Rock Garden

Rock Garden. . This garden evolved over a number of years from three distinct gardens, namely, the Rock, Wild, and Lily, which were completed around 1911. The uppermost level is where the summerhouse sits. In 1914, the second phase expanded the garden with an impressive engineering feat of man-made canyon and arched bridge composed of Onondaga limestone from a quarry north of Sonnenberg. Around 1920, the cascading waterfall and pool were completed by John Handrahan, Mary Clark Thompson’s landscape architect. He utilized the estate’s natural ridges, hollows, and wild areas to create the dramatic garden, waterfall, and pool features. A careful selection of over 190 different plants ensured that the garden would remain continuously in bloom from spring until winter. , Several hundred perennial plants covered the grounds of the rock garden. During the early years of the garden rock cress, stonecrop, and candytuft all bloomed in profusion. , The continuous blooming cycle and seemingly wild state of the gardens provide a unique, more natural experience within the planned landscape. , The stone arch designed for the garden by landscape architect John Handrahan can be seen above. Handrahan was originally employed by Ernest W. Bowditch of Boston, but eventually left the firm to dedicate himself fully to the gardens of the estate.