The historic Brick Wall Garden at Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello) will be restored and maintained in perpetuity, thanks to a gift from Deborah and Michael Westjohn of rural Monticello.
The Brick Wall Garden, designed by the same architect as the Allerton Mansion, John Borie, is the oldest of the Formal Gardens. Originally a Vegetable Garden meant to supply the occupants of the house with fresh produce, today the Brick Wall Garden contains lawns, bulbs, annual and perennial flowers, and espalier apple trees growing against the walls.
Allerton staff notes that while a 2010 major restoration rebuilt the brick wall and replaced the invasive privet hedge with boxwood, at the time there weren’t funds to make all walks fully accessible. There was also no endowment to help maintain the space for years to come.
“By using aggregate concrete to replicate the pea gravel paths, we will harden all walkways throughout the Garden,” said Derek Peterson, Director at Allerton Park. “We have also secured current use funds to replant the surrounding beds, since the pouring of concrete will upset some of the plantings.”
The $200,000 gift from the Westjohn family spurred the accessibility improvements, and provided a named endowment for the long-term care and maintenance of the Garden.
“Since childhood it has been my favorite garden,” said Deborah Westjohn. “We’ve very excited about the installation of ADA accessible, natural-looking wide paths in front of all four long flower borders allowing everyone safer and closer proximity to the plantings.”
Ultimately, the Garden renovation, projected to be completed in Spring 2020, will result in a historically inspired, highly accessible, and beautiful Brick Wall Garden –– a garden Peterson hopes will honor the Westjohns and their history with the Park.
“Allerton Park is and always has been such a special place,” said Deborah. “It must be kept vibrant, thriving and renewed by investing in it for generations to enjoy.”
To learn more about this renovation or other upcoming projects, contact Allerton’s Associate Director of Advancement, Bridget Frerichs, at bridgetf@illinois.edu or 217-333-3287.
Please note that the Garden will be closed during the renovation, approximately June 13-27.
