College Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Gardeners Garden
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 22, 2023
1. The Gardeners Garden Marker
Inspiration for the present plantings comes from a time when gardeners began shifting from formal, geometric designs to more natural landscapes.
Andrew Jackson Downing (1815-52) was an important influence in the American landscape gardening movement. Downing published the nation's first book on landscape gardening in 1841, a year before Moses and Mary Thompson settled into their new home here.
Built as part of an industrial complex, the ironmaster's Mansion was surrounded by farmlands dedicated to feeding Centre Furnace's working families and livestock. Few records of the home's vegetable and flower gardens survive.
As the Thompson family might have done, staff and volunteers have incorporated some of Downing's ideas. The gardens are now managed by the Centre Furnace Mansion Garden Committee.
Erected by Centre County Historical Society and Centre County Community Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.
Location. 40° 48.394′ N, 77° 50.562′ W. Marker is in College Township, Pennsylvania, in Centre County. Located on the grounds of the Centre County Historical Society. Touch for map. Marker is at or near
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Centre Furnace Forges a Community (a few steps from this marker); American Sycamore (within shouting distance of this marker); Moses Thompson (within shouting distance of this marker); Tree and Shrub Border (within shouting distance of this marker); Centre Furnace (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Path of a Historic Waterway (about 300 feet away); Centre Furnace Mansion (about 400 feet away); Making Charcoal Iron (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in College Township.
Also see . . .
1. Centre County Historical Society. (Submitted on June 25, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Andrew Jackson Downing in History of Early American Landscape Design. (Submitted on June 25, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 22, 2023
2. The Gardeners Garden and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
