The Front Garden

Photographed by Gary Nigh, August 2008

1. The Front Garden Marker

Inscription. By the time the Commodore began to improve Morven in the 1850s, a picturesque, curvilinear landscape style was the mode. There was an attempt to make plantings appear “natural” and a varied terrain rather than a flat surface was preferred. The Commodore’s landscaping therefore featured a front lawn with irregularly placed trees and a small hillock in front of the house.

The flowers and scrubs that are planted here now are known from 19th century descriptions and photographs. The wisteria draped across the front portico first appears in photographs taken in the 1880s.

A Stockton cousin described the 19th century approach to the house as it has been restored, with the footpath divided from the carriage drive by a grass strip. “Round beds of day lilies planted at intervals … made the front of the house more interesting by affording one the chance to jump over them all in succession instead of walking on the path.”

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 20.832′ N, 74° 39.987′ W. Marker was in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. It could be reached

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from Stockton Street. This marker is next to the entrance drive of Morven Museum and Garden, near Stockton Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 55 Stockton Street, Princeton NJ 08540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in New Jersey’s Central Jersey.

It was also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: W 3 R (a few steps from this marker); “The Washington-Rochambeau Historic Route” (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Lawn / Morven Museum & Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Horse Chestnut Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Princeton Battle Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colonel John Haslet (about 300 feet away); Campsite of The Army of Louis XVI, King of France (about 300 feet away); New Jersey Patriots (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Horse Chestnut Walk (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The House Front (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The King’s Highway (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Wash House (was within shouting distance of

Photographed by Gary Nigh, August 10, 2008

2. The Front Garden Marker

looking toward Morven.

this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Colonial Revival Garden (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Morven Museum & Garden. (Submitted on August 20, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

Photographed by Gary Nigh, August 10, 2008

3. The Front Garden Marker

looking toward Stockton Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 908 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 19, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.