Mr. King’s Formal Gardens Restoration Project
Follow along as we restore and revitalize one of Kingwood’s most iconic spaces through this exciting project.
Welcome to the Formal Gardens Restoration Project blog!
We’re excited to share the progress made so far! From the early days of site analysis to the removal of aged trees and hedges, installation of new fencing and access points, infrastructure and drainage upgrades, and the planting of hundreds of new trees and shrubs, the project has already come a long way.
We invite you to check back regularly for updates as construction continues. This restoration relies on community support to refresh and restore these historic gardens. Please click the link below to learn more and consider supporting the project with your donation.
October 2025
A remarkable transformation is happening in the Formal Gardens this fall! Near perfect weather in October allowed for exciting progress! New wooden arbors were installed creating beautiful gateways leading into the Sunken Garden. The arbors faithfully replicate the original structures that once stood in their place. By the end of the month, Studer-Obringer had begun laying the bluestone pavers, and that work is now almost finished. Soil is scheduled for delivery soon, allowing Pacific Impressions to complete installation of the remaining irrigation work. The large trellis connecting the bathhouses was also dismantled for restoration work. As we wrap up Phase One, we concurrently begin the early stages of Phase Two, including demolition and preparatory work, with much more to come in early spring.
August and Early September 2025
If you’ve visited recently, you may have noticed a lot of continued stone work happening in the Formal Gardens. You might also have noticed that the stone looks a little different in color than you expected — and that’s intentional. To ensure historical accuracy, the project team examined a broken stone to study the interior and determine an accurate color match. Where possible, original materials were preserved. For example, the Sunken Garden still features its original capstones, which have been cleaned and restored.
The transformation is taking shape with new walls forming around the Circle Pool, steps, and the Sunken Garden. A backorder of stone created some delays. However, once materials arrived, our general contractor, Studer-Obringer, Inc., brought in additional stonemasons to complete the work and keep the project on track.
July 2025
Sculptor Mike Major of Urbana has been working on the restoration of several iconic Formal Garden sculptures, including Lady of Gallardias and Satyr. He’s also recreating a missing sculpture titled The Herm of Pan and recasting a missing lid from an urn located near the bathhouses in the pool area. Additional sculpture restoration will be completed on two cherub birdbaths and a sundial that will be placed at the center of the Sunken Garden. Progress has continued on the Circle Pool and Sunken Garden, as well as on the staircase that connects them. Stone bricks and pavers are also pictured, ready for placement. Additional electrical infrastructure has been installed to better support the gardens.
You can learn more about Mike Major and his work in this featured article from the Mansfield News Journal. Mike is a renowned sculptor, published author, and artist with works featured across the country.
June and Early July 2025
In June, two iconic features of the Formal Gardens, the Circle Pool and the Sunken Garden, were removed as part of the restoration process. While their temporary absence was striking, restoration work began almost immediately, marking an exciting new chapter in bringing these beloved spaces back to life. Improvements being made during reconstruction include significant upgrades to drainage, irrigation, and soil composition.
May 2025
In May, over 300 trees and shrubs arrived for planting as part of the garden restoration. Drainage work continued, including storm drain installation near the South Lawn. Pavers in key areas were carefully removed and cataloged, with the intent of repurposing these unique pieces as restoration work continues.
April 2025
To allow for necessary upgrades with minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape, underground utility infrastructure was installed by way of directional boring. Trench drain work also took place near Kingwood Hall to support improved water management.
October 2024
A staging area was created on the east side of the Lattice Garden and Bathhouses to allow access for construction equipment. Several aged hedges and trees in that area were also removed as part of the site’s early preparation work.
June 2024
As part of the early site preparation, aged spruce trees along Linden Road were carefully removed to make way for the restoration work.
