My sister is a docent at Hillwood Museum and Garden so I visit this lovely, local gem semi-regularly, especially when they have a new exhibit. And a number of my garden club friends volunteer in Hillwood's gardens year round. For our international guests, you cannot visit the Washington, DC area without stopping by to enjoy Hillwood's fabulous fine arts collection - and gardens.
You experience this incredible collection of French Decorative Arts and Russian Imperial Art from the viewpoint of its collector, Mrs. Marjorie Merriweather Post
Then you happen to glance out a window, and you cannot wait to explore the gardens below.
Sloping views and meandering pathways lead you to aspects that take your breath away.
My favorite garden, tucked into a hill, is the Japanese garden. I enjoy the melodic flow of water down into the lily pond. I walk over arching bridges and stepping stone paths slowly. There are many hidden gifts in this garden.
The woodland surrounding the property appears peaceful. Untouched. Every archway seems to lead to a surprise.
A colorful, fragrant rose garden surrounds the memorial for Mrs. Post. bees and the butterflies love it here.
A cutting garden in the center of the property provides this mansion with fresh flowers for most of the year.
Don't forget to stop in the orchid greenhouses to see the lovely collection of orchids.
Pretty spectacular, yes? And this is just a glimpse. For more information about visiting Hillwood, go to www.hillwoodmuseum.org
Photographs by Thea McGinnis
A cutting garden in the center of the property provides this mansion with fresh flowers for most of the year.
Pretty spectacular, yes? And this is just a glimpse. For more information about visiting Hillwood, go to www.hillwoodmuseum.org
