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Plane Tree Allee - Completed
The restored Plane Tree Allee reopened in spring, 2008, re-establishing the Plane Tree Allee and vista garden to the original design of Warren Manning. Based on historic photographs, correspondence, and surviving graphic specifications, 88 London (Sycamore) Plane trees have been planted in their original locations with graduated Rhododendron, Hostas, and myrtle beds will be added along each side of the vista. Although relocated because of heavy shading, the boundaries of the original Rose Garden have been memorialized through perimeter planting and recreated lawn furniture.
The original Plane Tree Allee needed restoring because stone croppings beneath the planting beds hampered proper root development, making the trees susceptible to the disease. The restoration project established root channels through the sub-surface rock to assist the new trees in their development and long term health.
Additionally, a newly established infrastructure includes an irrigation system to assist in the maintenance and further expansion to the campus power grid to assist in lighting the Plane Tree Allee and adjacent historic gardens.
West Terrace is Closed for Restoration
Completion of the West Terrace restoration project is key to the foundation and infrastructure improvements completed since 1999, and will allow completion of a fully functional (and maintainable) system as was originally intended by Charles Schneider and Warren Manning. Currently being restored, the West Terrace is closed; it will reopen in 2010.
The West Terrace was rebuilt once in the late 1980’s using the most up-to-date the technology of day, including the use of harder cements in the mortar. In fact, the use of these harder cements only weakened the foundation and brickwork, making it susceptible to water damage. Current restoration includes replacing brickwork to minimize the pressure against the foundation and garden walls. Restoration and/or replacement of the steps, walkways, balustrades, and urns will finally return the West Terrace to the details of the original landscape plan.
The West Terrace is expected to reopen in mid-2010.
Japanese Garden and Cistern- currently closed for restoration
The Japanese Garden is built over brick and reinforced concrete cistern. Originally used to supply soft rainwater for laundering purposes, management of the cistern proved too labor intensive and its use was abandoned during the Depression. This unused asset will be renovated and placed back in service to supply the Manor House and estate’s water and landscape features. The restoration of the Japanese Garden and cistern is part of the West Terrace restoration.
The two feet of soil covering the cistern roof comprises about 60% of the garden area proper. The garden, using Warren Manning’s words, was originally intended as “. . . . a Japanese landscape in miniature, using dwarf New England planting stock.” The original design never intended to support the fully mature trees currently in place, the weight of which adds to the crumbling roof structure of the Cistern below.
The Japanese Garden restoration project includes removal of overgrown plant material and hardscape, waterproofing and rehabilitating the cistern storage system, infrastructure improvements, conservation of decorative features, reconstruction to the original architectural drawings, and reconstruction of the waterways and documented landscape features.
Lagoon
A restoration of our storm infrastructure and the creation of a pumping station allows us to maintain historic water levels at the Lagoon and provide improved water quality. But, because the water must be pumped 90 feet uphill, it is susceptible to leaking out through natural seams in the sandstone and breaches along the western key wall.
Restoration of the Lagoon will allow us to drain and dredge, complete repairs to the western key wall, and reline the Lagoon with clay as was called for in its original design. The project will also allow for repairing bridges, uncovering many of the pathways through Warren Manning’s wild grass garden, and restoring many recreational features of the garden including stairs and changing rooms to the North Overlook.
To learn how you can help with our restoration efforts, contact the Development Department at 330-836-5533.
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