Peony Garden

Designed in the 1920s, The Peony Garden (northwest of the axis centered by Adam) was one of Robert’s favorites, as peonies were his favorite perennial flower. Over the years, it suffered and was restored starting in 2003, with funding from donors who gave plants in honor of loved ones. As of 2006, over 1600 peonies (approximately 68 varieties) had been donated and are watched over by a replica of The Three Graces, commissioned by Catherine de Medici. For decades after becoming a public park, visitors could climb up a stair tower and walk along the top of the garden’s wall. Eventually, boards were attached to the top of the wall to make it easier to walk, but no handrails were provided. In the late 1970s the walkway was deemed a safety issue and the stair tower was locked.

Text in-part courtesy of Maureen Holtz.