Stranica 379 [379]
HISTORIC GARDENS OF VIRGINIA
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three hundred feet long, parallel to the lawn, and three lateral walks,
ending in a wide terrace. Mr. Bernard is said to have brought
shiploads of gravel from Bermuda for these walks, as well as conch
shells for the fountains. The walks were bordered with shrubs—
pyrus japonica, forsythia, spiraea in all varieties, lilac, snowball,
weigela, althea, syringa, mock orange and others. Ihese were
trimmed to form arches over the paths. Between the walks were
formal gardens laid out in the shape of diamonds and filled with
many old-fashioned flowers. Peonies seem to have been the favorite
centerpiece. On either side of this flower garden, separated by
walks, were two large squares devoted to small fruits and vege¬
tables. A hedge, formerly of roses but now of althea, encloses
the whole garden.
In addition to the lawns and garden, a large part of the estate
of Gay Mont was given over to what might be called pleasure
grounds. On the north side of the hill was a deer park of eight
acres,. with clumps of beautiful holly and enormous tulip poplars.
Mr. Bernard had a great love for trees and imported many kinds,
not only for the immediate grounds but also for the hillsides. Some
years ago fifty varieties were counted within a comparatively short
distance of the house, among them a variety of French chestnut, still
vigorous and bearing nuts.
To the south of the hill ran "Golden Vale Creek," the name
given it on an old atlas printed before Washington was founded.
Its waters were dammed to form a pond, and stocked with fish.
Here Mr. Bernard loved to entertain his friends, and it was no -"
doubt, the scene of many gay parties. A large, round stone table,
and a spring enclosed by stone slabs are all that now remain to
mark the spot.
As horseback riding was the favorite pastime of Mr. Bernard s
daughters, he built for them a private road through the woods and
“the long meadow.’ This road crossed a small creek seven or
eight times by rustic bridges; the upkeep of both road and bridges
was given over to ‘Uncle Roly,” a faithful slave. “Uncle Roly”
[236]