We’re thrilled to share that Chelmsford, the home and gardens of Garden Conservancy Board Member Alease Fisher Tallman and her husband, Paul, has been selected for inclusion in the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens, recognizing the preservation of Chelmsford’s early 20th-century landscape design and the dedicated stewardship of its current owners.
The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens safeguards the ephemeral history of American gardens. It provides a visual and documentary record of evolving landscape design and horticultural practices across the nation. This collection is an essential resource for researchers, historians, and designers studying the rich legacy of landscape architecture and garden culture in the United States.
Gardens are inherently transient; plants grow, seasons change, and designs can be altered or lost over time. The Archives of American Gardens play a crucial role by documenting these spaces using photographs, plans, drawings, and written descriptions.
This comprehensive approach ensures that artistic, historical, and botanical aspects of American gardens are preserved.
Chelmsford’s Contribution to the Collection
Chelmsford’s inclusion adds a significant record to this national archive. Its well-preserved early 20th-century landscape design offers insights into the period’s horticultural trends and design philosophies. The garden boasts a storied past with contributions from notable landscape luminaries such as Warren Manning (master plan, 1910), Charles Gillette (landscape architect, 1910-1942), Bryant Fleming (landscape architect, 1920-1925), and Phillip Watson (garden designer, 1998). The detailed documentation of Chelmsford illustrates how a significant estate has been maintained and adapted over time while retaining its historical integrity.
Exploring the Archives of American Gardens
The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens provides a unique window into the history of American landscapes. For anyone interested in garden history, landscape design, or horticulture, the collection offers a wealth of information to explore.
To learn more about the diverse holdings within the Garden Club of America Collection, you can explore the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens online at si.edu/collections.
Images:
Top: Aerial view of the boxwood parterre and circular driveway at the entrance to the house, photographed by Neil Landino. The parterre is planted with one thousand Winter Gem boxwoods and was installed in 1998.
Middle: A historic photo of the naturalistic grand staircase—composed of stone riser and treads with grass landings—circa 1914 and taken by renowned photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston.
Bottom: Looking west across the frog pond through the folly of antique ruins. Photo: Chris Nichols.
