Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Demonstration Garden
Gift of Colleen Goggins
These six beds are used as a demonstration garden with a changing horticultural theme each year. Their layout recalls the kitchen garden that existed on the side of the current parking lot. In the 1920s, a cousin who had visited the Stocktons as a child remembered "a fine vegetable garden stretching…to the barnyard. In it were all manner of vegetables and fruits: gooseberries, currants, grapes. It was laid out in broad straight paths with wonderful box hedges…"
The wall that separates the working garden from the pleasure garden is not well-documented. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was erected during the 1850s to separate service functions—the kitchen garden, woodhouse, stable, and laundry—from the garden's ornamental landscaping. It was likely lengthened and repaired as necessary through the 20th century.
Erected 2020 by New Jersey Historic Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 40° 20.883′ N, 74° 40.039′ W. Marker is in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. Marker can be reached from Stockton Street (U.S. 206) west of Monument Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Gardens (a few steps from this marker); The Ice House (a few steps from this marker); The Colonial Revival Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The West Wing (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Commodore's Greenhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Annis' Grotto (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pool House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
