Restoring Mr. King’s Formal Gardens
Join Us in Preserving History
In continued celebration of Kingwood Center Gardens’ 70th anniversary of opening to the public, we invite you to join us in launching a special commemorative project – the repair and restoration of Mr. King’s historic Formal Gardens.
Designed by notable landscape architects Pitkin and Mott, these original gardens showcase the handcrafted style of the Arts and Crafts architectural movement. Built in 1926 alongside Kingwood Hall, Mr. King’s Formal Gardens begin at the Sunken Garden, pass through the former pool area in the Trellis Garden, and continue from the Lady of Gaillardias statue up the stairway to Pan the Piper.
Rendering of envisioned reflection pool symbolically paying homage to C. K. King’s former swimming pool in the Trellis Garden.
Why is this project important? Here’s how your contribution will make a difference:
- Honor the original design vision of Pitkin and Mott by bringing back intended sightlines and handcrafted garden features, paying tribute to the significance of the Arts and Crafts style
- Repair, restore, or replace original sculptures and elements to echo the initial design aesthetic
- Refresh and restore drainage, masonry, statuary, and water features, including the addition of a reflection pool in the former swimming pool area
- Stabilize and repair the deteriorating walkways while improving accessibility
- Replant areas with selections that better represent the original plantings while being mindful of current invasive varieties
- Upgrade irrigation system, relocate sprinkler heads, and expand infrastructure for electric, water, sewer, and communications
- Share the story and historic significance of the gardens with future generations of visitors
What we’ve accomplished so far:
- Site analysis
- Phase One construction documents and permits
- Removal of aged spruce trees along Linden Road
- Installation of new fencing along Linden Road
- Addition of an access gate on Linden Road
- Building of two brick pillars at the corner of PAW and Linden for the addition of a Kingwood Center Gardens sign
- Construction of an access road to the Formal Garden areas
- Construction of staging pad for construction equipment on east side of Lattice Garden and Bathhouses
- Removal of many aged hedges and trees
- Rendering of envisioned Reflection Pool to be installed in Lattice Garden’s former swimming pool area
- We are actively working on:
- Plant selection for garden designs
- Tree selection for replacement plan along Linden Road
What to expect in March and April 2025:
- Directional boring to install infrastructure: storm, water, irrigation, sanitary, communications, electrical
- Includes the addition of a trench drain at the top of the Perennial Garden – access to Kingwood Hall from the east will be impacted; alternate pathway wayfinding signage will be provided
- Assessment of sculptures and repair and/or replacement plan developed
- Demolition of bathhouse concrete floors for infrastructure installation – one will become a public restroom; the other will house the utilities, including reflection pool equipment
How You Can Help:
As we embark on this restoration project to honor Kingwood’s legacy, we invite you to accept the challenge of supporting the future of these beloved gardens. We invite all Kingwood supporters to take on the challenge by contributing $70 or more in celebration of Kingwood’s 70 years as a public garden.
Will you accept the challenge?