The Terrace Garden



The Terrace Garden is the most recently constructed garden at Kingwood. Opened in 1994, it is also only the second garden here designed by an outside contractor. The only other is the Formal Garden, whose design was commissioned by Mr. King and his wife in 1926. This new garden acts as a contemporary complement to the rigid lines of the historic formal gardens.

The contours of the garden are gradual and only the stairs announce the delineation of the terraces. The main axis continues that of the Formal Garden, leading the visitor down to the Duck Pond which contains a variety of waterfowl (an interest of Mr. King's). Brick paths wind off the main axis leading to a variety of woody and herbaceous plantings.

Masses of Miscanthus and Panicum ripple in the wind while large blocks of flowering shrubs stand stiff and tall. Grass lagoons invite beach combing visitors inside magical garden coves, and seasonal beds, flooded with tulips and annuals, provide color throughout the terraces. Benches provide a resting place and tables offer a picnic spot.

Both young and old seem to enjoy feeding the birds that wander through the garden and swim in our pond. The peacocks often reciprocate the gifts with a feathery display of color, while the guineas run about squawking their appreciation. The Terrace Garden's two acres offers plenty to see and its proximity to Kingwood's major avenue of entrance makes it a starting point for most visitors.