Biltmore Forest in Buncombe County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Italian Garden
Originally called the "Garden Terrace" by Olmsted, the name "Italian Garden" was given to their space by 1930 due to its similarity in design to a popular trend of creating Italian-inspired gardens with symmetric designs, statuary, and water features flanked by walls or hedges.
George Vanderbilt envisioned Biltmore as a place to entertain friends and family for extended periods of time, taking advantage of the mild climate and beautiful scenery. In his plans, Olmsted offered many ideal opportunities for riding, strolling, and playing games. The Italian Garden lawn nearest the house was a location for croquet, and the grassy area near the Pergola was home to a tennis court for many years.
"There are one or two points about which I am nervous, and this is because I am not quite at home when required to merge stately architectural work with natural or naturalistic landscape work."-Frederick Law Olmsted to William Stiles, March 10, 1895
Image caption: Despite Olmsted's uncertainties about balancing this landscapes with the design of the house, it was executed impeccably. Detail of preliminary plan of home grounds, September 1892.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.
Location. 35° 32.407′ N, 82° 33.147′ W. Marker is in Biltmore Forest, North Carolina, in Buncombe County. Marker can be reached from Biltmore Grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Asheville NC 28803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Biltmore's Historic Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); Frederick Law Olmsted (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of American Forestry (within shouting distance of this marker); Siting Biltmore House and Stables (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Olmsted at Biltmore (about 300 feet away); Exploring Deer Park Trail (about 400 feet away); Shrub Garden (about 400 feet away); Biltmore Dairy Bar (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Biltmore Forest.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.