The many gardens at The Fells
Guided tours of the gardens are conducted at 1:30pm, Wednesday through Sunday, June 25 through August 17, and are included in the price of admission.
The Rock Garden
For over 30 years Clarence Hay maintained an extensive index card file in which he meticulously noted scientific name, cultural information, source of plant material and field observations for the 600 different species and cultivars of rock garden and alpine plants that he tended. He noted, for example, that in 1928 two Gentiana acaulis were transplanted from the original Old Garden to the Rock Garden. The plants were moved again in 1935 when the Gentian section was established. He attributed the demise of the last specimen to the anti-mole gas he had used to combat an invasion. Renovation and maintenance of the rock garden is an important objective and the garden now features many of the original plants augmented with over 600 distinct species introduced during the first two years of reconstruction. Detailed information concerning both historic and contemporary plants is available on a searchable data base.
The Old Garden
The Old Garden designed in 1909 was Clarence Hay's first attempt at a formal garden layout. Over the years its character changed completely from the original sun-drenched perennial-filled formal axial layout to the cool and shady overgrown area we observe today. Presently it is in the process of being renovated to more closely resemble the clean north-south and east-west axes first created by Hay.
The Perennial Border
Located on the west side of the house is a hundred-foot-long stone wall that provides structure for a dazzling perennial border featuring iris, delphinium, hollyhocks, phlox, and colorful annuals and biennials.
The Rose Terrace
Created between 1924 and 1927 the Rose Terrace is anchored by beautiful stone walls and a tall urn fountain. Some of the original hybrid tea roses remain, supplemented by more hardy disease resistent shrub roses, annuals and tender perennials.
The Pebble Court
The Pebble Court located on the east side of the Main House is home to boxwood, lilacs, a yew hedge and the beautiful "Hebe."
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