p. 206 May be drier or cut flower 

rather than plant itself 

considering supplier

1915 11-26 20 Pines White) 15’ ($360)

30 Pines White 12’ ($390) Hicks Nurseries Bk 16, p. 206 300 white pines were 

ordered in April 1914 bk 16, 

p. 141

1915 12-21 200 Carnation Good Cheer 2” pots

Dianthus Good Cheer A N Pierson Bk 16, p. 208 

Carnations also ordered 

1/14/1914 different variety 

Bk 16, p. 132

1915 12-21 12 H Witte Spirea Arthur T Boddington Bk 16, p. 210

Same as order placed 1912-

8-28, 1913-11-23, 1914-

11-17

1915 12-21 12 Peach Bloom Spirea

Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ Arthur T Boddington Bk 16, p. 210

Same as order placed 1912-

8-28, 1913-11-23, 1914-

11-17
Appendix A

283

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1915 12-21 36 Gladstone Spirea

Astilbe ‘W E Gladstone’ Arthur T Boddington Bk 16, p. 210

Same as order placed 1912-

8-28, 1913-11-23, 1914-

11-17

1916 01-04 12 H Witle Spirea Arthur T Boddington Bk 16, p. 212

1916 01-04 12 Peach Bloom Spirea

Astilbe x rosea ‘Peach Blossom’ Arthur T Boddington Bk 16, p. 212

Possibly double entry from 

previous order see Bk 16, p. 

210 but quantity for Spirea 

Gladsctone has increased 

from 36 to 50. The location 

and costing for this batch is 

also split and therefore may 

be an inaccurate entry.

1916 01-04 50 Gladstone Spirea

Astilbe x arendsii ‘W E Gladstone’ Arthur T Boddington Bk 16, p. 212

1916 01-07 12 Orchids ($36) Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 212

1916 01-07 2 doz Begonia Cincinnati ($7) Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 212

The last few items are 

similar to an order placed 

with the same company 

1915-2-16 bk 16, p. 176

1916 01-07 

2 oz 5060 400 ($2.50)

4 pks 5135 60 ($1)

1⁄2 oz 5195 100 ($2.50)

2oz 5270 400 ($2)

2oz 5310 400 ($1)

1/2oz 5580 100 ($1.25)

4 pkts 5227 40 ($1)

2 oz 5321 400 ($1)

1oz 5315 200 ($2)

Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 212

1916 01-07 6 Lilac Chas X ($15)

Syringa Chas X Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 212

1916 01-07 6 Lilac Rtn. Pink Peal ($18)

Syringa Rtn. Pink Peal Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 212

1916 03-08 200 Good Cheer 2 1⁄4” ($24) A N Pierson Bk 16, p. 218

Previous orders of 

carnations include Bk 16, p. 

96 & p. 132 all ordered in 

January of each year

1916 03-16 50 Ophelia rose gft (grafted?)2 1⁄4’ 

($8.75) A N Pierson Bk 16, p. 218

Ophelia syn. Swertia of 

gentian family. Rose Ophelia 

developed Richmond AN 

Pierson has also supplies 

roses so may indeed be 

the Rose Ophelia Double, 

scented, pale pink HT rose

1916 04-01 50 Ophelia rose O.R. (own rootstock?)

($5) A N Pierson Bk 16, p. 218 Rose Ophelia double, 

scented, pale pink HT rose

1916 04-01 100 Sunburst Greenhouse Roses in 2 

1⁄2 Pots ($15) A N Pierson Bk 16, p. 219 These roses were previously 

ordered in 1912 from Chas. 

Totty see Bk 16, p. 64

1916 04-01 Gladiolus ($5.00) Richard Dienu Co. Bk 8, P. 9

1916 04-18

200 S A Nutt Geraniums 

(Pelargonium) in 3” pots ($16)

Pelargonium S A Nutt

A N Pierson Rich vermillion 

colour

Blood red, upper petals 

bright Vermillion, lower 

more crimson, almost 

magenta. Tall growing

1916 04-21 Expenses to New York Flower Show 

($7.50) H J Allen Bk 16, p. 219

1916 04-21 100 White Spruce 3ft high

Picea glauca Hicks Nurseries Bk 16, p. 220

1916 05-01 1⁄2 Bay Tree Greenhouse ($2.75)

Laurus noblis E S Foster Bk 16, p. 224

1916 05-01 200 White Pine Trees @ 2.5 ($50)

Pinus strobus George Foreman Bk 16, p. 224

1916 05-02 

50 Veitch’s Fir 3 ft high @ 2.50 each 

($125.00)

Abies vetchii

Hicks Nurseries Bk 16, p. 222 

Coniferous evergreen tree

growing at a fast rate to 

25–30 m tall This entry 

is crossed out Duplicate 

written
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

284

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1916 05-09 25 Anthurium Mandaramum ($3.75) 

Flamingo Flower; Pigtail Plant U A Manda Bk 16, p. 223

1916 05-09 3 Polypodium @ $3 ($9) Fern U A Manda Bk 16, p. 223

1916 05-10 12 Forget-Me-Not Plants ($1.50)

Myosotis Sinda (???) Bk 8, P. 9

1916 05-12 500 White Pines FF?TT? 1 1⁄2 -2 ft ($50)

Pinus strobus American Forestry Company Bk 16, p. 222

1916 05-19 50 Veitch’s Fir ($125)

Abies vetchii Issac Hicks Bk 16, p. 223 

(Chamaecyparis pisifera 

‘squarrosa veitchii’)?Bk 16, 

p. 66

1916 06-01 36 Rhododendrons @ 2.50 ($90) Robt B Cridland Bk 16, p. 224

1916 06-01 2 trips to New York with Flowers H J Allen Bk 16, p. 228

Possibly to provide flowers 

for Vanderbilt Home in 

City or for Flower Show or 

special event

1916 06-01 900 Roses @ .40 ($360) Robt B Cridland Bk 16, p. 228 Unknown variety

1916 06-01

Garden House ($2932.60)

Pier Caps ($354.20)

Paving ($93.50)

Stock ($1250)

900 Roses @ .40 ($360)

Robt B Cridland Bk 16, p. 228

1916 06-08 12 Cattleya Labiata Semi Est ($36) Knight & Struck Company Bk 16, p. 226

These were previously 

ordered in 1911 from same 

company see Bk 16, p. 23

1916 06-13 800 Marie Louise Violet Plants ($12) S Rockefeller Bk 16, p. 226 Same order as Same as order in June 1912, 1913, 

1914 & 1915 Bk 16, p. 193

1916 06-21 24 Begonia Glorie de Cincinnati ($7) Knight & Struck Co Bk 16, p. 228

similar to an order placed 

with the same company 

1915-2-16 bk 16, p. 176 & 

1916-1-7 Bk 16, p. 212

1916 06-21 24 Begonia Mrs J A Peterson ($10) Knight & Struck Co Bk 16, p. 228

similar to an order placed 

with the same company 

1915-2-16 bk 16, p. 176 & 

1916-1-7 Bk 16, p. 212

1916 07-14

12 Kenita Single 4” Pots @ $1

Howea belmoreana Syn. Kentia 

belmoreana

Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 229 

Previous order was placed 

for these plants with Julius 

Roehrs in June 1912 Bk 16, 

p. 75 & July 1915 Bk 16, 

p. 193

1916 07-14 12 Phoenix Roebelenii 4” pots @ $1

(Total $24) Pygmy Date Palm Julius Roehrs Bk 16, p. 229 

Previous order was placed 

for these plants with Julius 

Roehrs in June 1912 Bk 16, 

p. 75 & July 1915 Bk 16, 

p. 193

1916 07-21 1/8 oz Sweet Pea E Burke 

Lathyrus odoratus A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 229

1916 07-21 1/8 oz Sweet Pea Orange Orchid 

Lathyrus odoratus A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 229

1916 07-21 1/8 oz Sweet Pea Rose Queen

Lathyrus odoratus A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 229

1916 07-21 1/8 oz Sweet Pea Yarrawa

Lathyrus odoratus A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 229

1916 07-21 1/8 oz Sweet Peas Anita Wehrman

Lathyrus odoratus A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 229

1916 07-21 3 pkts Sweet Pea Salmomid

Lathyrus odoratus A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 229

1916 07-31

Painting and Bronzing Upper Rose 

House and two Palm Houses as per 

contract ($325)

E S Foster Bk 16, p. 230

1916 J01-

07 2 doz Begonia Mrs J A Peterson ($10) Knight & Struck Bk 16, p. 212

1917 03-09 2 Black Walnut ($3.00)

Juglans nigra J.T. Jones Bk 1, p. 10

1917 03-09 2 English Walnut ($4.00)

Juglans regia J.T. Jones Bk 1, p. 10

1917 03-09 2 Pecan trees ($4.00)

Carya illinoinensis J.T. Jones Bk 1, p. 10
Appendix A

285

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1917 03-26 400 Heliotrope 2 1⁄4” pots ($20.00) A.N. Pierson Bk 1, p. 11

Heliptope described in 1900 

The Standard Cyclopedia 

of Horticulture as being 

extensively used as a 

bedding plant and by florists 

for cut flowers, they can 

be grown from seed and 

strike regularly from tender 

cuttings. 

1917 03-30 10 Campbells Early grape vine ($2.00)

Vitis vinifera ‘Campbells Early’ Ellwanger & Barry Bk 1, p. 12

1917 03-30 10 Dutchess ($2.00)

Vitis vinifera ‘Dutchess’ Ellwanger & Barry Bk 1, p. 12

1917 03-30 10 Salem ($2.00)

Vitis vinifera ‘Salem’ Ellwanger & Barry Bk 1, p. 12

1917 03-30 10 Wilder ($1.50)

Vitis vinifera ‘Wilder’ Ellwanger & Barry Bk 1, p. 12

1917 03-30 20 ‘Niagara’ ($3.00)

Vitis vinifera ‘Niagara’ Ellwanger & Barry Bk 1, p. 12

1917 04-21 9 water lily plants ($17.25)

Nymphaea William Tricker Bk 1, p. 14

1917 04-24 4 pk Cardinal Climber ($0.50)

Ipomoea sloteri H A Dreer Bk 1, p. 14

1917 04-28 12 Rose Pink Ophelia Roses ($6) Pennock N Yuhaut Co. Bk 1, p. 14

1917 04-30 400 Heliotrope 2 1⁄4” pots ($20.00) A.N. Pierson Bk 1, p. 15 

1917 05-04 Supplies A T Boddington Bk 1, p. 17

1917 05-11 Expenses to New York H J Allen Bk 1, p. 16

HJ Allen is the head 

gardener in photograph. 

Unknown if these expenses 

relate to flower show or 

delivery of flowers. 

1917 05-25 Nursery Stock Robert Cridland Bk 1, p. 17

1917 05-26 100 Am. Beauties Rose ($18.00) A.N. Pierson Bk 1, p. 17

American Beauty’syn. 

‘Madame Ferdinand Jamin’. 

The cup-shaped flowers, 

deep pink and scented. 

Ideal as cut flower

1917 05-31 200 Baron Hulot Gladiolus Cedar Hill Nursery Bk 1, p. 17 Indigo blue in color flowers 

late summer early autumn

1917 05-31 Plants H A Dreer Bk 1, p. 17

1917 05-31 Plants A N Pierson Bk 1, p. 17

1917 06-01 149 pines ($37.25)

Pinus George Foreman Bk 1, p. 18

1917 06-01 25 cedars ($6.25)

Thuja George Foreman Bk 1, p. 18

1917 06-10

100 Primula obcronia grandiflora 

($5.00)

primrose

Henry Schmidt Bk 1, p. 21

Flowers pink or white. 1905 

Journal refers to this plant 

and says that it is commonly 

grown in hot houses in pots 

during winter. The leaves 

of this plant are edged 

with tiny spines which are 

extremely poisonous and 

can result in a painful rash

1917 06-11 12 Rosa Vicountess Folkstone Rose A.N. Pierson Inc. Bk 1, p. 18 Vicountess Folkstone is a 

creamy pink HT

1917 06-11 44 Mme Jules Grolez Rose ($22.00) A.N. Pierson Inc. Bk 1, p. 18 ‘Mme Jules Grolez’ is a 

cherry red HT 

1917 06-11 45 Lady Hillingdon Rose ($20.25) A.N. Pierson Inc. Bk 1, p. 18 ‘Lady Hillingdon’ is yellow

1917 06-11 6 La Tosca Rose A.N. Pierson Inc. Bk 1, p. 18 Rosa La Tosca is a silvery 

pale pink, mid fragrant, HT

1917 06-11 7 Mme Ravary Rose ($3.50) A.N. Pierson Inc. Bk 1, p. 18 ‘Mme Ravary’, is yellow 

1917 07-20 24 Begonia ‘Cincinatti’ ($6.00) Knight & Struck Bk 1, p. 20

1917 07-20 24 Begonia ‘Mrs. J.A. Peterson’ ($9.00) Knight & Struck Bk 1, p. 20

Described as being suitable 

for Christmas hanging 

baskets for indoor use. 

Flowers deep pink or red 

foliage a rich deep bronze. 

Bred by J.A. Peterson’ pre 

1916
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

286

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1917 07-20 800 Violet ($12.00)

Viola spp. Stanton Rockefeller Bk 1, p. 22

Stanton Rockefeller for best 

100 violets Ploughkeepie 

NY Flower Show 1897. Not 

known if these were grown 

outdoors or in an unheaded 

glasshouse. 

1917 07-21 Seeds: 1 pkt #3041, 1 pkt #3042, 1oz 

#4281, 1oz #4284 A T Boddington Bk 1, p. 22

1917 08-10

12 Judas Tree ($15.00) 

6 Blue ? ($4.50)

Cercis siliquastrum

Brown Brothers Co. Bk 1, p. 24 

1917 08-13

1⁄4 oz. Sweet peas Anita Markam 

($2.25)

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Anita Markam’

A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 24

1917 08-13

1⁄4 oz. Sweet peas Mrs. J.M. Baker 

($1.50)

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Mrs. J.M. Baker’

A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 24

1917 08-13

1⁄4 oz. Sweet peas Orchid Beauty 

($0.75)

Lathyrus odoratus Orchid Beauty’

A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 24

1917 08-13 1⁄4 oz. Sweet peas Salmonia ($12.00)

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Salmonia’ A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 24

1917 08-13

1⁄2 oz. Sweet peas Rose Queen 

($2.00)

Lathyrus odoratus Rose Queen 

A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 24

1917 08-21 250 Colored Freesias ($12.61) Knight & Struck Bk 1, p. 24

Possibly for cut flower 

production in pots or in 

one of the greenhouses. 

Regarded as winter 

flowering in the greenhouse 

but can be forced to flower 

Aug & September

1917 08-21 1⁄2 oz. Sweet peas Blue Flaked ($1.50)

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Blue Flaked’ A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 25

1917 09-04 3 pkts. Calendula ‘Prince of Orange’ 

pot marigold Greber and Don Bk 1, p. 26

Bloom all winter in 

greenhouse, rich orange in 

color

1917 09-07 2 oz. Larkspur 

Consolida ajacis A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 26

Suggested would be ideal 

for a blue border, can also 

be white or pink

1917 11-24 50 Tulips ($2.08) Knight & Struck Bk 1, p. 30

1917 11-24 Plants Knight & Struck Bk 1, p. 30

1917 11-31 50 Hoosier Beauty Graft Rose A N Pierson Bk 1, P. 12 This is a crimson rose with 

moderate spread, HT

1917 11-31 50 Hoosier Beauty OS Rose A N Pierson Bk 1, P. 12 This is a crimson rose with 

moderate spread, HT

1917 11-31 Flower Show

H Tupering

C. Halpin

J D Graff

Bk 16, p. 12

1917 12-01 12 rhododendron ($37.50) Knight & Struck Bk 1, p. 31

1917 12-01 200 Gladiola hybrids ($4.20) John Shupers & co. Bk 1, p. 31

1918 02-26 Supplies A T Boddington Bk 1, p. 36

1918 03-02 100 Cannas Mrs. Alfred 

Conard($12.00) A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 36 4 ft.; salmon-pink; large-size blooms; bright green foliage

1918 03-25 Plants Knight & Struck Bk 1, p. 36

1918 03-31 650 Carnation plants ($64.00)

Dianthus spp. Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 37

1918 04-01 4 Trips to New York with flowers H J Allen Bk 1, p. 39

1918 04-04 1 case of Orchids Joseph Manda Bk 1, p. 54 Was unable to supply

1918 04-04 12 Cattleya Labiata Joseph Manda Bk 1, p. 54 Was unable to supply

1918 04-04 6 Gunnera scabra

Gunnera tinctoria Julius Roehrs Bk 1, p. 64

1918 04-30 50 ferns in 2 1⁄4” pots H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 39

1918 04-30 50 ferns in 3” pots H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 39

1918 05- 

16 18 Viscountess Folkstone Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Vicountess Folkstone is a creamy pink HT

1918 05-04 100 Berberis thunbergii ($15.00)

Japanese Barberry Robert B. Cridland Bk 1, p. 42

1918 05-04 12 Retinispora spp. ($72.00) Robert B. Cridland Bk 1, p. 42
Appendix A

287

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1918 05-04 2 Thuja vesuviana ? ($12.00) Robert B. Cridland Bk 1, p. 42

1918 05-04 40 Taxus brevifolia ($60.00)

Yew Robert B. Cridland Bk 1, p. 42

1918 05-04

6 Juniperus chinensis ‘Pfitzeriana’ 

($36.00)

Juniper

Robert B. Cridland Bk 1, p. 42

1918 05-16 13 Hoosier Beauty Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Hoosier Beauty is crimson

1918 05-16 13 Molly Sharman Crawford Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Molly Sharman Crawford 

is white

1918 05-16 15 General MacArthur Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 General Mac Arthur is 

crimson

1918 05-16 25 Augusta Victoria Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Augusta Victoria, is a 

Primrose HT

1918 05-16 35 Lady Hillingdon Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Lady Hillingdon is apricot 

yellow

1918 05-16 6 Harry Kirk Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Harry Kirk is Primrose

1918 05-16 6 Jonkheer J.L. Mock Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Jonkheer J.L. Mock is deep 

rose, fragrant

1918 05-16 6 La Tosca Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Rosa La Tosca is a silvery 

pale pink HT

1918 05-16 6 Mme Ravary Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Mme Ravery is HT light 

yellow double

1918 05-16 Gruss an Tepliz Rose H.A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 40 Gruss an Tepliz is red

1918 05-17 1 doz. Honesuckle extra ($ 4.00)

Lonicera spp Poughkeepsie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 41

1918 05-28 1 Hemlock ($ 5.00) 

Tsuga spp. George Foreman Bk 1, p. 41

1918 05-28 150 pines ($37.50)

Pinus spp. George Foreman Bk 1, p. 41

1918 05-28 3 pines ($15.00)

Pinus spp. George Foreman Bk 1, p. 41

1918 06-04 6 Retinispora obtusa ‘nana’ ($43.20) Robert B. Cridland Bk 1, p. 42

1918 07-17 100 America Gladioli ($2.50) A.J. Boddington Co. Bk 1, p. 43 America is shell pink

1918 07-17 100 Mrs. Francis King Gladioli ($3.50) A.J. Boddington Co. Bk 1, p. 43 Mrs Francis King is Red

1918 09-10 50 assorted ferns in 2 1⁄2” pots ($ 

3.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 50

1918 Sep 

10 50 assorted ferns in 3” pots ($ 4.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 50

1919 01-03 1 set Anenome Japanese 

Windflower

1919 01-03 100 Columbia Rose ($ 30.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57 Columbia is pink

1919 01-03 100 Hoosier Beauty Rose Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57

1919 01-03 100 Mrs. Henry Winnette Rose Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57 Mrs. Henry Winnette is red

1919 01-03 100 Ophelia supreme Rose Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57

1919 01-03 100 Pocahontas Carnation

Dianthus Pocahontas Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57 Pocahontas is crimson

1919 01-03 100 Premier Rose Rose 2 1⁄2” pots Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57 Premier rose is a deep rose 

colour

1919 01-03 100 Princess Dagmar 

Dianthus Princess Dagmar Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57 Princss Dagmar is crimson

1919 01-03 200 Laddie Carnation

Dianthus Laddie Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57 Laddie is pink.

1919 01-03 300 Ophelia Rose ($ 60.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57

1919 01-03 6 Fuji Chrysanthemum Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57

1919 01-03 6 Sam Caswell Chrysanthemum Total: 

($ 1.25) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57

1919 01-03 6 Tachinlana Chrysanthemum Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 57

1919 01-13

100 Yellow Prince Carnations own 

root in 2 1⁄2” pots ($ 10.00) 

Dianthus Yellow Prince

Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 58

1919 04-16 1 Juniper Pfizeriana ($ 7.00)

Juniperus media ‘Pfitzeriana R.B. Cridland Bk 1, p. 64

1919 05-31 140 Pines – 4 ft. ($ 35.00)

Pinus spp. George Foreman Bk 1, p. 68

1919 05-31 16, pines – 10 ft. ($ 8.00) 

Pinus spp. George Foreman Bk 1, p. 68

1919 07-01 Repairs at Greenhouses Hitchings & Co. Bk 1 p. 72
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

288

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1919 07-01 800 Marie Louise Violet Plants ($ 

16.00) Stanton Rockefeller Bk 1, p. 72

Fragrant double parma 

violet flowers in fall, winter 

and spring

1919 07-11

100 Primula obconica Grandiflora ($ 

6.63)

primrose

Henry Schmidt Bk 1, p. 73 Most likely for use as potted 

plant

1919 07-12 Begonia A N Pierson Bk 1, p. 73

1919 07-12 Marguerites

Argyranthemum A N Pierson Bk 1, p. 73 Variety of colours, Perrenial but treated as annual

1919 07-16 100 Cyclamen Plants ($ 45.00) Conrad C. Gindra Bk 1, p. 75

1919 07-24

15 semi-established Cattleya Mossiae 

orchids 

($ 75.00)

G.E. Baldwin & co. Bk 1, p. 73

1919 07-24

15 semi-established Cattleya Trianae 

orchids

($ 75.00)

G.E. Baldwin & co. Bk 1, p. 73 Central petal is yellow, blue 

and red

1919 07-25 100 Iris Tingitana John Schespers Inc Bk 1, p. 73 Syn. Iris fontanesii Flowers spring the a deep blue to 

pale blue

1919 07-25 Begonia LJ Reuter Co. Bk 1, p. 74

1919 07-25 Marguerites 

Argyranthemum LJ Reuter Co. Bk 1, p. 74

1919 08-22 50 Doris Carnations ($ 7.50)

Dianthus Doris Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 76

1920 01-15 2 lbs Sweet Pea Hunt’s Superb ?

Lathyrus odoratus William M Hunt & Co. Bk 1, page120

1920 01-22 100 Carnation Pocahontas ($ 12.00)

Dianthus Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 91

1920 01-22 100 Carnation Ruth Baur ($ 25.00)

Dianthus Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 91

1920 01-22 12 Heliotrope Elizabeth Dennison 

($2.50) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 91 Heliotrope Elizabeth 

Dennison is blue and 

strongly scented

1920 01-22 12 Rose Frank W. Dunlop ($ 7.50) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 91 Rose Frank W. Dunlop is 

a HT

1920 01-22 12 Rose Madam Butterfly ($ 7.50) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 91 Madam Butterfly is pink 

shaded with apricot & gold

1920 01-22 12 Rose Madam Colette Martinette 

($3.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 91 Madam Colette Martinette 

is yellow

1920 01-22 200 Carnation Laddie ($ 50.00)

Dianthus Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 91

1920 01-22

1⁄2 oz Vinca Alba 

Periwinkle A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 91

An 1907 article in the 

garden describes Vinca alba 

as being used in a bedding 

scheme.

1920 01-22 1⁄2 oz Vinca Rosea

Periwinkle A T Boddington Bk 16, p. 91

1920 04-30 Lilacs Jean Mace ($ 12.00)

Syringa vulgaris Jean Mace Cedar Hill Nursery Bk 1, p. 97

1920 04-30 Lilacs Macrostachys ($ 6.00)

Syringa vulgaris macrostachya Cedar Hill Nursery Bk 1, p. 97 Profusion of soft pink 

1920 04-30 Lilacs Madame Buchner? ($ 8.00)

Syringa vulgarris Madame Buchner? Cedar Hill Nursery Bk 1, p. 97

Heavy bloomer with 

fragrant double lilac colored 

flowers

1920 04-30 Lilacs Midway ($ 8.00)

Syringa Cedar Hill Nursery Bk 1, p. 97

1920 04-30 Lilacs Miss Ellen Willmott ($ 10.00)

Syringa vulgaris ‘Miss Ellen Willmott’ Cedar Hill Nursery Bk 1, p. 97 Pure white lilac double flowered

1920 04-30 Lilacs Mont Blanc ($ 20.00)

Syringa vulgaris ‘Mont Blanc’ Cedar Hill Nursery Bk 1, p. 97 White flowers late spring early summer

1920 05-24 1⁄2 lb Nasturtium Dwarf Gold Glow/

Gleam ($ 0.30) Tropaeolum majus A.T. Boddington Co. Bk 1, p. 99

1920 05-29 1 Dutchman Pipe ($ 1.50)

Aristolochia macrophylla Poughkeepsie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 100

Deciduous woody vine, 

quick growing, large heart 

shaped leaves

1920 05-29 6 Clematis paniculata ($ 6.00)

Sweet autumn clematis Poughkeepsie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 100 August flowering white 

fragrant flowers

1920 06-16 800 violet plants ($ 16.00) Stanton Rockefeller Bk 1, p. 102 Possibly parma violets as 

previous orders
Appendix A

289

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1920 06-30

50 Dracaena indivisa ($8.00)

Cordyline indivisa Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 103

It was not uncommon at 

this time to use these plants 

as centre pieces in carpet 

bedding schemes

1920 06-30 Assorted ferns ($ 10.50) Joseph Manda Co. Bk 1, p. 103

1920 06-30 Collection of Dahilias ($25.00) N. Harold Cottan & son Bk 1, p. 103

1920 06-30 14 Cypress ($ 23.58)

Cupressus spp. C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 104

1920 07-15 72 Primula obconica ($ 4.75) Henry Schmidt Bk 1, p. 104

1920 08-12 1oz Sweet Pea Mrs. Chas. ?

Lathyrus odoratus William Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 107

1920 08-12

3 pkt. Sweet Peas Ridgefield Beauty 

($2.00)

Lathyrus odoratus

William Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 107

1920 08-30 Order Flower seeds (green houses) W M Hunt & Co Bk 1, p. 76

1920 09-03 100 seeds Dracaena indivisa ($0.50)

Cordyline indivisa A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 109

Cordyline indivisa, Terminalis 

indivisa probably used in 

bedding scheme

1920 09-30 Tulips Clara Butt ($2.75) A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 110 Clara Butt is pink/rose

1920 09-30 Tulips Darwin Margaret ($2.75) A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 110 Margaret is deep blush

1920 09-30 Tulips Darwin Pride of Haarlem ($2.75) A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 110 Pride of Haarlem is cerise

1920 09-30 Tulips Darwin Rev Ewbank ($2.75) A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 110 Rev. Ewbank is mauve

1920 09-30 Tulips Darwin two varieties ($4.50) A.J. Boddington Bk 1, p. 110

1920 12-28

100 Carnations Maine Sunshine ($ 

25.50)

Dianthus

Joseph Mauda co. Bk 1, p. 116 Yellow carnation

1921 01-18 4 pkts. Begonia Erfardii ($ 1.00) A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 120

1921 01-31 Begonia seeds ($18.35) John Schupers Inc. Bk 1, p. 120

1921 02-08 10 Grapes Worden

Vitis vinifera ‘Worden’ Harrison’s Nurseries Bk 1, p. 121

1921 02-08 6 Palms Belmoreana ($ 14.40) 

Kentia Belmoreana Joseph Mauda co. Bk 1, p. 121

1921 02-08 6 Palms Forseriana ($ 8.00) 

Kentia Forsteriana Joseph Mauda co. Bk 1, p. 121

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Antirrhinum Giant Buff H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Antirrhinum Cloth of Gold 

Snapdragon H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Antirrhinum Golden chamois

Snapdragon H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Antirrhinum Orange King.

Snapdragon H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Aster Surf caerulea

Callistephus chinensis Surf caerulea H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Clerodendron Fallas

Bleeding heart H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Giant mixed cyclamens H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Glavosa superba H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Pot myosotis

Forget me not H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Primulus stellata Mixed

Primrose H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Schizanthus Relictsus 

Poor Man’s Orchid H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Schizanthus Wisetonensis

Poor Man’s Orchid H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-15 1 pkt. Tall Mixed Star ? H.P. Winta Bk 1, p. 122

1921 02-25 200 Lantanas 2 1⁄4” pots, white and 

red ($16.00) Roman J. Trivia Bk 1, p. 123

1921 02-28 100 Columbia Supreme Roses ($45.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 123

1921 02-28 100 Golden Ophelia Rose ($ 45.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 123

1921 03-12 Chrysanthemum 6 Delight Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124

1921 03-12 Chrysanthemums

12 William H. Waif Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124

1921 03-12 Chrysanthemums 12 President John 

Everett Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124

1921 03-12 Chrysanthemums 6 Mrs. J Leslie Davis Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124

1921 03-12 Chrysanthemums:12 Niagara Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

290

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Agnes Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124

These are bedding dahlias at 

around 18 inches high and 

are in Totty advert in the 

garden 

Agnes is purple

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Albion Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124 Albion is white

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Countess of Pembroke Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 124 Countess of Pembroke, pale 

lilac

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Daffodil Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124 Daffodil is yellow

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Daphne Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124 Daphne is deep maroon

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Dazzler Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124 Dazzler is orange/scarlet

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Etna Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124 Etna is crimson

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Jubilee Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124 Jubilee is Pink

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Nivena Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124 Nivena is white

1921 03-12 Mignon Dahlias:

3 Olive Charles H. Totty Bk 1, p. 124 Olive is orange

1921 04-06 1⁄2 oz. Buddleja Eva Dudley ($6.00)

Butterfly Bush R & J Farquhar & Co. Bk 1, p. 127 light lilac pink flowers

1921 04-06 1 pkt. Coleus R & J Farquhar & Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09 25 3-4 ft. Hemlocks ($70.00) 

Tsuga Canadensis United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09

50 1 1⁄2-2 1⁄2 ft. Austrian pines 

($25.00)

Pinus nigra

United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09 50 2 1⁄2-4 ft. Austrian pines ($37.50)

Pinus nigra United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09 50 2-3 ft. White Pines ($15.00)

Pinus strobus United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09

50 3-4 ft. Douglas Spruce or Fir 

($30.00)

Primrose

United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09 50 3-4 ft. Lodge Pole Pines ($25.00)

Pinus contorta United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09

50 3-4 ft. Red or Norway Pines 

($35.00)

Pinus resinosa

United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09 50 3-4 ft. Scotch Pines ($25.00)

Pinus sylvestris United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-09 50 3-4ft. White Pines ($25.00)

Pinus strobus United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 127

1921 04-30 1⁄4 oz. Salvia, Zurich ($ 2.50) 

Salvia splendens ‘Pride of Zurich’ William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 129

Zurich is a dwarf salvia 

described as ideal for 

bedding

1921 04-30 1⁄2 oz. Verbena Pink, ($ 1.80) William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 129

1921 04-30 1⁄2 oz. Zinnia Tall double mixture ($ 

0.75) William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 129

1921 04-30

1 oz. Alyssum, Carpet of snow ($ 

1.50)

Lobularia

William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 129

1921 04-30 1 oz. Gypsophila elegans ($ 1.00)

Babys breath William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 129

1921 04-30 100 Montbretia mixed ($ 5.00)

Crocosmia masoniorum William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 129

1921 04-30 2 pkts. Petunia Violet Queen ($ 2.00) William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 129

1921 05-18 1 oz. Alyssum, Carpet of snow $0.80) A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 131

1921 05-18 1 pkt. Hibiscus caerulea ($0.25) A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 131

1921 05-18 2 Aster Rose King ($0.20)

Callistephus chinensis Rose King A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 131

1921 05-18

2 Astermum Giant Crego Lavender 

($0.25)

Callistephus chinensis Giant Crego 

Lavender

A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 131
Appendix A

291

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1921 05-18 2 Astermum White ($0.50)

Callistephus chinensis White A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 131

1921 05-18 2 Asternum Rose Pink ($0.50)

Callistephus chinensis RosePink A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 131

1921 05-18 2 oz. Cornflower blue ($0.80)

Centaurea A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 131

1921 05-18

2 pkt. Aster Carlson Lavender ($0.20)

Callistephus chinensis Carlson 

Lavender

A.J. Boddington co. Bk 1, p. 131

1921 07-15 2 large pkts Lavender Asters ($1.00)

Callistephus chinensis Lavender William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 135

1921 07-15 2 large pkts Rose King Asters ($1.00)

Callistephus chinensis Rose King William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 135

1921 07-15 2 large pkts Violet Asters ($1.00) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 135

1921 07-16 1⁄4 oz. Enchantress Sweet Peas ($.025)

Lathyrus odoratus Burpee & co. Bk 1, p. 137

1921 07-16 1⁄4 oz. Flamingo Sweet Peas ($0.50)

Lathyrus odoratus Burpee & co. Bk 1, p. 137

1921 07-16 1⁄4 oz. Illumination Sweet Peas ($0.48)

Lathyrus odoratus Burpee & co. Bk 1, p. 137

1921 07-16

1⁄4 oz. Lavender King Sweet Peas 

($0.28)

Lathyrus odoratus

Burpee & co. Bk 1, p. 137

1921 07-16 1⁄4 oz. Mrs. Heir Sweet Peas ($2.50)

Lathyrus odoratus Burpee & co. Bk 1, p. 137

1921 07-16

1⁄4 oz. Mrs. Warren G. Harding Sweet 

Peas ($3.00)

Lathyrus odoratus

Burpee & co. Bk 1, p. 137

1921 07-16 1⁄4 oz. Rose Queen Sweet Peas ($0.25)

Lathyrus odoratus Burpee & co. Bk 1, p. 137

1921 07-30 700 Tulips Darwin A T Boddington Bk 1, p. 137

1921 07-30 25 Primula malacoides Rohiere ($1.75)

Fairy primrose C.W. Leggit Bk 1, p. 138

1921 07-30

25 Primula malacoides conspicua 

($2.25)

Fairy primrose

C.W. Leggit Bk 1, p. 138

1921 08-26 Dahilas ($25.00) N. Harold Cottain & Son Bk 1, p. 140

1921 08-30 700 Violet plants ($24.50) Frank Jacoby Bk 1, p. 141

1921 09-13 1 pkt. Cyclamen Crimson King ($0.75) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-13 1 pkt. Cyclamen Lilac Queen ($0.75) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-13 1 pkt. Cyclamen Purpurea ($0.75) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-13 1 pkt. Cyclamen Rosy Morn. ($0.75) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-13 1 pkt. Cyclamen White & Claret 

($0.75)) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-13 1 pkt. Cyclamen White Giant ($0.75) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-13 2 pkt. Cyclamen hybrids ($1.50) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-13 2 pkt. Cyclamen Mrs. Buckston 

($2.00) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-13 2 pkt. Cyclamen Salmon King ($2.00) William M. Hunt & Co. Bk 1, p. 142

1921 09-23 Tulip bulbs:100 Baron de la Tonnaye 

($4.50) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 143 Darwin Hybrids

1921 09-23 Tulip bulbs:100 Clara Butt ($4.5 0) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 143 Darwin Hybrids

1921 09-23

Tulip bulbs:100 Madam Krelage 

($6.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 143

Darwin Hybrids Madam 

Krelage is purpleish rose, 

blush pink

1921 09-23 Tulip bulbs:100 Mr Farncombe Sanders 

($6.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 143 Mr Farncombe Sanders is scarlet 

1921 09-23

Tulip bulbs:100 Mrs. Potty Palmer 

($7.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 143 Darwin HybridsMrs Potter Palmer is 

glowing purple

1921 09-23

Tulip bulbs:100 Pride of Haarlem 

($6.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 143 Darwin Hybrids

1921 09-23 Tulip bulbs:100 Rev. Ewbank ($6.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 143 Darwin Hybrids

1922 01-20 1⁄4 oz. Aster Lavender King ($1.20)

Callistephus chinensis Lavender King Burnett Bros. Bk 1, p. 151
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

292

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1922 01-20 1⁄4 oz. Aster Peach Blossom ($1.20)

Callistephus chinensis Peach Blossom Burnett Bros. Bk 1, p. 151

1922 01-20 1⁄4 oz. Aster Rose ($1.20)

Callistephus chinensis Rose Burnett Bros. Bk 1, p. 151

1922 01-20 1⁄4 oz. Verbena Helen Willmott ($2.00) Burnett Bros. Bk 1, p. 151

1922 01-20 2 pkts. Blue Lace Flower ($1.00) 

Trachymene caeruleum Burnett Bros. Bk 1, p. 151

1922 01-31 25 Salmon Pink Bonfire 

Salvia Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 152

1922 02-08 150 Lantana The Stars and Harrison Co. Bk 1, p. 153

1922 02-27

100 Maine Sunshine Carnations 

($27.00)

Dianthus

Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 154

1922 02-28 1⁄4 oz. Salpiglossis ($0.75)

Painted tongue William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 155

1922 02-28 1 oz. Mignotte Machet ($2.00)

Mignonette Reseda odorata ‘Machet’ William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 155

1922 02-28 1 oz. Zinnia Tall Double mixed ($1.50) William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 155

1922 02-28

1/8 oz. Aster Carlson’s Lavender 

($0.75)

Callistephus chinensis Carlson’s 

Lavender

William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 155

1922 02-28 1/8 oz. Aster Rose ($0.75) William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 155

1922 02-28 1/8 oz. Aster Vick’s White ($0.75) William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 155

1922 02-28 2 oz. Alyssum Carpet of Snow ($3.00)

Lobularia maritima ‘Carpet of snow” William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 155

1922 03-16

250 Carnations Belle Washburn 

($30.30)

Dianthus

Stark Bros. Nurseries Bk 1, p. 156 Red carnation

1922 03-22 150 Gladiolus Maiden’s Blush Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 157

1922 03-22 150 Gladiolus Orange Brilliant Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 157

1922 04-14 100 assorted ferns 2 1⁄4” pots ($ 

12.00) Joseph Mauda Bk 1, p. 158

1922 04-14 2 Dracaena 5” pots ($ 12.50) Joseph Mauda Bk 1, p. 158

1922 04-14 2 Dracaena 5” pots ($ 8.00) Joseph Mauda Bk 1, p. 158

1922 04-14 25 Asparagus Elongatus 3” pots 

Asparagus fern Joseph Manda Bk 1, p. 158

Introduced from Africa by 

Manda. Spreading plant 

stems can be cut and the 

plant branches out and 

produces again, Sprays are 

laden with miniature jewel 

like flowers. Mixed with 

roses or carnations creates a 

wonderful effect

1922 04-14 50 Asparagus Sprengeri 3” pots 

Asparagus fern Joseph Mauda Bk 1, p. 158

1922 04-14 6 Kentia Belmoreana 4” pots ($ 8.25) Joseph Mauda Bk 1, p. 158

1922 04-14 6 Kentia Forsteriana 4” pots ($ 7.50) Joseph Mauda Bk 1, p. 158

1922 04-22 6 Nephrolepis Elegantissima ($ 5.00)

Boston fern A.N. Pierson Co. Bk 1, p. 159 Boston fern possibly for use 

in the mansion

1922 04-30 100 Caveolar Fir ($ 40.00)

Abies United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 159

1922 04-30 100 Douglas Spruce ($ 25.00)

Pseudotsuga menziesii United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 159

1922 04-30 100 Red Pine ($ 60.00)

Pinus resinosa United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 159

1922 04-30 50 Colorado Spruce ($ 40.00)

Picea pungens United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 159

1922 05-08

Sweet Pea Seeds: 1⁄2 oz. Bluebird ($ 

0.45)

Lathyrus odoratus

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 162

1922 05-08

Sweet Pea Seeds: 1⁄2 oz. Glitters ($ 

1.30)

Lathyrus odoratus

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 162

1922 05-08

Sweet Pea Seeds: 1⁄2 oz. Illumination 

($ 0.65)

Lathyrus odoratus

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 162
Appendix A

293

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1922 05-08

Sweet Pea Seeds: 1⁄2 oz. Rose Queen 

($ 0.80)

Lathyrus odoratus

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 162

1922 05-08

Sweet Pea Seeds: 6 pkts. Mrs. Kean 

($ 1.00)

Lathyrus odoratus

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 162

1922 05-08

Sweet Pea Seeds: 6 pkts. Mrs. Warren 

G. Harding ($ 1.00)

Lathyrus odoratus

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 162

1922 05-17 Clematis Jackmanii (Can’t Supply?) A.N. Pierson Inc. Bk 1, p. 162

1922 05-31 1 pkt. Cyclamen S’s Giant Mixed ($ 

2.75) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 164

1922 05-31

1 pkt. Schizanthus large flowered 

hybrids ($ 0.61)

Poor man’s orchid

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 164

1922 05-31

1 pkt. Schizanthus Wisetomensis ($ 

2.65)

Poor man’s orchid

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 164

1922 05-31 1 pkt. Cineraria Feltham Beauty 

($1.22) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 164 Ideal as cut flower or pot plant for conservatory

1922 05-31

1 pkt. Myosotis Sutton’s Perfection 

($0.61)

Forget-me-knot

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 164

1922 06-03 1⁄2 oz. Centureas cayanus seed Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 165

1922 06-03 50 Dracaena indivisa 

Cordyline indivisa Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 165

1922 06-31 90 Rose Frau Karl Druschki ($ 54.00) Henry A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 166 White

1922 06-31 150 Rose Madame Butterfly ($ 37.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 167

1922 06-31 35 Dahlia bulbs ($ 10.90) N. Harold Cottain & son Bk 1, p. 167

1922 06-31 50 Rose Columbia ($ 12.50) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 167

1922 06-31 6 Sov._____ Rose ($ 13.50) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 167

1922 06-31 75 Rose Crusader ($ 45.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 167 Crusader is red

1922 07-31 100 Gladiolus Mrs. Watt ($ 3.50) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 Exhibition variety

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus C_____ ($ 0.88) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus Evelyn Kirkland ($4.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 Pink

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus Flora ($ 1.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus Gretchen Zang ($ 4.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 White

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus Le Marshall Fuch ($ 1.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 lavender pink

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus Maiden’s Blush bulblets 

($ 5.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus N_____ ($ 4.50) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus Orange Brilliant ($ 4.48) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168

1922 07-31 25 Gladiolus Will_____ ($ 2.50) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168

1922 07-31 50 Gladiolus Herada ($ 4.50) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 deep mauve

1922 07-31 50 Gladiolus Immaculata ($ 4.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 pure white

1922 07-31 50 Gladiolus Mary Fennell ($ 2.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 deep lilac

1922 07-31 50 Gladiolus Peace ($ 2.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 white

1922 07-31 50 Gladiolus Primula Alice Tiplady ($ 

3.75) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 orange

1922 07-31 50 Gladiolus Prince of Wales ($ 2.00) 

($ 1.00) Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 168 salmon rose

1922 08-02

50 Primula malacoides ($ 6.00) 

Greenhouse

Primrose

Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 171

1922 09-30 1 ___ pansy ($ 1.20) William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 175

1922 09-30 2 pkts. Schizanthus ($1.50)

Poor man’s orchid William M. Hunt Bk 1, p. 175

1922 10-10 12 Acanthus mollis latifolius ($ 20.00)

Bear’s Breeches Henry A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 176

Broad summer-active dark 

green figured foliage , 

spikes of white and purple 

flowers Jun-Aug, 60cm

1922 10-31

50 Primula malacoides rohersii ($ 

3.25)

Primrose

Bk 1, p. 178
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

294

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1922 11-27 13 spruce

Picea C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 179

1922 11-27 28 spruce

Picea C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 179

1922 11-27 8 fir

Abies C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 179

1922 11-27 9 spruce

Picea C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 179

1923 01-23 100 America roses 2 1⁄2” pots ($ 

45.50) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 184

1923 01-31 Amaryllis seeds Richard Diener Co. Bk 1, p. 185

1923 01-31 Dahlia Richard Diener Co. Bk 1, p. 185

1923 01-31 Flower seeds:

Petunia Richard Diener Co. Bk 1, p. 185

1923 01-31 Freesia Richard Diener Co. Bk 1, p. 185

1923 03-04 500 Douglas Fir T 18-24 

Pseudotsuga menziesii American Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 187

1923 03-04 500 Red Pine 3’- 4’ 

Pinus resinosa American Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 187

1923 03-31 1⁄4 oz. Aster Lavender ($ 0.75)

Callistephus chinensis Lavender William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1⁄4 oz. Aster Vick’s Rose ($ 0.75)

Callistephus chinensis Vick’s Rose William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1⁄4 oz. Aster White ($ 0.75)

Callistephus chinensis Aster White William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1⁄4 oz. Astermum lavender ($ 1.00) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1⁄4 oz. Astermum Pink ($ 1.00) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1⁄4 oz. Astermum White ($ 1.00) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1⁄2 oz. Zinnia dk. Pink ($ 1.00) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1 oz. Alyssum ($ 1.00)

Lobularia maritima William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31

1 oz. Nastrutium Lobb’s Mixture 

($0.50)

Tropaeoleum majus

William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

Nastrutium Lobb’s mixture 

contains Queen Victoria, 

Lucifer, Spitfire and Lily 

Shridt

1923 03-31 1 pkt. Cineraria Stellata ($ 0.50) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189 Ideal as cut flower or pot 

plant for conservatory

1923 03-31 1 pkt. Schizanthus hybrid William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1/8 oz. Pansy Ice King ($ 0.50) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1/8 oz. Pansy March Beauty ($ 0.50) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1/8 oz. Pansy Winter Queen ($ 0.50) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 1/8 oz. Pansy Winter Snow ($ 0.50) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 03-31 2 pkt. Cosmos New Double Early ($ 

0.50) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 189

1923 04-20

200 Honeysuckle halliana ($ 50.00)

Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’

Hall’s Honeysuckle

Henry A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 190

Hall’s Honeysuckle, pale 

yellow in color, repeat 

flowering late spring to mid 

summer, fragrant

1923 04-20 4 Clematis Jackmanii ($ 3.00) Henry A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 190

1923 04-28 10 Juniper Poughskeepie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 194

1923 04-30 100 Cannas Mrs Alfred F Conrad ($ 

16.00) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 191

1923 04-30 300 Fir

Abies Little Tree Farm Bk 1, p. 191

1923 04-30 500 Red Pines

Pinus resinosa Little Tree Farm Bk 1, p. 191

1923 04-30 5000 Trees Conservation comm. Bk 1, p. 191

1923 04-30 12 Phoemix Roebelinii

Pygmy Date Palm Joseph Manta Bk 16, p. 191

1923 05-01 12 Rose Ameila Gude Roses 2 1⁄2” ($ 

10.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-01 50 Dracaena indivisa 2 1⁄4 “

Cordyline indivisa Roman J Irwin Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-01 75 Rose Mrs. Aaron Ward Roses 2 1⁄2” 

($18.75) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 193 Indian double yellow HT

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Adelaide Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193
Appendix A

295

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Anna L Moran Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Autumn Beauty Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Billancourt Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Crawfordia Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Hints of Gold Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Mrs Chester 

Robinson Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Mrs Hamish Craig Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193

1923 05-19 6 Chrysanthemum Mrs Harrison Chas. H. Totty Bk 1, p. 193

1923 08-07 25 Primula malacoides King Alfred

Fairy Primrose Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 201

1923 08-07 25 Primula malacoides Ruben

Fairy Primrose Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 201

1923 08-07 25 Primula malacoides Townsendi 

Fairy Primrose Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 201

Suggested as a house 

plant,baby primrose with 

soft pink flowers

1923 08-07 25 Primula obconica

German Primrose Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 201

1923 08-07 50 Primula obconica mixed

German Primrose Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 201

1923 08-31 Collection of Dahlias ($ 100.00) N. Harold Cottan & Son Bk 1, p. 202

1923 09-01 2 Dracaenias Julus Roehrs Bk 4, p. 44

1923 09-01 2 Dracaenias ($500.) Julus Roehrs Bk 4, p. 44

1923 09-01 4 Palms Julus Roehrs Bk 4, p. 44

1923 09-01 4 Palms Julus Roehrs Bk 4, p. 44

1923 09-01 5 Bay trees Julus Roehrs Bk 4, p. 44

1923 09-30 100 bulbs Clara Butt A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 bulbs Golden Bronze A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 bulbs King Alfred A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 bulbs La Tulipe Noire A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 bulbs La Tulipe Noire A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 bulbs Moonlight A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 bulbs Mr Farmcombe Sanders A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 bulbs Pride of Haarlem A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 bulbs Sir Issac Lawrence A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 09-30 100 tulip bulbs A. Frylink & Sons Bk 1, p. 205

1923 11-19 100 Cyclamen seedings ($8.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 210

1923 11-30 12 English Walnut trees ($30.00)

Juglans regia E.C. Pomeroy Bk 1, p. 211

1923 12-31 6 America Rose ($12.10) Bobbnik & Atkins Bk 1, p. 213

1923 12-31 6 Anita Crot Rose ($9.75) Bobbnik & Atkins Bk 1, p. 213

1923 12-31 6 Independence Day Rose ($15.19) Bobbnik & Atkins Bk 1, p. 213

1923 Sep 1 5 Bay trees

Lauris noblis Julus Roehrs Bk 4, p. 44

1924 01-24 100 Rose Sensation ($40.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 217

1924 01-24

150 Carnation Dagmar Princess 

($18.00)

Dianthus

Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 217 Deep crimson

1924 01-24 2 doz. Heliotrope Royal Fragrance 

($25.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 217

Became standard variety for 

mass effect, purple in colour 

deep green leaves, intense 

fragrance

1924 01-24 350 Rose Mme Butterfly ($10.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 217 HT pale pink to blush with 

lemon centre

1924 01-24 Winsome Carnations ($ 40.00)

Dianthus Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 217 Fine bi-coloured pink

1924 01-31

100 Carnation Donald Dark Crimson 

($30.28)

Dianthus

Chas. Schwake & Co. Inc. Bk 1, p. 215 Dark Crimson

1924 02-00 100 seeds Dahlia Salbach ($ 3.00) Richard Diener Bk 1, p. 216 Pink

1924 02-00 2 pkts. Primula malacoides ($1.00)

Fairy Primrose Richard Diener Bk 1, p. 216

Half hardy or cold 

greenhouse plant with 

mauve or lilac flowers

1924 02-00 2 pkts. Statice blue ($ .050) Richard Diener Bk 1, p. 216

1924 02-00 500 seeds hybrid Freesias ($5.00) Richard Diener Bk 1, p. 216
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

296

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1924 02-00 6 pkts. Petunias ($ 3.00) Richard Diener Bk 1, p. 216

1924 0-28 50 Carnation Davis ($ 14.25)

Dianthus Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 218

1924 03-26 100 Mammoth White Verbena 

Verbena urticifolia Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 218

1924 03-26 2 Nasturtium 

Traopoleum majus Martin Shaw Bk 1, p. 218

1924 03-28

100 Carnation Maine Sunshine ($ 

11.25)

Dianthus

Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 218

1924 03-28 50 Ferns assorted ($ 6.00) Charles H. Totty Co. Bk 1, p. 218

1924 03-30 1⁄4 oz. Salpiglossis mixed ($ 1.00)

Painted Tongue William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 220

1924 03-30 2 pk. Salpiglossis hybrid ($ 1.50)

Painted Tongue William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 220

1924 04-08 1⁄4 oz. Aster Lavender ($ 0.75)

Callistephus chinensis . Aster Lavender William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1⁄4 oz. Pansy Col. Green ($1.00) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1⁄4 oz. Pansy Ice King ($1.25) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1⁄4 oz. Pansy March Beauty ($1.25) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1⁄4 oz. Pansy Winter Snow ($1.00) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1 oz. Alyssum ($1.00)

Lobularia maritima William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1 pkt. Primula Lilac ($ 0.75) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1 pkt. Primula Rose ($ 0.75)

Primrose William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1 pkt. Primula White ($ 0.75)

Primrose William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1/8 oz Aster Ago 5 varieties ($ 2.50)

Callistephus chinensis Ago William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1/8 oz. Aster G. Blue ($ 0.50)

Callistephus chinensis G. Blue William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1/8 oz. Aster Oct. Pl Lar ($ 0.50)

Callistephus chinensis Oct. Pl Lar William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1/8 oz. Aster Pink ($ 0.50)

Callistephus chinensis Pink William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 1/8 oz. Aster White ($ 0.50)

Callistephus chinensis White William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 2 pkt. Aster tall mixed ($ 2.00)

Callistephus chinensis William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 3 pkt. Cosmos 3 vars. ($ 0.45) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-08 8 pkt. Cyclamen 8 vars. ($ 6.00) William M. Hunt Co. Bk 1, p. 219

1924 04-26 100 Verbena Mammoth white

Verbena urticifolia Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 221

1924 04-26 50 Dracaena indivisa ($ 4.00)

Cordyline indivisa Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 221

1924 04-30 1 oz Nemophila Menziesii insignis

Baby blue eyes Burnett Brothers Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 100 Colorado Blue Spruce ($ 50.00)

Picea pungens United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 100 Concolor Fir ($55.00)

Abies concolor United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

Medium to large evergreen

coniferous tree growing to 

50 to 80 ft tall 

1924 04-30 100 Douglas Fir ($ 25.00)

Pseudotsuga menziesii United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 100 White Spruce ($25.00)

Picea glauca United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 107 Douglas Fir ($30.00)

Pseudotsuga menziesii United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 12 Balsam Fir ($ 9.00)

Abies balsamea United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222 Medium-size evergreen treetypically 30 to 50 ft tall

1924 04-30 12 Red Oak ($ 6.00)

Quercus borealis or Quercus rubra United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 12 Tulip ($ 4.20)

Liriodendron tulipifera United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 1oz Zinnia Best Pink Burnett Brothers Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 2 Blue Spruce ($ 4.00)

Picea pungens United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222
Appendix A

297

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1924 04-30 200 Colorado Blue Spruce ($ 85.00)

Picea pungens United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 235 White Spruce ($ 50.00)

Picea glauca United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 50 White Pine ($ 25.00)

Pinus strobus United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 500 Red Pine ($10.00)

Pinus resinosa United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 500 Scotch Pine ($7.58)

Pinus sylvestris United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 70 European Larch ($ 20.00)

Larix decidua United Forestry Co. Bk 1, p. 222

1924 04-30 200 Red Pine

Pinus resinosa Little Tree Farm Bk 1, p. 223

1924 04-30 200 Red Pine half price 

Pinus resinosa Little Tree Farm Bk 1, p. 223

1924 05-08 10 Norway Maples ($ 17.00)

Acer platanoides Little Tree Farm Bk 1, p. 225 deciduous tree growing to 50 to 80 ft tall

1924 07-20 Taxus Cuspidate capitata ($ 35.00)

Japanese Yew Andona Nurseries Bk 1, p. 230

1924 07-30 16 Honeysuckle

Lonicera A.L. Miller Bk 1, p. 231

1924 07-30 50 Primula

Primrose Henry Schmidt Bk 1, p. 231

1924 07-30 75 Primula 

Primrose Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 231

1924 09-25 100 Narcissus ($ 9.50) A. Frylink & Son Bk 1, p. 235

1924 09-25 2 Thuja compacta ($ 14.75)

American Arborvitae Poughskeepie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 235

1924 09-25 2900 Tulip bulb A. Frylink & Son Bk 1, p. 235

1924 11-22 Dahlia Jersey’s Beauty John Schupers Inc. Bk 1, p. 240

1924 11-30 100 Darwin bulbs ($ 7.00) Saltford Flower Shop Bk 1, p. 239

1924 11-30

1st Greenhouse payment ($ 3,945.00)

2nd Greenhouse payment ($ 2,945.00)

Paragraph explains dimensions, a few 

details about greenhouse agreement

Hutchings & Co. Bk 1, p. 240

1924 12-31 Final Greenhouse payment ($ 

2,945.00) Hutchings & Co. Bk 1, p. 242

1925 03-04

200 Maine Sunshine Carnations ($ 

50.00)

Dianthus

Totty’s Bk 1, p. 246

1925 04-08 10 Amphelopsis tricuspidata ($ 4.58)

Parthenocissus tricuspidata El. City Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 248

1925 04-08 10 Judas Tree ($ 12.00) 

Cercis siliquastrum El. City Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 248

1925 04-08 10 Red Dogwood ($ 15.00) 

Cornus florida rubra El. City Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 248

1925 04-08 10 White Dogwood ($ 6.50) 

Cornus florida El. City Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 248

1925 04-08 50 Assorted ferns ($ 5.00) Syracus Pattery Co. Bk 1, p. 248

1925 04-21 1 Blue Spruce

Picea pungens Poughskeepie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 250

1925 04-21 1 Retinospora

Chamaecyparis Poughskeepie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 250

1925 04-21 1 Siberian Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis. ‘Wareana’ Poughskeepie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 250

1925 04-21 5 Irish Juniper

Juniperus communis Poughskeepie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 250

1925 04-21

7 Thuja Compacta 

Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis 

Compacta’

Arborvitae

Poughskeepie Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 250

1925 04-23 1⁄4 oz. Helichrysum mixed ($0.50) Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 247

1925 04-23 1⁄4 oz. Zinnia Double ($ 2.00) Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 247

1925 04-23 1/8 oz. Petunia Julius Dreffe ($20.00) Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 247

1925 05-31 50 Asparagus Fern ($ 3.75) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 252

Feathery, needle-like, stems 

giving an open, loose 

appearance in growth

1925 05-31 50 Dracaena ($ 4.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 252
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

298

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1925 05-31 10 Amphelopsis tricuspidata ($ 4.58)

Parthenocissus tricuspidata El. City Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 253

1925 06-30 24 Caladium ($8.09) Henry A. Dreer Bk 1, p. 256

1925 06-30 6 Pycnostachys ($ 2.59) Totty’s Bk 1, p. 256 Tropical plant

1925 07-31 10 pkts. Cyclamen ($ 6.00) Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 257

1925 07-31 12 Kentia Belmoreana ($ 15.00) Joseph Mauda co. Bk 1, p. 257

1925 07-31 60 Primulas ($ 4.26)

Primrose Henry Schmidt Bk 1, p. 257

1925 07-31 Sweet Peas ($ 5.00)

Lathyrus odoratus Burpee Co. Bk 1, p. 257

1926 01-31 1⁄2 oz Vinca Rosea

Periwinkle pink Stumpp & Walter Bk 1, p. 266

1926 01-31 4 Pkts Begonia semperflorens Stumpp & Walter Bk 1, p. 266

Suitable for bedding in the 

summer months or as a 

greenhouse plant for the 

autumn and winter

1926 03-23 100 Briarcliff ($60.00) Totty’s Bk 1, p. 269 Possible rose, carnation or 

other

1926 03-23 100 Cannas ($ 5.00) Vaughan’s Bk 1, p. 269

1926 03-23 100 Senator ($60.00) Totty’s Bk 1, p. 269 Possible rose, carnation or 

other

1926 03-23 25 Mrs. F.R. Pierson ($15.00) Totty’s Bk 1, p. 269 Possible rose, carnation or 

other

1926 04-13 150 Cannas ($6.00) Vaughan’s Bk 1, p. 270

1926 04-13 20 Euonymus radicans ($ 6.62)

Common winter creeper El. City Nursery Bk 1, p. 270

1926 04-13 50 assorted ferns ($ 6.50) Joseph Manda Bk 1, p. 270

1926 05-01 100 baby Evergreens ($ 15.00) Baby Blue Spruce Bk 1, p. 271

1926 05-01 100 Mrs. Coolidge & Pailsey ($ 46.50) Totty’s Bk 1, p. 271

1926 05-01 11 Balsam Fir ($ 24.75)

Abies United Forestry co. Bk 1, p. 271

1926 05-01 2 Weeping Willows ($4.00)

Salix × sepulcralis El. City Nursery Bk 1, p. 271

1926 05-01 30 Hydrangea ($ 15.00) El. City Nursery Bk 1, p. 271

1926 05-01 450 Briarcliff ($ 270.00) Totty’s Bk 1, p. 271

1926 05-01 500 Red Pine ($ 44.50)

Pinus resinosa United Forestry co. Bk 1, p. 271

1926 06-31 10 Taxus ($157.50)

Yew Eastern Nurseries Bk 1, p. 273

1926 06-31 12 Junipers Frangham Nurseries Bk 1, P. 273

1926 06-31 14 Pieris ($42.00) Eastern Nurseries Bk 1, p. 273

1926 06-31 23 Leucothoe Frangham Nurseries Bk 1, P. 273

1926 06-31 35 Rhododendron ($50.40) Eastern Nurseries Bk 1, p. 273

1926 06-31 7 Berberis ($90.00)

Barberry Eastern Nurseries Bk 1, p. 273

1926 06-31 7 Rhododendron Frangham Nurseries Bk 1, P. 273

1926 06-31 8 Junipers ($12.80) Eastern Nurseries Bk 1, p. 273

1926 06-31 9 Leucothoe ($13.50) Eastern Nurseries Bk 1, p. 273

1926 08-31 17 Firs ($12.36)

Abies C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 277

1926 08-31 32 Firs ($2.41)

Abies C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 277

1926 08-31 34 firs ($22.53)

Abies C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 277

1926 08-31 Spruces ($3.33)

Picea C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 277

1926 09-01 125 Primulas ($15.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 276

1926 09-01 50 Lillium formosum ($40.00)

Madonna Lily Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 276

1926 09-31 100 Lapeirousia bulbs ($ 5.00) Hetz & Turett’s Co. Bk 1, p. 278

1926 11-06 100 Tulips ($ 4.00) Saltford Flower Shop Bk 1, p. 281

1926 12-31 100 Cyclamens ($ 12.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 282

1926 12-31 200 Gladioli ($ 18.00) Hetz & Turett’s Co. Bk 1, p. 282

1926 Sep 

31 150 Iris tingitana ($ 18.00) Hetz & Turett’s Co. Bk 1, p. 278
Appendix A

299

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1927 01-31 1⁄4 oz. Vinca Roses ($0.50)

Vinca rosea Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 284

1927 01-31 1⁄4 oz.Vinca alba ($0.50)

Vinca alba Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 284

1927 01-31 1/32 oz. Begonia erfordii ($ 4.00) Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 284

1927 04-31 1000 Red Pine ($189.00)

Pinus resinosa Clifford H. Easton Bk 1, p. 288

1927 04-31 200 Cannas Victory ($44.00) John L Bk 1, p. 288

1927 04-31 300 Gladiolas ($21.00) John L Bk 1, p. 288

1927 04-31 100 Gerbera jamesonii ($ 2.50) William H. Hunt Bk 1, p. 289

1927 05-31 15 Azaleas Hindiflora Stumpps & Walter Bk 1, p. 290

1927 05-31 Azaleas 6 Bacchus Totty’s Bk 1, p. 290

1927 05-31 Azaleas 6 Chas. Jolly Totty’s Bk 1, p. 290

1927 05-31 Azaleas 6 Henri Vincent Totty’s Bk 1, p. 290

1927 05-31 Azaleas 6 Normandie Early Totty’s Bk 1, p. 290

1927 05-31 Azaleas 6 Yellow Frost Totty’s Bk 1, p. 290

1927 05-31 Azaleas 6 Yellow Normandie Totty’s Bk 1, p. 290

1927 05-31 Azaleas: 6 Firelight Totty’s Bk 1, p. 290

1927 05-31 10 White Dogwood ($15.00)

Cornus florida El. City Nursery Bk 1, p. 291

1927 05-31 24 Hydrangea ($10.80) El. City Nursery Bk 1, p. 291

1927 06-31 50 Dracera indivisa ($5.50) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 292

1927 07-31 25 Gerbera jamesonii hybrids mixed 

($37.50) A. Frylink & Son Bk 1, p. 293

1927 07-31 36 Begonia melior ($18.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 293 Christmas Begonia

1927 07-31 36 Mixed Primula obconica ($3.60) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 293

1927 08-01 Lilium formosum ($ 35.00)

Madonna Lily Stumpp & Walter Bk 1, p. 295

1927 08-01 Mr. Walker Samuel’s Wrexham 

Delphinium seeds ($ 10.07) John Schupers Inc. Bk 1, p. 295 Sky Blue in color

1927 09-30 12 Primula ($3.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 296

1927 09-30 12 Primula American Legion ($1.50) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 296

1927 09-30 12 Primula Double Lavender ($ 2.50) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 296

1927 09-30 12 Primula Robio ($1.50) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 296

1927 09-30 12 Primula Townsendii ($1.50) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 296

1927 09-30 50 table fern ($5.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 296

1927 10-31 1000 Darwin ($89.50) A. Frylink & Son Bk 1, p. 298

1927 10-31 500 Tulip cottage ($20.00) A. Frylink & Son Bk 1, p. 298

1927 11-30 10 Anchusa Myosotidiflora ($ 5.64)

Looking Glass W.E. Marshall & Co. Bk 1, p. 300

1927 11-30 100 Tulips ($ 4.00) Saltford Flower shop Bk 1, p. 300

1927 12-31 36 Calceolaria 2 1⁄4” ($ 22.50)

Lady’s purse; slipper flower Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 301

1928 01-31 20 Spruce

Picea C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 302

1928 01-31 24 Spruce

Picea C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 302

1928 01-31 6 Fir

Abies C.N. Arnold Bk 1, p. 302

1928 04-01 100 Templar Roses Totty’s Bk 1, p. 307

1928 04-01 12 M. Rogers Rose Totty’s Bk 1, p. 307

1928 04-01 12 Miss Rita Mitchell Rose Totty’s Bk 1, p. 307

1928 04-01 12 Sov. Roses Totty’s Bk 1, p. 307

1928 04-

01r 12 Rose Orange Totty’s Bk 1, p. 307

1928 05-31 1 Fir ($ 2.45)

Abies C.N. Arnold Lumber Co. Bk 1, p. 308

1928 05-31 1,000 Norway Spruce ($58.00)

Picea abies The Living Tree Guild Bk 1, p. 308

1928 05-31 50 Asparagus sprengerii 

Asparagus fern Roman J Irwine Bk 16, p. 308

1928 06-30 200 Rose Killarney Rose 3” ($102.00) Totty’s Bk 1, p. 310 Double white rose

1928 07-31 36 Begonia Ufelior (15.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 311

1928 07-31 50 Dracaena indivisa ($10.00)

Cordyline indivisa Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 311

1928 07-31 50 Primula Lelander ($7.50) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 311
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

300

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1928 07-31 50 Primula obc ($4.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 311

1928 07-31

Lilium Harissii ($ 50.20)

Lilium longiflorum Harrisi

Bermuda lily

M.W. Hunt Bk 1, p. 311

1928 11-19 24 Calceolaria Pink Beauty

Lady’s purse; slipper flower Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 314

1928 11-19 24 Calceolaria Stewartii 

Lady’s purse; slipper flower Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 314 Crimson color, shrubby kind

1929 04-19 100 Barberry Bushes

Berberis sp. JW Cronk Bk 9, p. 6

1929 04-30 Siberian Elms ($22.00)

Ulmus pumila Living Tree Guild Bk 1, p. 320

1929 08-31 48 Carnations ($9.80)

Dianthus Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 323

1929 11-31 36 Calceolaria ($18.15)

Lady’s purse; slipper flower Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 325

1929 12-28 Begonia erfordi W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 326

1929 12-28 Begonia Marshall crimson W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 326

1929 12-28 Begonia Marshall Crimson W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 326

1929 12-28 Vinca rosea

Periwinkle pink W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 326

1930 02-28 1⁄4 oz. Verbena Andrew P. Kennedy Bk 1, p. 328

1930 02-28 1 pkt. Dianthus Andrew P. Kennedy Bk 1, p. 328

1930 02-28 12 Gladioli Orchid Andrew P. Kennedy Bk 1, p. 328

1930 03-07 10 Periwinkle ($ 2.00)

Vinca El. City Nursery Co. Bk 1, p. 335

1930 05-31 100 Assorted Ferns ($8.00) J.L. Anderson Bk 1, p. 332

1930 05-31 Assorted Ferns ($6.00) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 332

1930 07-21 25 Melior Begonias ($11.25)

Christmas Begonia Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 334

1930 07-21 6 1⁄2 oz. Sweet Peas ($5.50)

Lathyrus odoratus W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 334

1930 08-31 200 Freesia ($ 15.64) W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 335

1930 08-31 Stimaglim Sweet Pea culture ($ 0.30) Stumpp & Walter Co. Bk 1, p. 335

1930 09-30 50 Primula ($ 11.35) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 336

1930 21-07 100 Freesia ($7.50) W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 334

1931 02-28 36 Carnation Zarro 

Dianthus Totty’s Bk 1, p. 340

1931 02-28 Carnation Coral Glow

Dianthus Totty’s Bk 1, p. 340

1931 02-28 Carnation Lady Henley

Dianthus Totty’s Bk 1, p. 340

1931 03-31 200 Gladiolus ($ 12.00) W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 341

1931 04-01 75 Johnanna Hoogevorst Roses 

($30.00) Totty’s? Bk 1, p. 342

1931 05-31 50 Dracanea ($5.10) Roman J. Irwin Bk 1, p. 343

1932 04-01 Gladioli ($18.00) W.E. Marshall Bk 1, p. 354

1933 08-01 50 Lilium Harrisii

Easter lily William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145 Easrly blooms for Easter sale

1933 08-01 50 Lilium Harrisii

Easter lily William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1933 11-10 25 Lilium Regale

Regal Lily William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145 Summer blooming

1933 11-10 Lily Regale

Regal Lily William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 1 pkt Dracaena ind.

Cordyline indivisa William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 100 Gladiolus Golden dream William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 100 Gladiolus War William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Alyssum, Carpet of Snow

Lobularia maritima Carpet of Snow William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Alyssum, Carpet of Snow

Lobularia maritima Carpet of Snow William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Aster, Cal, 2 varieties

Callistephus chinensis William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

China asters grown 

primarily for cut flower 

production rather than 

garden decoration
Appendix A

301

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1934 03-16 Aster, Cal, 2 varieties

Callistephus chinensis William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

Aster Cal, could also be 

Lessingia filaginifolia (Hook. 

& Arn.) M.A. Lane var. 

filaginifolia

1934 03-16 Aster, L B. oz, 3 varieties

Callistephus chinensis William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Aster, L oz, 3 varieties

Callistephus chinensis William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Dracenea Ind

Cordyline indivisa William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Marigold, Little Brownie

Tagetes Little Brownie William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Petunia, Balcony, 3 varieties William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Petunia, Balcony, 3 varieties William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Petunia, Bar Harbor Beauty William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Petunia, Bar Harbor Beauty William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Primula, Dacokii’s (or Darokeii) Pink William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Primula, Dacokii’s Pink William W. Hunt

Bk 3, p. 145

Could be 

Darokeii

1934 03-16 Verbena, Mau. Pink William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Verbena, Mau. Pink William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Verbena, Miss Willicott William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Verbena, Miss Willicott William W. Hunt

Bk 3, p. 145

Could be 

Willmicott

1934 03-16 Zinnia, D. J. mixed William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 03-16 Zinnia, D. J. mixed William W. Hunt Bk 3, p. 145

1934 04-17 Expenses at flower show ($12) H.J. Allen Bk 3, P. 7

1934 04-6 Gardenias Belmont Gardens, Belmont, 

MA Bk 3, P. 38

1934 06-00 25 Begonias Melia

Christmas Begonia Roman J. Irwin Bk 3, p. 159 Christmas Begonia

1934 06-00 Sweet Peas

Lathyrus odoratus Roman J. Irwin Bk 3, p. 159

1934 06-00 Sweet Peas

Lathyrus odoratus Roman J. Irwin Bk 3, p. 159

1934 07-00 Begonias Melia

Christmas Begonia Roman J. Irwin Bk 3, p. 159

1934 07-28 Azalea Anne C. Rogers Estate Bk 3, p. 301

1934 07-28 Orchids Anne C. Rogers Estate Bk 3, p. 301

1934 08-26

One half the contract price for Garden 

work 

Total $1656.

Robert B. Cridland Bk 3, P. 55

1934 08-28 Fern Anne C. Rogers Estate Bk 3, p. 301

1934 09-22 Balance on the contract price for 

garden work $828. Robert B. Cridland Bk 3, P. 55

1934 12-15 Potting trees two men labor @1.25 

($15.) Woodland Tree Service Bk 3, p. 403

1935 02-25 25 Belmont Gardenia 2 1⁄4” plants 

($.50 each) Belmont Garden Bk 5, p. 33

1935 03-01 Flower seeds William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 03-26 50 Asparagus plumosus nanus 2 1⁄4” 

size ($4.) Asparagus Fern J. F. Anderson Bk 5, p. 11 A greenhouse variety, bearing fern-like foliage

1935 03-26 50 Asparagus sprengeri oprengeri 2 

1⁄4” size ($4.) Asparagus Fern J. F. Anderson Bk 5, p. 11

1935 04-13 100 assorted ferns in 2 1⁄4” pots J. F. Anderson Bk 5, p. 11

1935 04-22 100 assorted Delphinium plants 

($20.00) Turner Brothers Nursery Bk 5, p. 379

1935 04-24 Plant material and planting in upper 

garden ($555.) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73

1935 04-30 1 pkt Cosmos Orange Flare W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1935 04-30 1 pkt Marigold Royal Scot W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1935 04-30 100 Gladioli Gold Measure W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

302

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1935 04-30 100 Gladioli Scarlet Wonder W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1935 04-30 100 Gladioli Virginia W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1935 04-30 24 Chrysanthemum, 6 vars. W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1935 04-30 3 1⁄4 oz Portulaca, 3 vars. W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1935 04-30 3 1/8 oz Aster Gt. Comet, 3 vars.

Callistephus chinensis Giant. Comet W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1935 05-07 4 Rosa moschata Clytemnestra Bobbink and Atkins Bk 5, p. 49 “ordered by Mr. Cridland 

for flower gardens”

1935 06-21 1 pkt Alice Sunshine Snapdragon Seed

Antirrhinum Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1935 06-21 1 pkt Terry’s Surprise Snapdragon Seed

Antirrhinum Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1935 06-21 1 pkt Velvet Beauty Snapdragon Seed

Antirrhinum Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1935 06-21 12 Lady Mac Begonia in 2 1⁄4” pots Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207 Christmas flowering

1935 06-21 12 Melior Begonia in 2 1⁄4” pots

Christmas Begonia Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207 Christmas Begonia

1935 07-05 1 pkt Snapdragon seed Sunset

Antirrhinum Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1935 08-08 1 oz. Sweet Pea Ely. Attraction

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 08-08 1 oz. Sweet Pea Ely. Fortyniner

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 08-08 1 oz. Sweet Pea Ely. Greeting

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 08-08 1 oz. Sweet Pea Ely. St. Rose

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 08-08 1 oz. Sweet Pea Ely. Vulcan

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 08-08 1 oz. Sweet Pea Ely.[early?] Memory

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 08-08 1 pkt Dracena Indivisa

Cordlyine Indivisa

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 08-08 1 pkt Pansy Green Gts. (Giants) William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 08-08 1 pkt Primula Mal. Superba William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 09-27 25 Lilium Erabu xxx (sp?) William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 09-27 25 Lilium, Harrisii William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1935 10-15 20 Lantanas Delicatissima 2 1⁄4” pots E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses Bk 5, p. 411

1935 10-15 20 Lantanas Lavender Queen 2 1⁄4” 

pots E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses Bk 5, p. 411

1935 10-15 20 Lantanas Sensation 2 1⁄4” pots E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses Bk 5, p. 411

1935 10-15 20 Lantanas Violet Thing 2 1⁄4” pots E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses Bk 5, p. 411

1935 10-15 20 Lantanas Weeping 2 1⁄4” pots E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses Bk 5, p. 411

1936 01-24 100 Robert Allwood Carnations rooted 

cutting Dianthus Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1936 01-24

50 Guy Allwood Carnations rooted 

cuttings

Dianthus

Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1936 01-31 200 Virginia Carnations, 2 1⁄4” pots

Dianthus Totty’s, Bk 5, p. 373

1936 01-31 300 Salmon Spectrum Carnations, 2 

1⁄4” pots Dianthus Totty’s, Bk 5, p. 373

1936 01-31 Giant Laddie Carnations, 2 1⁄4” pots

Dianthus Totty’s, Bk 5, p. 373

1936 03-17 1 oz. Marigold Little Brownie

Tagetes Little Brownie

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 1 pkt Petunia Balcony Blue William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 1 pkt Petunia Balcony Pink William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 1 pkt Petunia Balcony White William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 1.8 oz. Aster Pink King

Callistephus chinensis

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 1/8 oz. Aster Lavender King

Callistephus chinensis

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183
Appendix A

303

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1936 03-17 1/8 oz. Aster Violet King

Callistephus chinensis

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 1/8 oz. Petunia Bar Harbor Bty William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 2 oz. Alyssum Carpet of Snow

Lobularia matitima Carpet of Snow

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 200 Gladiolus War William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 183

1936 03-17 1⁄4 oz. Verbena Mam. Pink William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 03-17 1⁄4 oz. Verbena Miss Willmott William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 03-17 1 pkt Viola Blue Butterfly William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 03-17 1/8 oz Zinnia Lill. Golden Gem William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 03-17 1/8 oz. Zinnia Lill. Scarlet William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 04-03 100 Picardy Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1936 04-10 1⁄4 oz Tagetes

Marigold W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-10 1⁄4 oz Verbena Mayflower W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-10 1 pkt Petunia New All Double W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-10 100 Gladioli Alice Tiplady W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-10 100 Gladioli Souvenior W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-10 2 1⁄4 oz Zinnia, 2 vars. W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-10 2 1/8 oz Aster, 2 vars.

Callistephus chinensis W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-10 2 pkt Zinnia Fantasy W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-10 3” Vinca Claret-Colored

Periwinkle pink W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc. Bk 5, P. 250

1936 04-11 18 roses Mme Norbert Levavaseur 

($.40 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 ordered from the Storrs & 

Harrison Co., Plainsville, OH

1936 04-11 18 roses Mme. A Barbier ($.50 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 ordered from the Storrs & 

Harrison Co., Plainsville, OH

1936 04-11 36 roses Fran Karl Druschki ($.40 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 Ordered from the Storrs & 

Harrison Co., Plainsville, OH

1936 04-11 6 Mrs. John Lang rose ($.45 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 ordered from the Storrs & 

Harrison Co., Plainsville, OH

1936 04-11 6 Roses Gen. Jacqueminot ($.45 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 ordered from the Storrs & 

Harrison Co., Plainsville, OH

1936 04-11 6 roses George Arends ($.45 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 ordered from the Storrs & 

Harrison Co., Plainsville, OH

1936 04-11 6 roses Ulrich Brunner ($.40 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 ordered from the Storrs & 

Harrison Co., Plainsville, OH

1936 04-24 600 roses ($.26 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 Ordered from the Storrs & 

Harrison Co., Plainsville, OH

1936 04-27 4 Japanese Cherry trees, Amanogawa, 

8-9 ft. ($6. each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 Ordered from the Garden Nurseries, Narberth, PA

1936 04-29 100 Mountain Laurel, 1-2 ft. ($77.75)

Kalmia latifolia Clifford H Easton Bk 5, p. 121

1936 05-05

1 Thuja douglasi pyramidalis

Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis douglasi

Poughkeepsie Nursery 

Company, Inc. Bk 5, P. 301

1936 05-06 6 roses Baroness Rothschild Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 Ordered from Bobbink & 

Atkins, Rutherford, NJ

1936 05-06 6 roses Paul Neyron Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73 Ordered from Bobbink & 

Atkins, Rutherford, NJ

1936 05-06 6 roses Anna Diesbach ($.65 each) Robert B. Cridland Bk 5, p. 73S Ordered from Bobbink & 

Atkins, Rutherford, NJ

1936 06-06

1 pkt Snapdragon Coates Yellow 

Perfection

Antirrhinum

Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1936 06-06 1 pkt Snapdragon Sunset

Antirrhinum Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1936 06-06

1 pkt Snapdragon Terry’s Surprise 

Improved

Antirrhinum

Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

1936 06-06 1 pkt Snapdragon Velvet Beauty

Antirrhinum Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

304

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1936 06-06 12 Lady Mac Begonia in 2 1/4 “ pots Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207 Christmas flowering

1936 06-06 12 Melior Begonia in 2 1/4 “ pots Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207

Described as being suitable 

for Christmas hanging 

baskets for indoor use. 

1936 08-06 1⁄2 oz. Sweet Pea Blue

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-06 1⁄2 oz. Sweet Pea Lavender

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-06 1⁄2 oz. Sweet Pea Orange

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-06 1⁄2 oz. Sweet Pea Rose

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-06 1⁄2 oz. Sweet Pea Scarlet

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-06 1⁄2 oz. Sweet Pea Zvolanek’s Pink

Lathyrus odoratus

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-06 1 pkt Primula Mal. Superba William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-06 1/8 oz. Pansy Hunt’s Superb William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-06 25 Lilium Erabu William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 08-28 25 Lilium Harrisii William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1936 09-14 50 assorted ferns in 2 1⁄4” pots J. F. Anderson Bk 5, p. 11

1937 01-09 1⁄2 oz. Vinca rosea

Periwinkle pink

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09 1 collection Petunia Balcony 3 var. William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09 1 pkt Marigold C. of Gold

Tagetes C. of Gold

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09 1 pkt Marigold Sunset Gts. (Giants?)

Tagetes Sunset

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09

1/8 oz. Aster W.R. Imp. Crego O. Rose

Callistephus chinensis ‘Queen of the 

Market’ flesh Pink

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09

1/8 oz. Aster W.R. Imp. Crego Shell 

Pink

Callistephus chinensis W.R. Imp. Crego 

Shell Pink

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09

1/8 oz. Aster W.R. Temple’s Azure Blue

Callistephus chinensis W.R. Temple’s 

Azure Blue

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09

1/8 oz. Aster W.R. Temple’s Deep Rose

Callistephus chinensis W.R. Temple’s 

Deep Rose

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09

1/8 oz. Aster W.R. Temple’s White (or 

Lemple’s)

Callistephus chinensis W.R. Temple’s 

White

William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09 1/8 oz. Petunia Bar Harbor Bty. William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09 1/8 oz. Zinnia Lil. Golden Gem William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09 1/8 oz. Zinnia Lil. Scarlet Gem William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 01-09 3 pkts Petunia Dainty Lady William M. Hunt & 

Company Bk 5, p. 184

1937 02-08 100 Betty Nuthall Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1937 02-08 100 Bill Lowden (or Sowdon) Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1937 02-08 100 Com Koehl Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1937 02-08 100 Orange Queen Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1937 02-08 300 Picardy Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1937 03-23 1⁄4 oz No 2386 Dracaena Indivisa

Cordyline Indivisa Henry A. Dreer Bk 5, p. 120

1937 03-23 1 oz seeds Golden Gem Lilliput or 

Baby Zinnia Henry A. Dreer Bk 5, p. 120

1937 03-23 1 pkt No 1880 Centaurea Jubilee Gem

Cornflower; Batchelor’s buttons Henry A. Dreer Bk 5, p. 120
Appendix A

305

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1937 03-23

1 pkt No 3273 Orange Gleam 

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum Orange Gleam

Henry A. Dreer Bk 5, p. 120

1937 03-23

1 pkt No 3277 Scarlet Gleam 

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum Scarlet Gleam

Henry A. Dreer Bk 5, p. 120

1937 03-23

1 pkt No 3285 Golden Gleam 

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum Golden Gleam

Henry A. Dreer Bk 5, p. 120

1937 03-23 6 Eva Le Gallienne Chrysanthemums Totty’s Bk 5, p. 373

1937 03-23 6 Golden Majestic Chrysanthemums Totty’s Bk 5, p. 373

1937 03-23 6 Grace Sturgis Chrysanthemums Totty’s Bk 5, p. 373

1937 03-23 6 Majestic Chrysanthemums Totty’s Bk 5, p. 373

1937 03-23 6 Mrs. Benjamin A. Melching 

Chrysanthemums Totty’s Bk 5, p. 373

1937 03-23 6 Nagirroc Chrysanthemums Totty’s Bk 5, p. 373

1937 03-23 6 Purple Queen Chrysanthemums Totty’s Bk 5, p. 373

1937 03-23 6 Red Majestic Chrysanthemums Totty’s Bk 5, p. 373

1937 04-19 100 assorted ferns in 2 1⁄4” pots J. F. Anderson Bk 5, p. 11

1937 05-07

50 Asparagus plumosus nanus 2 1⁄4” 

size ($4.)S

Asparagus Fern

J. F. Anderson Bk 5, p. 11

1937 05-07

50 Asparagus sprengeri oprengeri 2 

1⁄4” size ($4.)

Asparagus Fern

J. F. Anderson Bk 5, p. 11

1937 05-07 30 Fran Karl Druschki Rose($.60 each) Bobbink and Atkins Bk 5, p. 49

1937 05-07 6 Anna de Diesbach Rose($.65 each) Bobbink and Atkins Bk 5, p. 49

1937 05-07 6 General Jacqueminot Rose ($.65 

each Bobbink and Atkins Bk 5, p. 49

1937 05-07 6 Ulrich Brunner Rose ($.65 each) Bobbink and Atkins Bk 5, p. 49

1937 05-17

1 doz. Polyantha or Baby Rambler 

Roses Mrs. W. H. Cutbrush (or 

Cuthish)

Turner Brothers Nursery Bk 5, p. 379

1937 06-09 1⁄2 oz Blue Bonnet Spencer Sweet Peas

Lathyrus odoratus Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09

1⁄2 oz Exposition Pink Spencer Sweet 

Peas

Lathyrus odoratus

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09 1⁄2 oz Red Bird Spencer Sweet Peas

Lathyrus odoratus Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09

1⁄2 oz Zbolonek’s Blue Sensation Sweet 

Peas

Lathyrus odoratus

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09 1⁄2 oz Zbolonek’s Orange Sweet Peas

Lathyrus odoratus Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Alyssum, Saxatile, Silver Queen

Aurinia saxatile ‘Silver Queen’ Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09

1 pkt Antirrhinum, Terry’s Surprised 

Improved for Greenhouse

Snapdragon

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Aquilegia, Scarlet Shades

Columbine Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353 Red flowers

1937 06-09 1 pkt Bellis Daisy, Giant Flowering Pink

Bellis perennis Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Blue Delphinium, Wrexham Blue Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Campanula, Telham Beauty

Campanula persicifolia ‘Telham Beauty’ Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

4 feet tall and offers rich 

blue blossoms

1937 06-09

1 pkt Crimson Aster Queen of the 

Market

Callistephus chinensis ‘Queen of the 

Market’ Pink

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Doronicum, Pardalianches

Great false leopardbane Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09

1 pkt Flesh Pink Aster Queen of the 

Market

Callistephus chinensis ‘Queen of the 

Market’ flesh Pink

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

306

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1937 06-09 1 pkt Gallardia, Grandiflora, 

compacted Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Geum, Double Orange Queen Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Hardy Primula, Pulverulenta Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Myosotis, Royal Blue

Forget-me-knot Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Pyrethrum, New Double Hybrids Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09

1 pkt Scarlet Aster Queen of the 

Market

Callistephus chinensis ‘Queen of the 

Market’ Scarlet

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09

1 pkt Snapdragon, Coate’s Yellow 

Perfection

Antirrhinum

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Snapdragon, Velvet Beauty

Antirrhinum Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09 1 pkt Sweet William, Newport Pink

Dianthus barbatus Newport Pink Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 353

1937 06-09 25 Lilium Formosum Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09

25 Lilium Harrisii 2nd size for Easter 

forcing

Easter Lily

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 06-09

Spencer Sweet Peas 1⁄2 oz Majestic 

Rose

Lathyrus odoratus

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 341, 

353

1937 07-01 250 carnation plants 125 Woburn 

Dianthus John G. Bahret & Son Bk 5, p. 50

1937 07-01

250 carnation plants125 Spectrum 

Supreme

Dianthus

John G. Bahret & Son Bk 5, p. 50

1937 08-16 25 Lilium Harrisii, 2nd size

Easter Lily Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 353

1937 08-18 100 Pteris Ferns (Dish) in (50 in 3” 

pots, 50 in 2 1⁄4” pots) J. F. Anderson Bk 5, p. 11

1937 08-18

1 oz pkt Summer Flowering Sweet 

Peas, Pinkie

Lathyrus odoratus

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 353

1937 08-18

1 oz pkt Summer Flowering Sweet 

Peas, Royal Purple

Lathyrus odoratus

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, P. 353

1938 01-08 1⁄4 oz Annual Chrysanthemum, Golden 

Crown Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4

1938 01-08

1⁄4 oz Giant Imperial Larkspur, Blue 

Spire

Delphinium consolida ‘Blue Spire’

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4

1938 01-08

1⁄4 oz Giant Imperial Larkspur, Dazzler

Delphinium consolida Imperial 

‘Dazzler’

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4

1938 01-08 1⁄4 oz Verbena Crimson Glow Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4

1938 01-08 1 pkt Annual Carnation, Maroon King

Dianthus ‘Maroon King’ Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4

1938 01-08 1 pkt Browallia Speciosa Major

Bush violet Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4 Greenhouse

1938 01-08 1/8 oz Salvia Farinacea Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4

1938 01-08 1/8 oz Verbena Venosa Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4

1938 01-08 2 pkts Salvia Welwyn Pink Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 353-4

1938 01-26 Flower seeds, copy of order in letter 

file ($26.05) Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 354

1938 04-05 50 Pteris Ferns (Dish) in (2 1⁄4” pots) J. F. Anderson, NJ Bk 5, p. 11

1938 04-27 100 Better Times Roses 4” pots, 

grafted ($60) Andrew R. Kennedy, Inc Bk 5, p. 231

1938 04-28 150 Commander Koehl Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1938 04-28 150 Picardy Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1938 05-14 100 Charles Dickens Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1938 05-14 100 Golden Cup Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74
Appendix A

307

Year Date Order Vendor Reference

Book,Page Notes

1938 05-14 100 Minuet Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1938 05-14 100 Miss Bloomington Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1938 05-14 100 Mrs. T. E. Langford Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1938 05-14 50 Aida Gladiolus Champlain View Gardens Bk 5, p. 74

1938 06-08 Flower seeds, copy of order in letter 

file, 13 pkts ($5.05) Sutton & Sons Bk 5, p. 357

1938 06-10 12 Lady Mac Begonia in 2 1/4 “ pots Roman J. Irwin, Inc Bk 5, p. 207 Christmas flowering

1938 06-17

1 oz Red Bird Winter Flowering Sweet 

Peas

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Red Bird’

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 354

1938 06-17

3oz Blue Sensation Winter Flowering 

Sweet Peas

Lathryus odoratus ‘Blue Sensation’

Stumpp & Walter Co Bk 5, p. 354

1938 11-12 Labor loading Bay Trees, 42 hours at 

50 cents per hour, $21 total Lewis & Valentine Bk 2, p. 3

1939 06-14

2 Aerial maps a neg no. 8520-127, 

4x5” cropped section of contact print, 

one for Mr. Murphy, one for office 

(Real Estate agents)

Dutchess County Planning 

Board Bk 5, p. 111
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

308
Appendix B

309

APPENDIX B: “REVISED KEY TO PLAN NO. 2011” BY THOMAS MEEHAN AND SONS, 

APRIL 4, 1911

The following table includes the perennials specified by Thomas Meehan and Sons in their 1910 plan for the loggia 

garden. Synonyms and common names have been added by Rieley and Associates, 1988. 

* indicates the key number included more than one plant species or plant size.

Key No. Qty Name Notes

1 160 Assorted roses

2 11 Digitalis purpurea, foxgloves

3 30 Phlox Wm. Robinson

4 7 Paeonia edulis superba (P. lactiflora), peony

5 15 Heuchera sanguinea, coral bells

6 20 Iris ‘Silver King’, white Iris

7 13 Aguilegia vulgaris alba, white columbine

8 7 Paeonia ‘Jupiter’

9 30 Phlox Lothair

10 11 Digitalis purpurea alba, white foxglove

11 13 Aguilegia caerulea, blue columbine

12 20 Iris Queen of May

13 15 Heuchera sanguinea, coral bells

14 15 Iris ‘Silver King’, white Iris

15 15 Stokesia cyanea, Stoke’s aster

16 13 Spiraea filipendula (Filipendula hexapetala), dropwort

17 11 Paeonia ‘festiva maxima’ (P. lactiflora cv.), peony

18 25 Phlox Queen

19 7 Hemerocallis flava, daylily

20 30 Platycodon mariesii (P. grandiflorum cv. mariesii), blue balloon-flower

21 20 Inula ‘Brittanica’, inula cv.

22 25 Lychnis haageana, Haage’s campion

23 35 Coreopsis grandiflora, Bigflower coreopsis

24 20 Aguilegia flabellata, dwarf columbine

25 45 Dianthus plumarius, grass pinks

26 25 Phlox Slocum

27 30 Geum coccineum, geum

28 33 Lychnis viscaria splendens, German catch-fly

29 17 Baptisia australis, false indigo

30 17 Dicentra spectabilis, bleeding-heart

31 25 Phlox ‘Independence’, white summer phlox

32 25 Phlox divaricata

33 1/2 15 Stokesia cyanea, Stoke’s aster

34 20 Paeonia Rhoda

35 25 Anemone rubra, uncertain species, possibly b. nemorosa

35 1/2 15 Anemone sylvestris, spring anemone

36 35 Gypsophila repens, creeping baby’s breath

36 1/2 17 Campanula medium, bellflower

37 20 Physostegia virginica alba, obedient plant

38 45 Dianthus plumarius, grass pinks

39 25 Phlox Aurora Borealis

40 30 Platycodon mariesii alba, (P. grandiflorum mariesii alba),

white balloon-flower

41 35 Coreopsis lanceolata, lanceleaved coreopsis

42 35 Spiraea filipendula (Filipendula hexapetala), dropwort

43 13 Aguilegia flabellate nana, dwarf columbine

44 17 Phlox Queen

45 15 Veronica teucrium (V. latifolia), speedwell

46 15 Paeonia edulis superba (P. lactiflora), peony

47 35 Papaver nudicaule, Iceland poppy

48 20 Baptisia australis, false indigo

49 30 Lychnis flos-jovis, flower-of-jove
Cultural

LandscapeReport for the Vanderbilt MansionFormal Gardens

310

Key No. Qty Name Notes

50 50 Iris Queen of May

50 1/2 70 Iris pallida Dalmatica

51 13 Boltonia asteroides, white boltonia

51*3 Mallow Marvel pink, probably Malva alcea cv. 2 yr.

51 1⁄23 Mallow Marvel red, probably Malva alcea cv. 2 yr.

51 1⁄2* 13 Aster novae-angliae, New England aster

52 30 Geum heldrichi

53 20 Achillea “The Pearl”

54 20 Paeonia cv. ‘Andre Lauris’, deep pink named hybrid peony

55 25 Aster alpinus, alpine aster

56 25 Dicentra spectabilis, bleeding-heart

57 25 Phlox ‘Independence’, white summer phlox

58 30 Campanula grandis, (C. persicifolia), peach-leaf bellflower

59 15 Anemone rubra, uncertain species, possibly b. nemorosa

60 20 Inula ‘Brittanica’, inula cv.

61 35 Lychnis flos-jovis, flower-of-jove

62 50 Iris coelestine

62 1⁄2 70 Iris prismatica, slender blue flag

63 15 Aster novae-angliae, New England aster

63*3 Mallow Marvel pink, probably Malva alcea cv. 2 yr.

63 1⁄2 15 Aster ‘White Queen’, hybrid aster

63 1⁄2* 15 Mallow Marvel red, probably Malva alcea cv. 2 yr.

64 17 Iris Ulysses

65 11 Iris kaempferi, Japanese Iris

65* 11 Chrysanthemum ‘St. Illoria’, pink chrysanthemum

65 1⁄2 10 Chrysanthemum ‘Soeur Melaine’, white chrysanthemum

65 1⁄2* 10 Iris kaempferi, Japanese Iris

66 20 Iris ‘Silver King’, white Iris

67 20 Spiraea filipendula (Filipendula hexapetala), dropwort

68 15 Delphinium hybridum (D. elatum), delphinium

699 Gaillardia compacta (probably G. pulchella)

69 1⁄2 10 Gaillardia compacta (probably G. pulchella)

70 11 Chrysanthemum Mrs Snyder

70 1⁄2 12 Chrysanthemum Julia Lagravere

71 17 Stokesia cyanea, Stoke’s aster

725 Paeonia Compte de Paris

73 15 Penstemon barbatus, beardtongue

74 15 Campanula grandis, (C. persicifolia), peach-leaf bellflower

74 1⁄2 13 Platycodon grandiflora

759 Anemone ‘Queen Charlotte’, fall anemone cv.

76 13 Lychnis haageana, Haage’s campion

77 11 Campanula media, bellflower

77 1⁄29 Funkia lancifolia, hosta

78 10 Papaver orientale, oriental poppy

78* 10 Aster ‘White Queen’, hybrid aster

79 13 Aguilegia flabellate nana, dwarf columbine

80 11 Anemone ‘Queen Charlotte’, fall anemone cv.

81 15 Funkia lancifolia, hosta

829 Phlox lothair

83 13 Delphinium chinensis (D. grandiflorum), larkspur

84 15 Phlox Queen

85 11 Hemerocallis flava, daylily

86 15 Phlox Champs Elysees

87 17 Oenothera Youngii (O. tetragona)

88 15 Iris pumila

89 20 Heuchera sanguinea, coral bells

90 15 Coreopsis lanceolata, lanceleaved coreopsis

91 15 Spiraea filipendula (Filipendula hexapetala), dropwort

92 15 Iris Nero

93 15 Aster formosissimus, white aster

94 15 Platycodon mariesii alba, (P. grandiflorum mariesii alba),

white balloon-flower

94 1⁄2 11 Funkia lancifolia, hosta

95 11 Campanula persicifolia alba, white peach-leaf bellflower

96 17 Statice Gmelinii (Limonium Gmelinii), sea-lavender
Appendix B

311

Key No. Qty Name Notes

97 15 Paeonia cv. Duchess of New Orleans

98 17 Chrysanthemum A. Neilson

98 1⁄2 11 Chrysanthemum ‘Soeur Melaine’, white chrysanthemum

99 13 Delphinium hybridum (D. elatum), delphinium

100 15 Anemone sylvestris, spring anemone

101 17 Campanula latifolia macrantha, great bellflower

102 13 Hemerocallis Dumortieri, hybrid daylily

1037 Anemone ‘Queen Charlotte’, fall anemone cv.

104 17 Aguilegia caerulea, blue columbine

105 13 Oenothera speciosa, evening primrose (day-flowering)

106 10 Papaver orientale, oriental poppy

106* 10 Aster Robt. Parker

107 13 Campanula media alba, white Canterbury bells

1089 Aster japonica rosea

109 13 Phlox Slocum

110 11 Funkia lancifolia, hosta

111 11 Iris Jewell

112 15 Pentstemon digitalis

113 13 Phlox ‘Independence’, white summer phlox

114 15 Gaillardia compacta (probably G. pulchella)

115 10 Iris Penelope

116 15 Phlox Lord Raleigh

117 15 Coreopsis grandiflora, Bigflower coreopsis

118 13 Geum coccineum, geum

119 20 Iris Ulysses

120 11 Iris kaempferi, Japanese Iris

120* 11 Chrysanthemum ‘Soeur Melaine’, white chrysanthemum

120 1⁄2 10 Iris kaempferi, Japanese Iris

120 1⁄2* 10 Chrysanthemum ‘St. Illoria’, pink chrysanthemum

121 20 Iris ‘Silver King’, white Iris

122 15 Iris Yolande

1235 Aster tataricus, hardy aster

123* 15 Aster St. Brigid

124 40 Paeonia sinensis assorted

1259 Viburnum dentatum 2-3 ft.

1269 Spiraea prunifolia 3-4 ft.

127 13 Symphoricarpos vulgaris 2 1⁄2-3 ft

1289 Viburnum tomentosum 4-5 ft.

1297 Hydrangea quercifolia 12-18 in.

130 11 Berberis thunbergii 18-24 in.

1312 Picea orientalis 4-5 ft.

131*2 Picea orientalis 3-4 ft.

131*1 Picea orientalis 5-6 ft.

1325 Lonicera morrowi 3-4 ft.

1335 Stephanandra flexuosa 2 1⁄2-3 ft.

1347 Hydrangea grandiflora 2 1⁄2-3 ft.

135 10 Deutzia gracilis 18-24 in.

1367 Spiraea arguta 2-3 ft.

137 15 Ligustrum regelianum 2 1⁄2-3 ft.

1382 Thuya pyramidalis 6-7 ft.

138*3 Thuya pyramidalis 8-9 ft.

138*3 Thuya pyramidalis 5-6 ft.

138*3 Thuya pyramidalis 4-5 ft.

139 15 Spiraea thunbergii 2 1⁄2-3 ft.

1407 Picea balsamea 5-6 ft.

141 11 Forsythia suspensa 4 ft.

142 17 Berberis thunbergii 18-24 in.

143 11 Weigela Eva Rathke 3-4 ft.

144 15 Symphoricarpos racemosus 2 1⁄2-3 ft.

145 11 Philadelphus coronarius 4-5 ft.

146 15 Spiraea Van houttei 3-4 ft.

147 13 Pyrus japonica 3-4 ft.

148 25 Rhododendron maximum 3-5 ft.

1502 Taxus baccata 4 ft.

151 25 Ampelopsis veitchii 5 in. pots

151* 25 Hedera helix 5 in. pots

152 50 Lonicera halleana 5 in. pots

152* 25 Lonicera brachypoda 5 in. pots
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

312

Key No. Qty Name Notes

152* 25 Lonicera sinensis 5 in. pots

153 2 Thuya Geo. Peabody 5 ft. uniform
Appendix C

313

APPENDIX C: EXISTING CONDITIONS FIELD NOTES

The following table contains field notes and observations of site surveys conducted in the formal gardens in 2008.

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Greenhouse wall along 

north boundary of 

garden, Carnation House 

Terrace

Ranges from 3 1⁄2 to 5 ft. 

height

X X X F Concrete surface is cracking and mortar is loose. 

Virginia creeper vine is both damaging wall and 

holding it together—it could be cut back to reduce 

moisture. The south side is bowing inward. The 

concrete cap should be repaired to slow further 

damage. Long-term the wall should be replaced.

Concrete pad on north 

side of Tool House with 

three manholes and 

parking barriers

X G Some slight heaving, but overall in good condition.

Entry steps at southwest 

corner of Tool House

X G Three bluestone steps to upper level of Tool House 

have some spalling, but overall in good condition.

Three bluestone pavers at 

base of steps at southeast 

corner of Tool House

X F One of the three pieces is small and sunk. This 

smaller piece should be replaced with one of equal 

size and color as other two—or all three replaced 

with equal size and color.

Concrete sidewalk at 

southeast corner of Tool 

House

X P The concrete pad is cracked and crumbled and 

needs replacement.

Concrete ramp on south 

side into Tool House

G Ramp in good condition but door needs 

replacement.

Wooden deck on east side 

of Tool House

X P Deck that serves as entrance walk into Tool House 

is rotten and the railings are loose. The wood 

structure needs replacement. When replaced, 

footings should all be brick piers as they are at the 

north end of the deck.

Tool House X F Virginia creeper vines on the northeast corner of 

the building are causing the cement surface to 

crack.

Gardeners Cottage X G West wall appears to have a fresh mortar surface. 

Virginia creeper is growing on the northwest 

corner of the building.

Concrete walk between 

Tool House and Gardeners 

Cottage, formerly inside 

the Carnation Green 

House

X F Walk in fair condition with some cracking and 

lifting—but not a primary circulation path used by 

visitors. Oddly, one bluestone paver near center of 

walk

Bluestone steps from 

fountain terrace to former 

Carnation House entrance 

and walk

X X Large step is spalling, coping stones in fair 

condition—two on each side and one is cracked

Remnant stone pad 

beyond southwest corner 

of Gardener’s Cottage

X F A remnant concrete pad, possibly a footing for a 

porch, is partially exposed and in fair condition.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

314

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Entry steps at southeast 

corner of Gardener’s 

Cottage: 2 bluestone 

steps, landing with two 

large bluestone pavers 

of 3x5 1/2ft., and one 

bluestone step into 

cottage

G

Four bluestone steps with 

two coping stones approx. 

5 1⁄2 ft. from southeast 

corner of Gardener’s 

Cottage

X G Steps in good condition and even. Gap above steps 

of about 5 1⁄2 ft. is odd, perhaps paver (s) is missing.

Bluestone paver on 

north side of Gardener’s 

Cottage, near fuel intake

G Single paver below fuel intake in good condition.

Wall section at southeast 

corner of Gardener’s 

Cottage with four pillars

X X X F Wall section needs repointing, some of the red clay 

tile caps are damaged. A big crack in the wall will 

cause further damage if not sealed. One pillar is 

capped with Virginia creeper. 

Wall section beyond east 

side of Gardener’s Cottage 

with five pillar and 

ranging from 3 1⁄2 to 5 1⁄2 

ft. height

X X F Some of the earthenware tile caps repaired with 

concrete, North end of wall has 1-2 in. crack.

Palm House terrace 

boundary wall, west side 

of formal gardens. Brick 

wall approx. 4 ft. with red 

earthenware coping. 

X X X F Cracks in caps need to be repaired to protect the 

wall from water and ice damage, particularly at the 

wall-pillar junctions. Brick wall is in fair condition 

with some repointing needed. Red clay finials 

missing from caps on north end of wall, some 

remain at south end. The wall is in better condition 

that other walls in the garden, perhaps because 

there are no adjacent trees or vines.

Bluestone step outside 

of (west of) Palm House 

terrace boundary wall

G Single step is set at grade and is in good condition. 

Steps between Palm 

House terrace and 

Fountain Terrace- 6 steps 

with 2 coping stones, steps 

are approx. 7 1⁄2 ft. long, 

coping stones are approx. 

16 in. wide

X P Steep steps are very uneven, pitching both 

forwards and backwards. All six steps need to be 

reset. The 4th step up as a crack at the north end 

which was mended. The coping stones are in good 

condition. Tilting steps are a priority for repair.

Steps between Fountain 

Terrace and Rose House 

Terrace 6 steps with 2 

coping stones 

X X F The 5th step is pulling out and the 6th step is tilting 

inward both needs to be reset. Corners are cracked 

off some of the steps and there is some spalling 

on the west coping stone. The pea gravel from 

pathway is transferring onto steps & is a potential 

hazard. The grass terrace adjacent to the east 

coping stone is eroded and needs to be filled. 

Rose House Terrace 

boundary wall south side 

of formal gardens. Low 

brick wall approx. 31⁄2 ft 

with red earthenware tile 

coping

X F Brick wall is in fair condition with some repointing 

needed. All red clay finials missing from caps. Caps 

are in good condition. South side of the wall is 

in poorer condition possibly due to adjacent cold 

frames
Appendix C

315

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Cold Frames on south side 

of the Rose House Terrace 

boundary wall. Concrete 

structure with some 

remaining timber framing

X X P Cold frames are in poor condition. The wooden 

frames, midsections and covers are missing. The 

concrete frame is cracking. The frames are being 

used to store plants. 

Potting House on west 

side of the Rose House 

Terrace. Brick construction 

approx 113ft x 13ft with a 

metal roof 

X G Some bricks are falling, and some repointing 

necessary but overall structure is good due to the 

solid roof on the building. 

Extension at South east 

corner of the Potting 

House 20ft x 17ft 

G Three windows are boarded, a trash can is located 

near the wall and a utility pipe

Remainder of concrete 

pad on east side of the 

Potting House

X P Concrete pad is crumbling & uneven. There are 

three loose bluestone pavers lying on the concrete 

surface near the door that enters the Potting House 

on the east side. A moveable metal and wood 

bench is located here

Fieldstone foundation 

on south west corner of 

building

Exposed mortared fieldstone foundation

Steps on west side of 

Potting House leading 

to the building. This 

comprises of 5 steps that 

are approx. 5ft wide x 

1 ft and 3” high and 

two coping of similar 

dimension. The top step is 

flush with the grass

G These steps descend the grassy terrace on the 

west side of the Potting House and connect with 

a doorway that accesses the building. The steps 

comprise of 4 steps and 2 pavers of bluestone set 

on brick. They are of a different design to step in 

the formal garden, possibly a more economical 

design reflecting their utilitarian function to access 

work area behind glasshouses. These are in good 

condition. 

Short path 2 ft by 5 1⁄2 ft 

connects with a door on 

west side of the –Potting 

House Comprising of 

a series of blue stone 

pavers.

The steps terminate on a platform of three pavers, 

the south paver has broken edge and is irregular 

in fashion and may be a replacement rather than 

original.

Arched Stair Arbor at the 

north east end of Upper 

Annual Garden. This is an 

ornate metal structure 

that connects the 

Carnation House Terrace 

with the Upper Annual 

Garden

This sturdy construction is in good repair. Vines, 

honeysuckle and wisteria scramble over the 

structure. Wirework treillage is somewhat 

damaged, some of the cross wires have been cut 

to facilitate vine growth. To prevent structural 

damage to the construction plants must be pruned 

and trained in such a fashion as to ensure that 

they do not pass through the lattice, cause undue 

stress on the overall structure or grow between the 

wirework and adjacent brick piers. 

Steps under the arbor 

the north east end of 

Upper Annual Garden, 

comprising of 5 steps and 

two coping stones 

X X F The top step is out of kilter with the rest of the 

flight and the nosing of bottom step is out of kilter 

and needs to be reset. The coping stone on the east 

side is misaligned. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

316

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Brick piers and trellis 

demarking east side of the 

Upper Annual Garden & 

Upper Annual Garden. 9 

brick columns, supporting 

metal frames unto which 

festooned metal treillage 

panels are attached

X X X X F Some of the brickwork in the column is eroding in 

particular on the 2nd, 8th & 9th piers. The capitals are 

in good condition, the mortar is in fair condition. 

The 2nd capital is clad with a vine, honeysuckle. 

Capital on 6th pier appears to be loose. Metal 

frames are in good condition, some of the joints 

connecting the frame to the brickwork are loose 

and mortar has crumbled. Attachments for the 

frames and lattice panels are in good condition. 

Honeysuckle is trained along the lattice panels. 

Along the ground black landscaping fabric is 

visible. Two spigots are visible along this boundary 

line, it is not known if they are functional. Water 

spray may be responsible for some of the brick 

erosion to adjacent pillars

Stair Pergola connecting 

the Upper Annual 

Garden with the Lower 

Annual Garden. This is 

a brick, timber and wire 

construction

X X F Brick columns are sound however the upper five 

courses of bricks on the north east & north west 

column require repointing. Vine ties are apparent 

on some of the pillars. Some of the vines are 

putting pressure on the brickwork and causing 

it to twist and crack, this should be monitored. 

Brick wing walls are in good condition but the 

south west lower pier is pulling away from the 

wall and is leaning. The wire lattice and associated 

attachments are sound. Some of the timber beams 

are rotting. The larger timbers are sound, The 

3rd truss is rotting and many of the smaller cross 

members are rotting or gone. The 6 trumpet vines 

are thriving but are a little too vigorous and out of 

proportion with the pergola and should be pruned 

to reduce overall mass. These were planted 25 years 

ago by the FWVGA

Steps under the Stair 

Pergola connecting the 

Upper Annual Garden 

with the Lower Annual 

Garden, 11 steps

X G Where the path connects with the steps there is 

a change in level which is a potential trip hazard. 

This could be reduces by creating a concrete and 

pea gravel sill. The 11 steps are in good condition. 

The third step from the top is cracked

Short wall extending east 

from the lower south east 

corner of the stair pergola

X X X X F This low brick wall 3 1⁄2 feet extends into the Upper 

Perennial Garden. The wall capping has shifted 

by a couple of inches causing the underlying brick 

courses to bulge and mortar to degrade. The 

adjoining pier on the east end is pulling away 

from the wall. Some vegetation is colonizing the 

loose joints. The north face of the wall supports 

the south end of a long embankment in the Upper 

Perennial Garden. The mortar joints are loose. 

Steps connecting Rose 

House Terrace with the 

Lower Annual Garden

X This steep stairway is in good condition. The 

footings for a brick wall are visible. This lost feature 

would have provided support when traversing the 

stairway. The pitch of the steps may be responsible 

for the lack of use and consequently the good state 

of repair

Boundary wall south side 

of Lower Annual Garden

X This section of wall is missing and there is to 

delineate the outer limits of the walled garden
Appendix C

317

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Pergola at the south 

east corner of the Lower 

Annual Garden connecting 

to the Pool House Pergola. 

This is a timber and brick 

and stone structure

X X X P The brick piers on the west side of the structures 

have loose mortar especially near the top. Some of 

the timber beams are nearing the end of their life 

and must be replaced. Evidence of carpenter bee 

activity, some rot and decay, one beam is tilting. 

The north east wooden column is rotten and needs 

immediate replacement as it is affecting the overall 

integrity of the structure. This post can not support 

the additional weight of a vine. Timber cross 

members are structurally sound and were replaced 

in 2007. The rest of the timber structure could last 

for another 3 years without the additional weight 

and moisture content associated with the vines or 

possibly 5 years without the climbers. The trumpet 

vine was cleared from the post in 2008. The brick 

base that supports the south east wooden pillar has 

some loss of pointing. A vine is pushing the wall 

capping out of place resulting in a degradation of 

the brick mortar joints. 

Steps under the Pergola 

at the south east corner of 

the Lower Annual Garden 

connecting to the Pool 

House Pergola

X X X P These steps are in good repair. The top step has 

settled a little and needs to be reset. North wing 

walls is cracked, the south coping stone is cracked. 

L Shaped Perimeter 

wall north of the Upper 

Perennial Garden

X F North east pier is no longer tied to the adjoining 

wall. The wall is capping with molded stone. Some 

of the brick work mortar is loose and there is minor 

cracking in the wall. The west side of the wall is in 

better condition than the east side. There is more 

mortar loose on the east side. This may in part be 

due to the overhanging tree canopy. 

Steps at perimeter wall 

north of the Upper 

Perennial Garden. Steps 

are 16” wide x 9’ long x 

6” high

X G These four bluestone steps are in good condition, 

only the 1st step is chipped 

Perimeter wall north 

of the Upper Perennial 

Garden south side of path, 

western section

X X X F Low brick wall approx. 31⁄2’ is surmounted by 

clay tile capping, the horizontality of which is 

interrupted by 3 brick columns surmounted with a 

stone capital and large ball finial; the columns are 

connected by large carved cedar beams. Overall 

effect is to view the perennial garden through 

a series of picture windows. Timber beams are 

cracked but solid and retain integrity. There is 

evidence of carpet bee activity.

Vine growing in joint between cedar beam and 

the first pier to be removed to prevent additional 

structural damage. Vine pruned back hard earlier 

in 2008. Evidence of graffiti on the tile capping. 

Some of the joints between capping tiles have 

been repaired
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

318

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Perimeter wall north 

east corner of the Upper 

Perennial Garden 

X X X X P Low brick wall capped with red capping tiles 

extends east from the North Pergola. Three low 

brick piers crowned with hipped tiles surmounted 

with ball finials. This wall is in poor condition 

cracking is apparent at the base of these walls, 

only one damaged ball finial remains at the 

base of these side walls. There is no separation 

between the bottom walls and piers. White pines 

overhang the wall and there is some colonization 

of vegetative material in the wall

North Pergola in the 

Upper Perennial Garden 

x x x x x x x F This ornate structure of brick, stone and timber 

overlooks the Upper Perennial Garden. The piers 

supporting the woodwork are in fair condition 

however some of the pointing in the upper brick 

courses is failing. There is some damage to the 

capping, chipping and loss of corners. A low semicircular seating wall is set on a sloping height 

ranging in height on the outside from 4’ -21⁄2 ’. The 

wall capping is chipped and loose, the pointing has 

failed resulting in the degradation of mortar on 

the top few levels of brick coursing. Efflorescence 

of the brickwork on the north east side visible. The 

red earthenware tile floor is in good condition, 

a few half tiles are missing. A bluestone flag at 

the west entrance has shifted and is cracked and 

is currently set at a different level to the tiles and 

adjacent pea gravel connecting path and poses as 

a potential trip hazard. The tilting of the bluestone 

flag may also be affecting the water runoff to 

the adjacent drain. The timber radials are rotting 

where notched; this may be contributed to by the 

additional moisture, weight and poor air circulation 

associated with the vine clambering over the 

structure. Remedial pruning would improve this 

situation and prolong the life of the timber. The 

timber cross members are also rotting. The path 

edge is poorly defined
Appendix C

319

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Stairway associated with 

North Pergola in the 

Upper Perennial Garden

X X X X X X X F Set of 14 steps comprised of 1’ deep bluestone 

steps, the tread depth is increased by a row of red 

earthenware tiles. Overall the steps are in fair 

condition with minimal spalling, little damage to 

the tiles & the top step has slightly settled. The 

west wing wall is cracked near the base. Concrete 

foundation for the east wing wall are visible on 

the east face, pointing is somewhat displaced. 

The pillars supporting the timber beams are 

under stress resulting from the vines embracing 

and twisting the column in such a fashion that 

the overhead load bearing beam no longer sits 

squarely on the cap. The brickwork is showing 

signs of stress throughout the pillar length and 

the mortar is degrading at the base. The overall 

integrity of the structure is being compromised 

by the contorting effect of the vine. Remedial 

pruning is required and in future if vines are to 

remain they must be trained and kept under 

control to minimize structural damage. Some 

minor repointing work is needed to the brickwork. 

Large timber beams at the lower end of the arch 

are sound, except at the south east end above the 

cement column. There is evidence of carpenter bee 

activity. The wooden cross members are poor and 

rotting some of the outer ends have broken off. 

Vine growth on top of the structure at this point is 

dense. Two Doric cement columns set on low brick 

sidewalls terminate the structure. The pointing on 

the sidewalls is failing. The east column is fractured 

2’ from the base; this may be due to the pressure 

exerted by the vine growth. 

Low perimeter wall at 

north east side of Upper 

Perennial Garden 

X X X G This low brick wall incorporating a series of pillars, 

flush with the tile wall capping. approx. 4’ high 

demarking the north east limit of the formal 

garden affords views into the wider landscape. 

The brickwork is in good condition, pointing is 

sound and the capping in intact and has been 

repaired in the past. There is a wobble on the wall 

at the south end. This may be due in part to soil 

movement associated with previous planting along 

this wall. 

Dry stone wall flanking 

centre path in the Upper 

Perennial Garden 

Low retaining dry stone wall increasing from 1⁄2’ 

at north end to 3’ at south end. Gaps in the wall 

are used as planting pockets, a weep hole pipe 

emerges at the south end. 

Dry stone wall flanking 

centre path in the Upper 

Perennial Garden, 

westside 

F Low retaining dry stone wall increasing from 1⁄2’ at 

north end to 3’ at south end. Gaps in the wall are 

used as planting pockets. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

320

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Retaining brick wall east 

side of upper and Lower 

Perennial Garden

X X F The drystone wall terminates at a brick pier 

capped with stone. The caping has shifted and is 

misaligned. The attached brick wall is 13 courses 

high and set on an exposed concrete foundation 

is capped with stone. The pointing between the 

caps has failed in sections. The wall turns east and 

runs towards the Upper Rose garden. Where the 

wall straightens a different color brick has been 

use, this wall is capped by a brick rowlock course. A 

square recess inset into the high bank beyond the 

retaining wall terminates the run as it tapers off 

parallel with the perimeter wall

Retaining brick wall west 

side of upper and Lower 

Perennial Garden

X X X F The dry stone wall terminates at a brick pier 

capped with stone. The pointing on the pier is 

degrading. The attached brick wall is 14 courses 

high and is capped with stone. The corner of one 

of the piers is damaged. The pointing under the 

caps is loose in sections. The wall turns west and is 

terminated in a brick pier. Here the construction of 

the wall changes and mirrors the construction on 

the opposite side of the path, The 14 course brick 

retaining wall is capped by a brick rowlock course 

and runs towards the Lower Annual Garden and 

the turns south terminating at the stair pergola. 

The pointing is degraded in particular under the 

coping and the resulting water ingress is causing 

cracks and fracturing, these fissures are being 

colonized by vegetation. Weep holes are only 

apparent at the North end. The south end of the 

wall is pushing out. 

Pool Pergola 

Side walls at the base of 

the Stair Pergola at the 

south west corner of the 

Lower Perennial garden

X X X X P The stone cape is pitching and the mortar joints 

are loose and the wall is splayed and tilting south

Pool Pavilion Pergola 

outer wall 

X X X F This approx 9’ brick apsidal wall is capped with 

stone. The south west side of the structure had 

just been repaired however some loose pointing is 

apparent in the upper brick courses. The mortar 

joints at the cope stone for a large pillar at the 

south side have degraded and the water ingress 

has caused erosion of other mortar joints and 

the substantial brick movement is causing the 

pillar to lean forward at the top. Bricks adjacent 

to the window and along the south east section 

are deteriorating and cracks are apparent near 

the base of the wall. North west sections of the 

brickwork are coated with algae bloom. The outer 

wall of the pool house is in good condition.
Appendix C

321

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Pool Pavilion X X X P Wooden joists and trusses support a tile roof. 

The vine is growing under some of the roof tiles 

and if unchecked will create structural problems. 

A number of holes are visible in the roof tiles 

suggesting water ingress. The red earthenware 

tiles on the floor are in good condition and only a 

few are cracked. There is some graffiti carved into 

the soft bricks and a hook in the centre of the wall. 

Brick embossed with WAU (William A. Underhill 

Brickyard, Croton Point, NY). Stone seats integrated 

into brick construction beneath the two arched 

windows 

Pool House Pergola X X X X F The brick columns supporting the timber beams 

are in good condition some of the mortar joints 

are degrading. The vines planted beside the pillars 

are pruned back. Some of the cross beams are 

beginning to rot and there is evidence of carpet 

bees. On the east side some of the cross members 

have been replaced

Wall at the east side 

of the Lower Perennial 

Garden overlooking the 

Upper Perennial Garden

X X X X P This wall consists of a low brick wall approx. 3’ 

capped with red earthenware tiles, with high brick 

pillars extending approx. 9’ capped with molded 

caps. Ornate ironwork scrolls bridge each column. 

This creates a series of picture windows through 

which the Rose Gardens and wider landscape can 

be viewed. Roses and vines ascend the pillars 

and ironwork. There is extensive brick erosion in 

particular on the pillars where the mortar joints 

have failed. The pointing in the brick courses just 

beneath the coping is poor. A number of the 

columns are cracked and leaning east, some of the 

caps are chipped. Several of the joints where the 

ironwork is secured to the pillars are loose. The 

metalwork is in good condition and is supporting 

roses (new dawn) and honeysuckle. The mortar 

just below the tile capping on the low wall is 

failing. A series of vine ties occur on the west side 

of the low wall. In all probability to facilitate the 

training of the plants in the adjoining 2’ deep bed 

to ornament the wall. 

Sidewalls for L staircase 

descending to the Upper 

Rose Garden (South Flight)

X X P Darker colored brick are used to form these 

sidewalls. Stone coping is used to cap and 

distinguish these walls. Some of the caps have been 

repaired. There is some cracking and shifting of the 

walling due to failure of mortar joints. The south 

wall connected to the Pool Pergola is very loose 

for the first 7 courses of bricks beneath the coping; 

algae bloom and vegetation are visible in the south 

east corner. 

Stair treads of L staircase 

descending to the Upper 

Rose Garden (South Flight)

X G These 2 sets of five bluestone threads are in good 

condition with only a small amount of spalling. 

The midway single stone platform spanning 6’ x 6’ 

is in excellent condition. 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

322

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Retaining wall at the west 

end of the Upper Rose 

Garden

G This low approx. 31⁄2’ brick retaining wall capped 

with a brick rowlock course has been recently 

rebuilt, behind which is a concealed rough 

fieldstone wall. There are no weep holes, to 

facilitate drainage in the new wall. The mortar 

joints appear to be thicker than exhibited 

elsewhere in the garden. 

Sidewalls for L staircase 

descending to the Upper 

Rose Garden (South Flight)

Darker colored brick are used to form these 

sidewalls. Stone coping is used to cap and 

distinguish these walls. Some of the mortar joints 

associated with the caps have failed resulting 

in some cracking and shifting of the copes and 

walling. There are plant ties visible on the walls. 

There is some damage to the corner bricks at the 

south east section. 

Stair treads of L staircase 

descending to the Upper 

Rose Garden (South Flight)

X F These 2 sets of five bluestone threads are in fair 

condition with some cracking and spalling. The 

midway single stone platform spanning 6’ x 6’ is in 

good condition. 

Perimeter fence forming 

north boundary of the 

Upper Rose Garden

X This black chain link fence defines the north 

boundary of the Upper Rose Garden. There is a 

gate located near the east end. The current screen 

is in place of a series of high brick pillars capped 

with molded stone caps supporting a surrounding 

fence that was previously located on this site. The 

loss of this feature and the associated shrubbery 

planting has a dramatic impact on the sense of 

enclosure of the formal garden and the Rose 

Terraces. The spatial relationship within the garden 

and connectivity with the wider landscape is 

dramatically different from the historic period. The 

loss of a solid surface and associate plantings will 

also have an effect on the microclimate of these 

terraces

Perimeter fence forming 

south boundary of the 

Upper Rose Garden

X F This black chain link fence defines the south 

boundary of the Upper Rose Garden. 

Staircase leading from the 

Upper Rose to the Lower 

Rose Garden

X X X F This set of five bluestone risers lead to a landing 

that carries on down for another 5 steps. The steps 

are overall in fair condition with some spalling. 

However the 2 step from the bottom is loose and 

should be reset. The brick side walls and stone 

coping are in poor condition. There is a loss of 

pointing and fracturing on the south side wall. The 

north side wall is leaning north and has a number 

of loose bricks and mortar 

Low retaining wall on 

south west of the Lower 

Rose Garden

G This low, approx. 31⁄2’ brick wall with brick rowlock 

coping is in good condition. There are no major 

cracks or leaning. Some loss of mortar is visible in 

the 4 courses below the coping. Some vegetation 

is colonizing the joints. There are no weep holes to 

assist drainage. A series of rose ties are attached to 

the walls.
Appendix C

323

Feature Location and 

Description

Loose mortar or spallingCap cracked or shiftedStep, walk or wall leaning or heavingBricks severely eroded or goneStep, walk or wall cracked or fractured Wood rotting, gone or damage by vegetationDamage by vegetationMissing featuresOverall: Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P)

 Comments on Condition

Low retaining wall on 

north west of the Lower 

Rose Garden

This low, approx. 31⁄2’ brick wall with brick rowlock 

coping is in fair condition. The wall is leaning east 

and there is some loss of mortar in the upper 4 tiers 

and a fracture at the north end of the wall. Some 

vegetation is colonizing the joints. There are no 

weep holes to assist drainage. A series of rose ties 

are attached to the walls

Perimeter fence forming 

north boundary of the 

Lower Rose Garden

X F This black chain link fence defines the north 

boundary of the Lower Rose Garden. There is 

a gate located near the east end. The upright 

posts are irregularly aligned. The current screen 

is in place of a series of high brick pillars capped 

with molded stone caps supporting a surrounding 

ironwork fence that was previously located on this 

site. The loss of this feature has a dramatic impact 

on the sense of enclosure of the formal garden 

and the Rose Terraces. The spatial relationship 

within the garden and connectivity with the 

wider landscape is dramatically different from 

the historic period. The loss of a solid surface and 

associate plantings will also have an effect on the 

microclimate of these terraces

Perimeter fence forming 

south boundary of the 

Lower Rose Garden

X F This black chain link fence defines the south 

boundary of the Lower Rose Garden. The upright 

posts are irregularly aligned

Rose Garden Loggia G The front façade is an arcaded loggia supported 

by two columns overlook the Orpheus Fountain 

basin and to the Rose Garden beyond. Three 

arched picture open to the east. Two large arched 

openings with low metal ballustrade at the base 

open to the North and South 

Compost area located in 

the former cutting garden 

south of the Rose House 

Terrace

F This is the storage area for compost and topsoil, 

currently topsoil made by NPS in house and then 

supplied to FWVGA

Garden shed located in 

the former cutting garden 

located south of Rose 

House terrace

F Marty’s shed, a timber structure was erected c. 2000 

and is used to store lawn maintenance equipment. 

The shed is dedicated to one of the volunteers

High mortared fieldstone 

wall running north to 

south along the west 

perimeter of the former 

cutting garden

Fieldstone steps at north 

end of the fieldstone wall

G These 9 steps are in good condition and access 

is improved with the addition of a handrail by 

FWVGA
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

324
Appendix D

325

APPENDIX D: ANNUALS IN ESTATE PURCHASE LEDGERS

The following table lists the annuals that appear in the estate purchase ledgers arranged alphabetically by name.

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Ageratum Princess Pauline 1910 Bk. 7, P. 322 4” in height, light lavender color, used as border or 

bedding plant under taller plants

Ageratum Stella Gurney 1910 Bk. 7, P. 322 Both A. Stella Gurney and Princess Pauline are 

mentioned often in gardening literature of 1900-1920

Ageratum white 1903 Bk. 11, P. 66

Alyssum 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Alyssum 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Alyssum Carpet of snow 1910 Bk. 7, P. 306

Alyssum Carpet of Snow 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Alyssum Carpet of Snow 1922 Bk. 1, P. 155

Alyssum maratima 1910 Bk. 7, P. 306

Alyssum, Carpet of Snow 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Alyssum, Carpet of snow 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124

Alyssum, Carpet of snow 1921 Bk. 1, P. 131

Alyssum, Saxatile, Silver Queen 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Andropogon argenteus 1903 Bk. 11, P. 36-37

Antirrhinum Giant Buff 1921 Bk. 1, P. 122

Antirrhinum Cloth of Gold 1921 Bk. 1, P. 122

Antirrhinum Golden chamois 1921 Bk. 1, P. 122

Antirrhinum Orange King 1921 Bk. 1, P. 122

Aquilegia, Scarlet Shades 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Arabian Primrose, Arnedia Cornuta 1902 Bk 17, P. 115

Arundo donax variegate 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Asparagus Fern 1925 Bk. 1, P. 252 50 ordered

Asparagus sprengerii 1928 Bk. 16, P. 308 50 Ordered

Aster Rose King 1921 Bk. 1, P. 131

Aster Carlson Lavender 1921 Bk. 1, P. 131

Aster Carlson’s lavender 1922 Bk. 1, P. 155

Aster Giant Cornet 1904 Bk. 15, P. 224

Aster Gt. Comet, 3 vars. 1935 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc.,150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Aster Heatherhome’s Sea Shell 1914 Bk. 16 P. 132

Aster Lavender 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Aster lavender 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Aster Lavender King 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Aster Lavender King 1922 Bk. 1, P. 151

Aster Oct. Pl Lar 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Aster Ostrich Plume Dark Blue 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Aster Ostrich Plume Lavender 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Aster Ostrich Plume Light Blue 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

326

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Aster Ostrich Plume White 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Aster Ostrich Vick’s Crimson 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Aster Ostrich Vick’s Pink 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Aster Ostrich Vick’s White 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Aster Peach Blossom 1922 Bk. 1, P. 151

Aster Pink 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Aster Pink King 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Aster Rose 1922 Bk. 1, P. 151

Aster Rose 1922 Bk. 1, P. 155

Aster Surf caerulea 1921 Bk. 1, P. 122

Aster Vick’s Rose 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Aster Vick’s White 1922 Bk. 1, P. 155

Aster Victoria 1904 Bk. 15, P. 224

Aster Violet King 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Aster W.R. Imp. Crego O. Rose 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Aster W.R. Imp. Crego Shell Pink 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Aster W.R. Temple’s Azure Blue 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Aster W.R. Temple’s Deep Rose 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Aster W.R. Temple’s White (or Lemple’s) 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Aster White 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Aster, Flesh Pink Queen of the Market 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Aster, 2 vars. 1936 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc., 150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Aster, Cal, 2 varieties 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Aster, Crimson Queen of the Market 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Aster, L oz, 3 varieties 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Aster, Scarlet Queen of the Market 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Astermum White 1921 Bk. 1, P. 131

Astermum lavender 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Astermum Pink 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Astermum white 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Asternum Rose Pink 1921 Bk. 1, P. 131

Baby’s Breath Gypsophlia elegans g 

alba

1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Baby’s Breath Gypsophlia elegans g 

rosea

1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflora 

mixed

1902 Bk 11, P. 4 herbaceous perennial

Batchelor Buttons, Centaurea Imperalis 

deep lavander

Beard-tongue Penstemons mixed 1902 Bk 11, P. 4
Appendix D

327

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Begonia erfordii 1927 Bk. 1, P. 284

Begonia semperflorens 1926 Bk. 1, P. 266

Begonia, Lady Mac in 2 1/4 “ pots 1937 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Begonia, Lady Mac in 2 1/4 “ pots 1938 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Begonia, Lady Mac Begonia in 2 1⁄4” 

pots

1935 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Begonia, Lady Mac in 2 1/4 “ pots 1936 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Begonia, Melior in 2 1/4 “ pots 1937 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Begonias Melia 1924 Bk. 3, P. 159 Roman J. Irwin 

Blue Lace Flower, Trachymene 

caeruleum 

1922 Bk. 1, P. 151

Briza maxima 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Browallia, Speciosa Major 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Browallia, Speciosa Major 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Browallia, Speciosa Major 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Burning Bush Kochia 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Burning Bush, Kochia trichophylla 1915 Bk. 16 P. 184

Calceolaria 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Calceolaria 1927 Bk. 1, P. 301 36 ordered may have been used as house plant or as 

part of scheme

Calceolaria Hybrid perfection 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Calceolaria Stewartii & Pink Beauty 1928 Bk. 1, P. 314 24 Ordered

Californian poppy, Eschscholzia mixed 1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Calliopsis atrosanguinea 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Calliopsis grandiflora 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Calliopsis lanceolata 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Campanula, Telham Beauty 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Candytuff carmine, Iberis sempervirens 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

candytuft 1904 Bk. 11, P. 74

Canna 1926 Bk. 1, P. 270 150 Ordered

Canna Victory 1927 Bk. 1, P. 288 200 ordered

Canna 1926 Bk. 1, P. 269 100 Ordered

Canna Mrs Alfred F Conrad 1923 Bk. 1, P. 191 100 Ordered

Cannas x ‘Mrs. Alfred F. Conard’ 1918 Bk. 1, P. 36 100 ordered

Carnation 1918 Bk. 1, P. 37 650 ordered

Carnations Belle Washburn 1922 Bk. 1, P. 156 Red carnation

Celosia 1910 Bk. 16 P. 15

Centaurea imperalis 1921 Bk. 1, P. 131

Centaurea Imperalis

Centaurea Imperalis delicate lilac 1910 Bk. 7, P. 322

Centaurea Jubilee Gem No 1880 1937 Bk. 5, P. 120 Henry A. Dreer, 1306 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, 

PA

Centureas cayanus 1922 Bk. 1, P. 165

Cineraria 1912 Bk. 16, P. 60

Cineraria Feltham Beauty 1922 Bk. 1, P. 164
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

328

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Cineraria Dwarf 1910 Bk. 7, P. 306

Cineraria Giant 1910 Bk. 7, P. 306

Cineraria Intermediate Blue forget-menot1922 Bk. 1, P. 164

Cineraria matchless Tall Mix 1910 Bk. 7, P. 306

Cineraria mix 1903 Bk. 11, P. 66

Cineraria stellata 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Cineraria Superb mixed 1922 Bk. 1, P. 164

Coleus 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Cornflower 1910 Bk. 7, P. 322 Royal Sweet Sultan

Cosmos 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Cosmos 1924 Bk. 11, P. 71

Cosmos 3 vars 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Cosmos Lady Lenox 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Cosmos Midsummer Giant 1914 Bk. 16 P. 132

Cosmos New Double Early 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Cosmos Orange Flare 1935 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc.,150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Cyclamen 1926 Bk. 1, P. 257 6 packets

Cyclamen 8 vars 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Cyclamen Coum 1902 Bk 11, P. 4 More likely to have been used outside in the ground, 

deep rose, pale pink7 white colors were available at 

this time

Cyclamen S’s Giant Mixed 1922 Bk. 1, P. 164

Cyclamens 1926 Bk. 1 , P. 282

Dahlia Agnes 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 These are Mignon, bedding dahlias at around 18 inches 

high and are in Totty advert in the garden; Agnes, 

purple

Dahlia Albion 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Albion, white

Dahlia Countess of Pembroke 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Countess of Pembroke, pale lilac

Dahlia Daffodil 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Daffodil, yellow

Dahlia Daphne 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Daphne, Deep maroon

Dahlia Dazzler 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Dazzler, orange/scarlet

Dahlia Etna 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Etna, crimson

Dahlia Jubilee 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Jubilee, Pink

Dahlia Nivena 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Nivena, white

Dahlia Olive 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Olive, orange

Dahlia Salbach 1924 Bk. 1, P. 216

Daisy Double rose, Leucanthemum 1902 Bk 11, P. 20

Daisy Double white, Leucanthemum ? 1902 Bk 11, P. 20

Daisy, Bellis Giant Flowering Pink 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Delphinium, Blue Wrexham 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Dianthus 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Dianthus 1930 Bk. 1, P. 328 1 packet

Doronicum, Pardalianches 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Dracaena 1925 Bk. 1, P. 252 50 ordered
Appendix D

329

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Dracaena indivisa 1922 Bk. 1, P. 165

Dracaena indivisa 1923 Bk. 1, P. 193

Dracaena indivisa 1924 Bk. 1, P. 221 50 Ordered

Dracaena indivisa 1928 Bk. 1, P. 311 50 Ordered

Dracaena Indivisa No 2386 1937 Bk. 5, P. 120 Henry A. Dreer, 1306 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, 

PA

Dracanea 1931 Bk. 1, P. 343 50

Dracena Indivisa 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Dracenea Ind 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Dracera ludivisa 1927 Bk. 1, P. 292 12 Ordered

Eragroskis elegans 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Erianthus Ravennae 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Eschscholzia californica 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Eulalia Japonica fol. Vit 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Eulalia Zebrina 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Evan’s Boston Giant Mignonette 1902 Bk 11, P. 20 Boston Giant Lettuce?

Fern, Asparagus plumosus nanus 2 1⁄4” 

size ($4.)

1935 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Fern, Asparagus plumosus nanus 2 1⁄4” 

size ($4.)

1935 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Fern, Asparagus sprengeri oprengeri 2 

1⁄4” size ($4.)

1935 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Ferns Asparagus sprengeri oprengeri 2 

1⁄4” size ($4.)

1937 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Ferns, assorted in 2 1⁄4” pots 1935 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Ferns, assorted in 2 1⁄4” pots 1936 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Ferns, assorted in 2 1⁄4” pots 1937 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Ferns, Pteris (Dish) in (50 in 3” pots, 50 

in 2 1⁄4” pots)

1937 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Ferns, Pteris (Dish) in (50 in 3” pots, 50 

in 2 1⁄4” pots)

1937 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Ferns, Pteris (Dish) in (2 1⁄4” pots) 1938 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Ferns, Pteris (Dish) in (2 1⁄4” pots) 1938 Bk. 5, P. 11 J. F. Anderson, Short Hills, NJ

Firecracker vine, Spanish Flag, Mina 

Lobata

1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Forget-me-not 1902 Bk 11, P. 20

Foxglove mixed, Digitalis 1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Fuchsia 1912 Bk. 16, P. 58 50 Double, 50 Single May have been park of bedding 

scheme or for planters

Gallardia, Grandiflora, compacted 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Geranium dwarf Pelargonium 1910 Bk. 7, P. 338 50 ordered

Geranium Pelargonium 1910 Bk. 7, P. 338 200 ordered of same variety

Geum, Double Orange Queen 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Giant Sweet Sultan 1910 Bk. 16 P. 5

Gloxinea 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Gypsophila elegans 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

330

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Helianthus cucumerifolia 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Helianthus cucumerifolia stella 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Helianthus Maximiliana 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Helichrysum 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Helichrysum ? mixed 1925 Bk. 1, P. 247

Heliotrope 1902 Bk 17, P. 115

Heliotrope 1911 Bk. 16, P. 11 400 ordered

Heliotrope 1917 Bk. 1, P. 15

Heliotrope Royal Fragrance 1924 Bk. 1, P.21 7

Helitrope Pearly Blue 1914 Bk. 16 P. 132

Ipomoea sloteri Cardinal Climber 1917 Bk. 1, P. 14

Lantana 1922 Bk. 1, P. 153 150

Lantanas 1921 Bk. 1, P. 123 200 ordered described as white and red

Lantanas Delicatissima 2 1⁄4” pots 1935 Bk. 5, P. 411 E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses, Wichita, Kansas

Lantanas Lavender Queen 2 1⁄4” pots 1935 Bk. 5, P. 411 E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses, Wichita, Kansas

Lantanas Sensation 2 1⁄4” pots 1935 Bk. 5, P. 411 E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses, Wichita, Kansas

Lantanas Violet Thing 2 1⁄4” pots 1935 Bk. 5, P. 411 E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses, Wichita, Kansas

Lantanas Weeping 2 1⁄4” pots 1935 Bk. 5, P. 411 E.F. Weaver, Greenhouses, Wichita, Kansas

Larkspur 1917 Bk. 1, P. 26 This may be consolida ambigua

Larkspur, Giant Imperial Dazzler 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Larkspur, Giant Imperial Blue Spire 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Lemon verbena 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Lily Erabu xxx 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Lily Erabu xxx (sp?) 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Lily Formosum 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Lily Harrisii xxx 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Lily, Harrisii 1933 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Lily, Harrisii 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Lily, Harrisii 2nd size for Easter forcing 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Lily, Harrisii, 2nd size 1937 Bk. 5, P. 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Lily, Regale 1933 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Lobelia cardinalis 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Lobelia speciosa 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Loddon Gold Sunflower 1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Malope graniflora rosea 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Marie Louise Violet 1914 Bk. 16 P. 149

Marie Louise Violet 1916 Bk. 16 P. 226

Marie Louise Violet 1918 Bk. 1, P. 72 800 ordered

Marie Louise Violet Plants 1912 Bk. 16, P. 74 800 ordered Double violet, mauve color, very fragrant.

Marie Louise Violet Plants 1913 Bk. 16, P. 112
Appendix D

331

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Marie Louise Violet Plants 1915 Bk. 16, P. 193

Marigold C. of Gold 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Marigold Little Brownie 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Marigold Royal Scot 1935 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc, 150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Marigold Sunset Gts. (Giants?) 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Marigold Tagetes patula ‘Legion of 

Honour’

1908 Bk. 7, P. 308 Golden yellow dark markings still available

Marigold, Little Brownie 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Marvel of Peru, Mirabilis jalapa 1902 Bk 17, P. 106 Is a perennial but could have been used as an annual 

or biannual

Mignonette Allen’s Defiant 1903 Bk. 11,P. 45

Mignonette Allen’s Defiant 1903 Bk. 15, P. 59

Mignonette Bod. Majesty 1915 Bk. 16 P. 196

Mignonette common sweet 1oz Bk 11, P. 4

Mignonette Eliasr 1903 Bk. 11, P. 66

Mignonette Machet 1903 Bk. 15, P. 59

Mignonette Macheta 1903 Bk. 11,P. 45

Mignonette, Machet 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Mignotte Machet 1922 Bk. 1, P. 155

Morning Glory Ipomoea violacea 1913 Bk. 16 P. 106

Morning glory, Ipomaea grandiflora 

noctiflora

1902 Bk 11, P. 4 Climber

Morning glory, Ipomaea Imperialis 1902 Bk 11, P. 4 Climber

Morning glory, Ipomaea sinesata 1902 Bk 11, P. 4 Climber

Myosotis, Royal Blue 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Myosotis, Royal Blue 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Narcissus 1924 Bk. 1, P. 235

Nastrutium Lobb’s mixture 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189 Nastrutium Lobb’s mixture contains Queen Victoria, 

Lucifer, Spitfire and Lily Shridt

Nasturtium 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Nasturtium 1904 Bk. 15, P. 213

Nasturtium 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Nasturtium 1924 Bk. 1, P. 218

Nasturtium Golden Dwarf King 1910 Bk. 7, P. 318

Nasturtium King of Tom Thumb 1910 Bk. 7, P. 318

Nasturtium, No 3273 Orange Gleam 1937 Bk. 5, P. 120 Henry A. Dreer, 1306 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, 

PA

Nasturtium, No 3277 Scarlet Gleam 1937 Bk. 5, P. 120 Henry A. Dreer, 1306 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, 

PA

Nasturtium, No 3285 Golden Gleam 1937 Bk. 5, P. 120 Henry A. Dreer, 1306 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, 

PA

Nasturtum Dwarf Gold Queen 1920 Bk. 1, P. 99

Nemophila Menziesii insignis 1924 Bk. 1, P. 222

Nicotinia 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

332

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Nigella Damascena 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Pachysandra terminalis Japaneese 

Spurge 

1902 Bk 17, P. 135 May have been used as ground cover in walled garden

Painted Tongue, Salpiglossis 1922 Bk. 1, P. 155 Similar flower to Petunia but 2 1⁄2 size but has a more 

upright form and can grow up to 3 feet

Pansies Bod. Challenge 1912 Bk. 16, P. 80 Challenge series are Medium sized winter hardy 

perennial, masses of medium sized blooms on

compact plants. In a full range of colors

Pansy 1903 Bk. 11, P. 58 Order for 37 different sorts

Pansy 1922 Bk. 1, P. 175

Pansy Ice King 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Pansy March Beauty 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Pansy Col. Green 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Pansy Emperor William 1904 Bk. 11, P. 87

Pansy Green Gts. (Giants) 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Pansy Green Gts. (Giants) 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Pansy Hunt’s Superb 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Pansy ice king 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Pansy March beauty 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Pansy special mixture 1902 Bk 11, P. 20

Pansy Victoria 1904 Bk. 11, P. 87

Pansy Victoria 1904 Bk. 14, P. 8

Pansy White 1904 Bk. 11, P. 87

Pansy White 1904 Bk. 14, P. 8

Pansy William 1904 Bk. 14, P. 8

Pansy winter queen 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Pansy winter snow 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Pansy Winter Snow 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Pennisetum Ruppelianum 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Perennial Sweet Pea, Lathyrus latifolius 

(Hardy Pea) red

1902 Bk 11, P. 4 Climber 

Perennial Sweet Pea, Lathyrus latifolius 

mixed

1902 Bk 11, P. 4 Climber

Periwinkle Vinca Rosea 1920 Bk. 16 P. 91

Persian Cyclamen Cyclamen Persicum 

mixed

1902 Bk 11, P. 4 More likely to have been used in Greenhouse at this 

time 

Petunia 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Petunia 1904 Bk. 15, P. 213

Petunia 1923 Bk. 1, P. 185

Petunia Balcony 3 var. 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Petunia Balcony Blue 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Petunia Balcony Pink 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Petunia Balcony White 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY
Appendix D

333

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Petunia Bar Harbor Bty 1936 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Petunia Dainty Lady 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Petunia double 1904 Bk. 15, P. 213

Petunia double mix 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Petunia Julius Dreffe 1925 Bk. 1, P. 247

Petunia New All Double 1936 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc., 150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Petunia Violet Queen 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124

Petunia, Balcony, 3 varieties 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Petunia, Bar Harbor Beauty 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Petunias 1924 Bk. 1, P. 216

Phlox Hybrids mixed, Myosotis Elisa 

Fourobert

1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Poppy – Shirley 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Poppy Coccineoan fl. Pl. 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Poppy Glaucum 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Poppy shirley 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Poppy Shirley mix 1904 Bk. 15, P. 213

Portulaca, 3 vars. 1935 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc., 150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Portulace 1904 Bk. 15, P. 213

Portulace 1904 Bk. 11, P. 97

Pot marigold, Calendula ‘Prince of 

Orange’ 

1917 Bk. 1, P. 26

Primula 1924 Bk. 1, P. 231 50 Ordered

Primula 1930 Bk. 1, P. 336 50

Primula 1924 Bk. 1, P. 231 75 Ordered

Primula _______ 1923 Bk. 1, P. 198 25 Ordered

Primula _______ 1923 Bk. 1, P. 198 25 Ordered

Primula _______ 1927 Bk. 1, P. 296 12 Ordered

Primula American Legion 1927 Bk. 1, P. 296 12 Ordered

Primula Double lavender 1927 Bk. 1, P. 296 12 Ordered

Primula lilac 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Primula macaloides King Alfred 1923 Bk. 1, P. 198 25 Ordered

Primula macaloides Townsendi 1923 Bk. 1, P. 198 25 Ordered

Primula Mal. Superba 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Primula Mal. Superba 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Primula malacoides 1922 Bk. 1, P. 171

Primula malacoides Rohiere 1921 Bk. 1, P. 138 25 Ordered

Primula malacoides conspicua 1921 Bk. 1, P. 138 25 Ordered

Primula malacoides p_____ 1922 Bk. 1, P. 178

Primula Obconica Grandiflora 1919 Bk. 1, P. 73

Primula oberonia 1927 Bk. 1, P. 293 12 Ordered

Primula oberonia grandiflora 1917 Bk. 1, P. 21

Primula oberonia mixed 1923 Bk. 1, P. 198 50 Ordered
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

334

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Primula Robin 1927 Bk. 1, P. 296 12 Ordered

Primula rose 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Primula sinensis rosea and alba 1902 Bk 11, P. 4 Possibly for display in Mansion may have been used as 

bedding display

Primula stellata 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Primula Townsendii 1927 Bk. 1, P. 296 12 Ordered

Primula white 1924 Bk. 1, P. 219

Primula, Dacokii’s Pink 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145; Could be 

Darokeii

William W. Hunt

Primula, Pulverulenta 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Primula, Pulverulenta 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Primulus stellata Mixed 1921 Bk. 1, P. 122

Pyrethrum, New Double Hybrids 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Ricinus 1904 Bk. 11, P. 75

Ricinus Cambodgensis 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Ricinus Gilsoni mirabilis 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Ricinus Lauzibariensis 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Ricinus sanguineus 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Rockcress, Arabis Alpina 1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Salvia Zurich 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124 Zurich is a dwarf salvia described as ideal for bedding

Salvia Bedman 1912 Bk. 16, P. 60

Salvia Farinacea 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Salvia Salmon Pink 1922 Bk. 1, P. 152 25 Salmon Pink Bonfire (salvia)

Salvia splendens ‘Clara Bedman’ 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308 Syn. “Bonfire” still available red

Salvia Splinda 1903 Bk. 11, P. 66

Salvia Zurich 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308 Dwarf sage

Salvia, Welwyn Pink 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Schizanthus 1922 Bk. 1, P. 175

Schizanthus large flowered hybrids 1922 Bk. 1, P. 164

Schizanthus Relictsus 1921 Bk. 1, P. 122

Schizanthus Wisetomensis 1921 Bk. 1, P. 122

Schizanthus Wisetomensis 1922 Bk. 1, P. 164

Sea Lavender, Statice 1903 Bk 11, P. 35-36

Shasta Daisy 1903 Bk. 11,P. 45

Smilax 1904 Bk. 15, P. 213

Snapdragon Antirrhinum Carmine 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Snapdragon Antirrhinum Cerissia 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Snapdragon Antirrhinum Fairy Queen 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Snapdragon Antirrhinum Lileacum 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Snapdragon Antirrhinum Lyteum 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Snapdragon Antirrhinum Queen 

Victoria

1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Snapdragon Antirrhinum Salmon 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308
Appendix D

335

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Snapdragon Coates Yellow Perfection 1936 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Snapdragon seed Sunset 1935 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Snapdragon Sunset 1936 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Snapdragon Terry’s Surprise Improved 1936 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Snapdragon Velvet Beauty 1936 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Snapdragon white 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Snapdragon, Alice Sunshine Seed 1935 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Snapdragon, Coate’s Yellow Perfection 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Snapdragon, Terry’s Surprise 

Snapdragon Seed

1935 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Snapdragon, Velvet Beauty 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Snapdragon, Velvet Beauty Seed 1935 Bk. 5, P. 207 Roman J. Irwin, Inc. 38 West 27th St., New York City

Snapdragons Anthrinnhium Col 1904 Bk. 15, P. 224

Snapdragons, Antherineum 

Mandaramum

1916 Bk. 16 P. 223

Snapdragons, Antirrhinum 1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Sneezeweed, Helenium bigelovii 1902 Bk 11, P. 4 Yellow herbaceous perennial

Statice blue 1924 Bk. 1, P. 216

Stipa pennata 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Stock Brompton 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Stock ten week 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Sweat Pea Anita Wehrman 1915 Bk. 16 P. 200

Sweat Pea Fair Orchid 1915 Bk. 16 P. 196

Sweet Alyssum 1903 Bk. 11, P. 66

Sweet pea 1903 Bk. 15, 24

Sweet Pea 1930 Bk. 1, P. 334

Sweet Pea 1930 Bk. 1, P. 334

Sweet pea 4lbs 1902 Bk 17, P. 130

Sweet Pea Blue 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Bluebird 1922 Bk. 1, P. 162

Sweet Pea E Burke 1916 Bk. 16 P. 229

Sweet pea Eckfords mix 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Sweet Pea Ely. Attraction 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Ely. Fortyniner 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Ely. Greeting 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Ely. St. Rose 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Ely. Vulcan 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Ely.[early?] Memory 1935 Bk. 5, P. 183 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Euchantress 1921 Bk. 1, P. 137

Sweet pea Farq’ Col Hybrids 1903 Bk. 15, P. 41

Sweet Pea Flamingo 1921 Bk. 1, P. 137
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

336

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Sweet Pea Glitters 1922 Bk. 1, P. 162

Sweet Pea Illumination 1921 Bk. 1, P. 137

Sweet Pea Illumination 1922 Bk. 1, P. 162

Sweet Pea Lavender 1921 Bk. 1, P. 137

Sweet Pea Lavender 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Lavender 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Lavender Orchid 1914 Bk. 16 P. 157

Sweet Pea Mrs Alex Wallace 1912 Bk. 16, P. 77 Mrs Alex Wallace Pinkish lavender colour. The sweet 

pea could be used as cut flowers or as park of a display

Sweet Pea Mrs Alex Wallace 1913 Bk. 16 P. 117 Mrs A Wallace is described as Lavender or mauve. This 

is one of the varieties that Boddingtons entered into 

the Sweet Pea trials at Cornell University in 1911

Sweet Pea Mrs. Chas. ? 1920 Bk. 1, P. 107

Sweet Pea Mrs. Heir 1921 Bk. 1, P. 137

Sweet Pea Mrs. Kean 1922 Bk. 1, P. 162

Sweet Pea Mrs. Warren G. Harding 1921 Bk. 1, P. 137

Sweet Pea Mrs. Warren G. Harding 1922 Bk. 1, P. 162

Sweet Pea Orange 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Orange Orchid 1916 Bk. 16 P. 229

Sweet Pea Orchid Beauty 1914 Bk. 16 P. 157

Sweet Pea Orchid Beauty 1915 Bk. 16 P. 196

Sweet Pea Rose 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Rose Queen 1916 Bk. 16 P. 229

Sweet Pea Rose Queen 1921 Bk. 1, P. 137

Sweet Pea Rose Queen 1922 Bk. 1, P. 162

Sweet Pea Salmomid 1916 Bk. 16 P. 229

Sweet Pea Scarlet 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet Pea Wallacea 1912 Bk. 16, P. 77

Sweet Pea Wallacea 1913 Bk. 16 P. 117 Wallacea is described as mauve

Sweet Pea Yarrawa 1915 Bk. 16 P. 176

Sweet Pea Yarrawa 1916 Bk. 16 P. 229

Sweet Pea Zvolanek’s Pink 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Sweet peas 1904 Bk. 15, P. 213

Sweet peas 1904 Bk. 16, P. 259

Sweet Peas 1934 Bk. 3, P. 159 Roman J. Irwin 

Sweet peas ‘Anita _____’ 1917 Bk. 1, P. 24

Sweet Peas ‘Anita Wehrmann’ 1911 Bk. 1, P. 1

Sweet Peas ‘Anita Wehrmann’ 1911 Bk. 1, P. 1

Sweet peas ‘Blue Flaked’ 1917 Bk. 1, P. 25

Sweet peas ‘Mrs. J.M. Baker? 1917 Bk. 1, P. 24

Sweet peas ‘Orchid Beauty____’ 1917 Bk. 1, P. 24

Sweet peas ‘Rose Queen 1917 Bk. 1, P. 24
Appendix D

337

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Sweet peas ‘Salmonia_____’ 1917 Bk. 1, P. 24

Sweet peas Lathryus Mrs Shankey 1904 Bk. 11, P. 97

Sweet Peas Le Marquis 1913 Bk. 16 P. 117 Le Marquis is a dark blue

Sweet peas mixed 1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Sweet Peas Ridgefield Beauty 1920 Bk. 1, P. 107

Sweet Peas, Blue Sensation Winter 

Flowering 

1938 Bk. 5, P. 354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Early flowering Spencer 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Exposition Pink Spencer 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Majestic Rose Spencer 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Red Bird Spencer 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Red Bird Winter Flowering 1938 Bk. 5, P. 354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Summer Flowering Royal 

Purple

1937 Bk. 5, P. 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Summer Flowering, Pinkie 1937 Bk. 5, P. 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Zbolonek’s Blue Sensation 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet Peas, Zbolonek’s Orange 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweet William mixed, Dianthus 

barbatus

1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Sweet William, Newport Pink 1937 Bk. 5, P. 341, 353 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Sweetpea Lathryus Mrs. Eckford 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Sweetpea Lathryus Black Knight 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Sweetpea Lathryus Lady Grisel 

Hamilton

1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Sweetpea Lathryus Prima Donna 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Sweetpea Lathryus Salopian 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Sweetpea Sadie Burpee 1903 Bk 11, P. 36-37

Tagetes 1936 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc., 150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Tobacco Plant 1904 Bk. 15, P. 213

Tom Thumb Nasturtium 1915 Bk. 16 P. 184

Tom thumb, Nasturtiusm (climbing 

mixed)

1902 Bk 11, P. 4

Tulip _________ 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip Baron de la Tonnaye 1921 Bk. 1, P. 143

Tulip bulbs 1924 Bk. 1, P. 235 2900 Ordered do not know varieties

Tulip Clara Butt 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip Clara Butt 1920 Bk. 1, P. 110 Clara Butt is pink/rose

Tulip Clara Butt 1921 Bk. 1, P. 143 All Darwin hybrids

Tulip Fen Brilliant 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip Golden Bronze 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip King Alfred 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip Madam Krelage 1921 Bk. 1, P. 143 Madam Krelage is purpleish rose, blush pink
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

338

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Tulip Margaret 1920 Bk. 1, P. 110 Margaret is deep blush

Tulip Moonlight 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip Mr Farmcombe Sanders 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip Mr Farncombe Sanders 1921 Bk. 1, P. 143 Mr Farncombe Sanders is scarlet 

Tulip Mrs. Potty Palmer 1921 Bk. 1, P. 143 Mrs Potter Palmer is glowing purple

Tulip Pride of Haarlem 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip Pride of Haarlem 1921 Bk. 1, P. 143

Tulip Pride of Haarlem 1920 Bk. 1, P. 110 These are Darwin hybrids Pride of Haarlem is cerise 

Tulip Rev Ewbank 1920 Bk. 1, P. 110 Rev. Ewbank is mauve

Tulip Rev. Ewbank 1921 Bk. 1, P. 143

Tulip Sir Issac Lawrence 1923 Bk. 1, P. 205 100 Ordered

Tulip two varieties 1920 Bk. 1, P. 110

Tulips Darwin 1921 Bk. 1, P. 137 700 Ordered

Verbena 1904 Bk. 11, P. 74

Verbena 1930 Bk. 1, P. 328

Verbena Helen Willmott 1922 Bk. 1, P. 151 Trachymene caeruleum

Verbena Main. Blue 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Verbena Mam. Pink 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Verbena Mammoth white 1924 Bk. 1, P. 218

Verbena Mammoth white 1924 Bk. 1, P. 221

Verbena Mayflower 1936 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc., 50 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Verbena Miss Willmott 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Verbena Pink 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Verbena Scarlet Defiance 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Verbena White 1908 Bk. 7, P. 308

Verbena, Crimson Glow 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Verbena, Mau. Pink 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Verbena, Miss Willicott 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145; Could be 

Willmicott

William W. Hunt

Verbena, Venosa 1938 Bk. 5, P. 353-354 Stumpp & Walter Co., 132-138 Church Street, New 

York, NY

Vinca Alba 1920 Bk. 16 P. 91 An 1907 article in the garden describes Vinca alba as 

being used in a bedding scheme.

Vinca alba 1927 Bk. 1, P. 284

Vinca Claret-Colored 1936 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc., 150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Vinca Rosea 1926 Bk. 1, P. 266

Vinca rosea 1929 Bk. 1, P. 326

Vinca Roses 1927 Bk. 1, P. 284

Vinca, Rosea, Rose 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Viola Blue Butterfly 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Viola spp 1917 Bk. 1, P. 22 800 ordered

Violet 1920 Bk. 1, P. 102 800 Ordered

Violet plants 1910 Bk. 7, P. 338 600 ordered
Appendix D

339

Species Date Reference

Book, Page

Notes

Violet plants 1910 Bk. 16 P. 15

Violet plants 1921 Bk. 1, P. 141 700 ordered

Violets, double 1911 Bk. 16, P. 39

Wallflower Blood Red, Cheiranthus 1902 Bk 11, P. 20

Wallflower Primrose yellow, 

Cheiranthus 

1902 Bk 11, P. 20

Zinnia Alice? 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Zinnia Best Pink 1924 Bk. 1, P. 222

Zinnia Casino 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Zinnia Dazzler 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Zinnia dk. Pink 1923 Bk. 1, P. 189

Zinnia Double 1925 Bk. 1, P. 247

Zinnia Fantasy 1936 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc., 150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Zinnia Lil. Golden Gem 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Zinnia Lil. Scarlet Gem 1937 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Zinnia Lill. Golden Gem 1936 Bk. 5, P. 184 William M. Hunt & Company, 115 West 45th St, New 

York, NY

Zinnia Tall Double mixed 1922 Bk. 1, P. 155

Zinnia Tall double mixture 1921 Bk. 1, P. 124

Zinnia Wilson? 1904 Bk. 11, P. 71

Zinnia, 2 vars 1936 Bk. 5, P. 250 W.E. Marshall & Co., Inc., 150 West 23rd St., New York, 

NY

Zinnia, D. J. mixed 1934 Bk. 3, P. 145 William W. Hunt

Zinnia, Golden Gem Lilliput or Baby 1937 Bk. 5, P. 120 Henry A. Dreer, 1306 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, 

PA
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

340
Appendix E

341

APPENDIX E: PERENNIALS

The following table lists the perennials that have appeared in the perennial gardens, including those specified by 

Cridland in 1916, those specified in the 1941 National Park Service rehabilitation plan, and those that are currently 

being grown.

Perennials for the Lower Perennial Garden

Scientific Name Cultivar Common Name

Cridland 

(1916)

NPS 

(1941) Existing

Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’ Yarrow X

Aconitum fisheri Dwarf Monkshood X X X

Anemone hupehensis Var. japonica Japanese Anemone X X

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Grandmother’s Garden’ Columbine X

Astilbe ‘Deutschland’ Astilbe X X

Astilbe Astilbe X

Campanula persicifolia Bellflower X

Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum X X

Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’ Tickseed X

Dianthus barbatos ‘Newport Pink’ Sweet William X X

Dianthus deltoides Maiden Pink X X

Digitalis mertonensis Foxglove X

Eryngium Sea Holly X

Gaillardia grandiflora Blanketflower X X

Geum Avens X

Hemerocallis ‘Hyperion’ Daylily X

Hosta ‘Green Fountain’ Hosta X

Hosta ‘Invincible’ Hosta X

Iberis ‘Alexander White’ Candytuft X

Iberis sempervirens Candytuft X X

Iris germanica

German Iris (Dwarf and 

Tall) X

Iris sibirica Siberian Iris X

Leucanthemum x superbum Shasta Daisy X X

Limonium Sea Lavender X

Linum perenne Blue Flax X X X

Mertensia virginica Virginia Bluebells X X

Nepeta mussinii Catmint X X

Peony ‘Sarah Burnhardt’ Peony X

Phlox Pink and Blue Plox X

Phlox divaricata Early Blue Phlox X X

Phlox subulata Creeping Phlox X

Platycodon grandiflorus

Japanese Bellflower 

(Balloonflower) X X X

Rudbeckia Black-Eyed Susan X

Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ Blue Bonnet X

Scabiosa caucasica Blue Bonnet X X

Thermopsis Goldenbanner X X
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

342

Scientific Name Cultivar Common Name

Cridland 

(1916)

NPS 

(1941) Existing

Tradescantia Spiderwort X

Veronica longifolia Speedwell X

Veronica spicata ‘Goodness Grows’ Speedwell X

Viola ‘Freckles’ Tufted Pansy X

Anemone hupehensis Chinese Anemone X

Anthericum liliastrum St. Brun’s Lily X

Aquilegia Dobbie’s Imperial Hybrids Hybrid columbine X

Aquilegia chrysantha Golden Columbine X

Aquilegia coerulea Blue Columbine X

Aquilegia flabelata ‘Nana Alba’ White Dwarf Columbine X

Aster ‘St. Egwin’ St. Egwin Aster X

Aster alpinus Early Aster X

Aster amellus ‘Beauty of Ronsdorf’ Pink Hardy Aster X

Aster curtisi (syn. A. curtisii) Lavender Aster X

Astilbe ‘Venus’ Meadowsweet X

Begonia Begonia X

Campanula medium Bellflower X

Campanula persicifolia ‘Grandiflora Alba’ Bellflower X

Centaurea montana Hardy Cornflower X X

Chrysanthemum ‘Golden Queen’

Yellow Hardy 

Chrysanthemum X

Chrysanthemum ‘Model’ White Chrysanthemum X

Chrysanthemum ‘Souer Melaine’ White Chrysanthemum X

Chrysanthemum arcticum Arctic Daisy X X

Chrysanthemum maximum ‘Alaska’ X

Delphinium X

Delphinium chinensis (syn. 

Consolida chinensis) Dwarf Chinese Larkspur X

Delphinium formosum Indigo Larkspur X

Dianthus barbatus Sweet William X

Digitalis Giant Shirly Hybrids Foxglove X

Digitalis purpurea Foxglove X

Erigeron intermedia Flea Bane X

Eryngium amethystinum Sea Holly X

Eupatoruim coelestinum (syn. 

Conoclinum coelestinum) Hardy Ageratum X

Funkia caerulea (syn. Hosta 

ventricosa) Plantain Lily X

Funkia subcordata (Syn. Hosta 

subcordata) Var. grandiflora X

Hemerocallis dumortieri X

Hemerocallis fulva X

Hesperis matronalis Sweet Rocket X

Iris X

Iris germanica ‘Blue Boy’ Blue German Iris X

Iris kaempferi ‘Bluebird’ X
Appendix E

343

Scientific Name Cultivar Common Name

Cridland 

(1916)

NPS 

(1941) Existing

Iris kaempferi ‘Eleanor Perry’ X

Iris kaempferi ‘White Swan’ X

Iris kaempferi Japanese Iris X

Iris pallida ‘Dalmatica’ Lavender Flag Iris X

Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ X

Iris sibirica ‘Snow Queen’ X

Lilium candidum X

Llilium auratum X

Lobelia syphilitica ‘Hybrida’ Blue Hardy Lobelia X

Papaver orientale ‘Orientale’ X

Papaver orientale ‘Perry’s White X

Peony ‘L’Esperance’ Pink Peony X

Peony X

Phlox ‘Antonin Mercie’ Lavender Phlox X

Phlox ‘Eugene Densanvilliers’ Mauve Phlox X

Phlox ‘Helene’ Lavender Early Phlox X

Phlox ‘Independence’ White Hardy Phlox X

Phlox ‘Miss Lindgard’ Early White Phlox X

Phlox ‘Von Lassburg’ White Hardy Phlox X

Phlox amoena Dwarf Pink Phlox X

Phlox decussata ‘B. Comte’ Phlox X

Phlox decussata ‘Von Lassburg’ Phlox X

Phlox divaricata Var. canadensis Phlox X

Phlox suffruticoasa ‘Miss Lingard’ Phlox X

Physostegia virginica Obedient Plant X

Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Alba’

Japanese Bellflower 

(Balloonflower) X

Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Maresi’

Japanese Bellflower 

(Balloonflower) X

Platycodon mariesi Balloonflower X

Rosa Yellow Roses X

Scabiosa caucasica Var. alba White Blue Bonnet X

Statice gmelini (syn. Limonium 

gmelinii) Sea Lavender X

Statice latifolia (syn. Limonium 

latifolia) Sea Lavender X

Stokesia cyanea Stoke’s Aster X

Tradescantia virginica ‘James C. Weguelin Spiderwort X

Trollius Globe Flower X

Veronica longifolia Var. subsessilis Speedwell X X

Veronica spicata Speedwell X

Viola ‘White Perfection’ Tufted Pansy X

Viola adorata Var. semperflorens Tufted Pansy X

Viola cornuta ‘Sutton’s Apricot’ Tufted Pansy X

Viola purpurea Tufted Pansy X
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

344

Perennials for the Upper Perennial Garden

Species Variety or 

Cultivar

Common Name Cridland 

(1934)

NPS 

(1941)

Existing Notes

Achillea Moonshine Yarrow X Suitable as 

a substitute 

species.

Achillea ptarmica The Pearl Yarrow X Suitable as 

a substitute 

species.

Ajuga reptans Carpet Bugle X

Alyssum saxatile (syn. Aurinia 

saxatile)

Basket-of-Gold X X

Anchusa myosotidiflora (syn. 

Brunnera macrophylla)

Siberian Bugloss X

Anemone hupehensis Japanese anemone X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Anemone japonica (syn. A. x 

hybrida)

Alba White Japanese 

Anemone

X

Aquilegia Mrs. Elliott 

(possibly 

Mrs. Scott 

Elliott)

Columbine X

Aquilegia Columbine X Suitable.

Aquilegia Dobbie’s 

Imperial 

Hybrids

Columbine X

Aquilegia flabellata Nana Dwarf Columbine X X

Arabis alpina Alpine Rockcress X X Suitable as 

a substitute 

species.

Artemesia frigida Fringed Sage X

Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed X

Aster Fuscia Aster X Low, small asters 

suitable as a 

subtitute species.

Aster Aster X Low, small asters 

suitable as a 

subtitute species.

Aster dumosus Professor 

Kippenburg

Aster X Low, small asters 

suitable as a 

subtitute species.

Baptisia australis Wild Blue Indigo X X

Campanula carpatica Tussock Bellflower X

Campanula medium Canterbury Bells X

Campanula persicifolia Grandiflora 

Caerulea

Bellflower, Willow 

Bell

X

Campanula persicifolia Grandiflora 

Alba

White Willow Bell X

Centaurea montana Hardy Cornflower X X X

Cheiranthus allionii Wallflower X

Chrysanthemum Mums X Suitable as 

a substitute 

species.

Chrystanthemum arcticum Arctic Daisy X

Daphne cneorum Rose Daphne X
Appendix E

345

Species Variety or 

Cultivar

Common Name Cridland 

(1934)

NPS 

(1941)

Existing Notes

Delphinium chinensis (syn. 

Consolida chinensis)

Chinese Larkspur X

Delphinium chinensis (syn. 

Consolida chinensis)

Tom Thumb Chinese Larkspur X

Dianthus barbatus Newport 

Pink

Pink Sweet William X

Dianthus deltoides Maiden Pink X X

Dianthus plumarius Cyclops Garden Pinks X

Digitalis Foxglove X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Digitalis Giant Shirley 

Hybrids

Foxglove X

Dracocephalum 

ruyprechtianum 

(unknown 

species)

Dragonhead X

Eryngium amethystinum Amethyst Sea Holly X

Eupatoruim coelestinum (syn. 

Conoclinum coelestinum)

Hardy Ageratum X

Gaillardia grandiflora Basket Flower X Suitable as 

a substitute 

species.

Geum Avens X Suitable as 

a substitute 

species.

Gypsophila repens Creeping Baby’s 

Breath

X

Helianthemum mutabile (syn. 

H. nummularium)

Mutabile Rockrose X

Hemerocallis Hyperion Daylily X Daylilies not 

suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Hemerocallis fulva Daylily X

Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus Lemon Lily (Daylily) X Daylilies not 

suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Hemerocallis thunbergii Daylily X

Huechera sanguinea Coral Bells X

Iberis sempervirens Candytuft X X

Iris kaempferi Bluebird Blue Japanese Iris X

Iris kaempferi White Swan White Japanese Iris X

Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag Iris X Suitable.

Iris pumila Dwarf Iris X

Iris sibirica Snow Queen Siberian Iris X Suitable.

Lilium auratum Lily X

Lilium hansonii Lily X

Lilium lancifolium Tiger Lily X Lilies not 

suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Lilium regale Lily X

Linum perenne Perennial Flax X
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

346

Species Variety or 

Cultivar

Common Name Cridland 

(1934)

NPS 

(1941)

Existing Notes

Lobelia Lobelia X Suitable as 

a substitute 

species.

Lupinus Hybrids Lupine X

Lupinus polyphyllus Big-leafed Lupine X

Lychnis haageana Campion X

Mazus reptans Creeping Mazus X

Mertensia virginica Virginia Bluebell, 

Virginia Cowslip

X X Suitable as 

a substitute 

species.

Nepeta mussini Catmint X X X

Nierembergia rivularis Whitecup, White 

Cup Flower

X

Oenothera missouriensis Missouri Primrose X

Ophiopogon japonicus Mondo Grass X

Papaver orientale Mrs. Perry Poppy X

Phlox B. Comte Dwarf Phlox X

Phlox divaricata Phlox X

Phlox diverticata Canadensis Phlox X

Phlox maculata Rosalinde Phlox X Suitable.

Phlox subulata Rosea Creeping Phlox X

Phlox subulata White 

Delight

Phlox X Suitable.

Phlox subulata Alba White Phlox X

Phlox suffruticosa Miss 

Verboom

Phlox X

Phlox suffruticosa Miss Lingard Phlox X

Platycodon grandiflorus Maresi Balloon Flower X

Platycodon grandiflorus Bellflower X

Plumbago larpentae (syn. 

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)

Plumbago X X X

Polemonium richardsonii Jacob’s Ladder X

Poppy Poppy X

Primula veris Cowslip X

Primula x bullesiana Moerheim 

Hybrids

Primrose X

Prunella grandiflora Self-heal X

Pulmonaria Johnson’s 

Blue

Lungwort X

Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa Black-eyed Susan X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Satureia alpina Savory X

Scutellaris baicalensis Baical Skullcap X

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge X

Silene maritima Sea Campion X

Statice latifolia (syn. Limonium 

latifolia)

Sea Lavender X X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Stokesia laevis Cornflower Aster X X
Appendix E

347

Species Variety or 

Cultivar

Common Name Cridland 

(1934)

NPS 

(1941)

Existing Notes

Thalictrum aquilegifolium Album White Meadow Rue X

Thalictrum glaucum Meadow Rue X X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Thalictrum rochebruniamum lavender 

mist

Meadow Rue X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Tradescantia Spiderwort X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Veronica chamaedrys German Speedwell X

Veronica longifolia Subsessillis Speedwell X

Veronica spicata Icicle Speedwell X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Veronica spicata Blue Charm Speedwell X Not suitable in 

upper perennial 

garden.

Veronica spicata Alba White Spiked 

Speedwell

X

Vinca minor Periwinkle X X X

Viola cornuta Sutton’s 

Apricot

Pansy X

Violas Pansies X
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

348
Appendix F

349

APPENDIX F: MOWING AND HAULING EQUIPMENT FOR FORMAL GARDEN 

MAINTENANCE

Mowing Equipment

A compact mower is needed to traverse the top of the slope between the lower annual terrace and the upper 

perennial garden. The clearance between the trumpet vine trunk and the top of the slope is 4’-6” or 54 inches. 

Husqvarna makes the most compact riding mower, but has a smaller engine. All of the zero turn riding mower 

equipment listed below would be suitable.

Hauling Equipment

A power wagon can be used to haul materials into and out of the garden. The DR Power Wagon would also fit 

between the trunk of the trumpet vine and top of the slope.

Zero Turn Riding Mower Equipment

Model Mowing Blade 

Width

Width (with 

discharge chute 

up)

Length Horsepower Cost

Husqvarna RZ3016 30” 35.5” 66.5” 16.5 hp $2,300

Husqvarna RZ4222 42” 43” 75” 22 hp

(or 16.5)

$3,200

(or $2,400)

Scag Freedom Z Zero Turn 

Mower

36” 37” 73” 18 hp $5,800

Hustler Sport Zero Turn 

Mower

42” 44.4” 71” 17.5 hp $3,100

Cub Cadet RZT 42 42” 45” 67” 22 hp $2,500

Grasshopper Front Mount 

Series 616

44” 44” 96” 16 hp $7,300

John Deere EZ TRAK Z225 

Residential Zero Turn 

Mower

42” 44” 74” 18.5 hp $2,900

Motorized Hauling Equipment

Model Volume Capacity Width Length Speeds Cost

DR Power Wagon 5.1 cu ft 34” 81” 4 speeds $1,800

Muck Truck GXV Heavy 

Duty Self-Propelled 

Dumping Wheelbarrow

6 cu ft, capacity 

can be expanded 

w/ extension

28” 61” 4 speeds $2,650

Neuton Self Propelled 

Garden Cart #22721

5 cu ft, 200 lbs, 

capacity expanded 

w/ leaf catcher

2 speeds,

Battery powered

$320
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

350
Appendix G

351

1-800-323-5664

M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm CST

Home | Free Catalog | About Us | Contact Us | FAQs | Site Map

Model TF5041 | Traditional Park Bench

Elegantly Styled Park Bench

The straight concrete park bench features a square

classical style. This precast concrete park bench

will beautify any setting. This concrete park bench

features a stylish old world look with the durability

of steel reinforced concrete. Little or no

maintenance is needed.

This charming traditional precast concrete park

bench is ideal for high traffic areas and offer a

touch of architectural class. These precast

concrete park benches are perfect for any area that

demands additional seating space and an upscale

design. This bench is available in multiple colors

shown below.

Dimensions: 72"L x 20"W x 18"H

Precast Concrete

Decorative Park Bench

42" Concrete Planter Round Concrete

Trash Cans

Concrete Traffic Bollards

Copyright and Disclaimer © 1993-2011, Belson Outdoors, Inc.

Ground Glass Concrete Finish Options

6' Precast Concrete Bench Qty

TF5041 Concrete Color (500 lbs) $617.00

6' Precast Concrete Bench | Ground Glass Concrete Finish Qty

TF5041-CUS3 Choose Finish Options Below (500 lbs) $802.00

Finish Options Weatherstone Choose Matrix Choose Glass

(Prices F.O.B. Origin)

Some Assembly Required Add to Order Form Review Order Form

Home | Free Catalog | About Us | Contact Us | FAQs | Site Map | Shop Cart

111 North River Road | North Aurora, IL 60542 | (800) 323-5664 | Fax: (630) 897-0573 | sales@belson.com

Free Catalog

Traditional Concrete Park Bench

▼Item Specific Details Available on Linked Model Numbers Below

Related Products

Weekly Specials

Featured Products

Buying Guides

▼ Browse by Category

Barbecue Grills

Barbecue Smoker Grills

Banquet Tables

Benches

Bike Racks

Bleachers | Grandstands

Boulevard Banners

Bus Stop Shelters

Canopy Tents

Cigarette Receptacles

Dimensional Lumber

Drinking Fountains

Exercise Equipment

Fire Rings

Flags

Floor Matting

Food Service Equipment

Message Centers

Park Benches

Park Grills | Camp Stoves

Parking Lot Equipment

Patio | Cafe Furniture

Pet Products

Picnic Tables

Planters

Pool Furniture

Sanitation Equipment

Security

Sports Equipment

Tables

Trash Receptacles

Umbrellas

Universal Access

▼ Browse by Material

Concrete

Fiberglass

Thermoplastic Coated

Metal | Aluminum | Steel

Recycled Plastic

Resin

Wood

APPENDIX G: SAMPLE SOURCE FOR CONCRETE GARDEN BENCHES

The following was printed from the web page of Belson Outdoors, a vendor of outdoor furnishings (http://www.

belson.com/tpcb.htm). It is included to provide an example of the size, style, and materials of compatible benches, as 

well as an estimate of pricing. Other sources for the benches may be located, including local sources, custom design, 

or on-site fabrication.
Cultural Landscape Report for the Vanderbilt Mansion Formal Gardens

352

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Boston National Historical Park 

Charlestown Navy Yard, Quarters C 

Boston, MA 02129

Phone: 617.241.6954 

Fax: 617.241.3952

www.nps.gov/oclp/