Grandmother's Garden

The Old-Fashioned Garden or “Grandmother’s Garden” became popular in the late 1860s. The country was feeling nostalgic about the approaching centennial amid a rapidly changing society. Mass produced goods were replacing craftsmanship and cottage industries. It was also a period of intense immigration from eastern and southern Europe. As a result of this tumultuous period, many gardeners rejected newly introduced plants and trendy design schemes. Instead, they returned to the old-fashioned, European favorites of their grandmother’s border garden, reminiscent of when the country was young and agrarian. 

The garden design outside of the Marsh House is based on archival images of the home in the 19th century.