THE SECRET GARDEN
The Secret Garden is aptly named—you might miss it if you aren’t looking in the right spot. Tucked away below the Lawn Garden, the Edith J. Beals Secret Garden creates an intimate escape for guests, which makes it the perfect space for wedding ceremonies.
This garden is meant to demonstrate lush, colorful perennials and annuals in a wet environment. The beds are consistently moist from runoff of the Lawn Garden. Careful attention is given to what is planted here due to the increased moisture. The Secret Garden is a great place for visitors to get inspiration if they are looking to build a rain garden at home. Just some of the interesting plants found within the garden include peonies (Paeonia cvs.), smoke bush (Cotinus spp.), and multiple varieties of irises (e.g. Iris germanica, Iris siberica, Iris ensata, and Iris versicolor).
The Secret Garden design typically follows a structured theme that changes annually. Past years’ themes include ombre colors, colors reminiscent of the sky, and sunset colors. The beds around the garden’s fountain are considered a microclimate. Because the area is surrounded by stone, and the beds are small, the area stays warmer. Here, you can find calla lilies, which aren’t found anywhere else on the property.
