The Gardens
Befitting a splendid Georgian manor house, the Formal Gardens feature extensive plantings and over 100 ornaments and sculptures to discover.
“He created a picture in the garden. Yes, he painted with vegetation instead of oil and canvas.” Robert Allerton was an artist of plants, an artist appreciated by none more than John Gregg Allerton, his adopted son, as revealed in Robert Allerton: The Private Man and The Public Gifts, written by Martha Burgin and Maureen Holtz.
Allerton’s brilliance can be seen in the careful placement of each flower, the deliberate turn of every path, and the guided movement of color throughout his 14 formal gardens. As you stroll through his inspired creation, you are transported from daily life into a place where cultural artifacts enhance Mother Nature’s best. Allerton’s intention of restful inner reflection will fill your mind, replacing discord with the harmony of natural and manmade beauty.
Allerton painted with flowers, sculpted with espaliered apple trees, and composed with quiet footsteps leading from his main house, through his masterpiece of refined landscape and out into the unrestrained exquisiteness of nature.
A complimentary Garden Tour is offered the third Saturday of every month, April – October. Meet at the Visitor Center at 10am for this hour long tour of Allerton’s exquisite Formal Gardens. Pre-registration is not necessary. Donations are appreciated. For upcoming dates, see our upcoming events page.