Avon -- Peg Atkinson's Garden

Object Details

General: Located on three acres in Avon, Connecticut, the Peg Atkinson's Garden was originally part of a 300-plus acre property dating back to the 1800s. The house was built in 1931, possibly by architect Robert Schutz. Ravines create natural borders to the north and south of the property. A large meadow lies to the west. When Marguerite (Peg) and Tracy Atkinson made the property their home in 1977, Peg was inspired by the region's natural beauty and long growing season. Over the next 35 years, she worked to add garden elements to complement the New England landscape and enhance property vistas.; The property includes woodlands with mature pines and sugar maples. Peg Atkinson planted annuals and the London Planetree in the meadow. Striking trees and shrubs were emphasized in the garden design. Ornamentals such as Kousa dogwood, Eastern redbud, Japanese cherry tree and Mountain Cloud plum provide color year-round. Shrubs and perennials include hellebores, roses, Japanese barberry hydrangea, forsythia, peonies, German iris, Purple Cloud bushes, Rose of Sharon and Carolina silverbells. Curved brick walkways and stepping stone paths lead through the gardens and past eye-catching ornaments such as a "Victorian lady" sculpture, antique urn, bird feeders, stone gargoyles and iron benches.; Persons associated with the garden include: Charles Tracy & Marguerite Atkinson (former owners, 1977-2012); and David Hernandez (gardener, 1990s-2000?).

Place: Peg Atkinson's Garden (Avon, Connecticut); United States of America -- Connecticut -- Hartford County -- Avon

See more items in: The Garden Club of America collection; The Garden Club of America collection / Series 1: United States Garden Images / Connecticut

Sponsor: A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.

Custodial History: Garden Club of Hartford facilitated the submission of this garden's documentation.

Collection Citation: Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.

Collection Rights: Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Scope and Contents: The folder includes worksheets, features map, and supplemental booklet of garden photographs.

Collection Restrictions: Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Related Materials: Peg Atkinson's Garden related holdings consist of 1 folder (17 digital images)