Gardens & Grounds
A Living Glimpse into the Past
The Formal Gardens, designed by Thomas Sears, are rooted along a central path that branches out to connect the ornamental garden and the vegetable garden. A cross path divides the Formal Gardens into four garden “rooms,” called parterres. These garden rooms serve as living collections, each with their own “exhibition” title: Pink & White Garden, West Rose Garden, East Rose Garden, and Blue & Yellow Garden.
In addition to these curated spaces, you’ll find Japanese-style tea houses, pergolas, two fountains, perennial and shrub borders, and specimen trees.
While landscape architects originally advocated for the Formal Gardens to be an extension of the main residence, Katharine Reynolds wanted her gardens to be an extension of the greenhouses. This allowed the gardens to be accessible to the public from Reynolda Road and ensured the privacy of the family.
Explore the Gardens
Gardens Events
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Apr 17, 2026, 11:15am — 12:30pm
Step into the pages of The Tale of Peter Rabbitand join us for a playful day in Mr. McGregor’s Garden!!! Families are invited to follow Peter’s mischievous adventure through a guided StoryWalk® i…
Apr 17, 2026, 12:30pm — 1:30pm
Bring a container from home (20” max. width & depth) and join horticulturist Michelle Hawks in this interactive workshop. Soil and a selection of Michelle’s favorites will be available to choo…
Apr 25, 2026, 8:00am — 2:00pm
Shop specialty and hard-to-find annuals, perennials, tropicals, and other staff favorites at this annual sale.
Apr 25, 2026, 2:00pm — 4:00pm
Minnie Evans: Draw or Die is a visually rich documentary exploring the life and work of Minnie Evans (1892–1987), a self-taught African American artist whose intricate, dream-infused art emerged fro…
Apr 28, 2026, 12:30pm — 1:30pm
Bobby Ward, author of Chlorophyll in His Veins, J. C. Raulston Horticultural Ambassador, shares his insight into the life of a man who shaped the lives and careers of so many in the horticulture and g…
Apr 29, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…