Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Upper Garden
"…a neat flower garden laid out in squares and boxed with great precision."
Benjamin Henry Latrobe, noted architect and visitor to Mount Vernon, July 1796
Filled with a rich variety of plants, this garden showcased George Washington's talent as a landscape designer. His plan intentionally combines the practical aspects of vegetable gardening with the beauty of a flower garden. At the center of each planting bed are rows of vegetables for household use; they are bordered by colorful flowering plants and shrubs edged with dwarf boxwood. The most elaborate features in the garden are the boxwood parterres, including the French fleur-de-lis as a central design.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1796.
Location. 38° 42.522′ N, 77° 5.208′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route 235) and George Washington Memorial Highway, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Washington's Landscape Design (within shouting distance of this marker); Wood That Looks Like Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Botanical Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Gardener's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Mount Vernon (within shouting distance of this marker); Bowling Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower (Kitchen) Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kitchen (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Additional keywords. ⚜️
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
