By Barb Howell | Photography by Clint Farlinger
One of the most recognizable homes on the north shore of Geneva Lake is the estate of Richard H. Driehaus, and its magnificent grounds, Glanworth Gardens. The stately Georgian Revival built in 1906 is surrounded by lush greenery, stunning perennial gardens, an abundance of colorful annuals, and a series of ponds with gently flowing water features. Although not original to the property and the vision of legendary landscape designers, the Olmsted Brothers, the orchard is an exquisite addition to the property, greeting all who enter with a sense of peace and tranquility.
This serene oasis occupies land once designated as a vegetable garden and later an over-grown formal garden of arborvitae. In 2003, the area was transformed with hundreds of floribunda and hybrid tea roses selected for their color. To complement the roses, the orchard was planted with boxwood, strawberries, grape vines, and varieties of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees.
A wisteria-covered arbor, outlined with a boxwood hedge, frames the entrance to the orchard providing the first glimpse of what lies ahead. Marble sculptures depicting the four seasons and dating to the late 19th or early 20th centuries are a focal point. Last summer a temporary installation of architectural elements by French architect Hector Guimard provided additional interest. The pieces, circa 1900, included a vertically-oriented wrought iron staircase panel and a cast iron panel from the Paris Metro, which hung horizontally from the arbor.
This garden was featured in the Lake Geneva: Summer 2015 issue.
For more photos of our featured Lake Geneva homes and gardens, visit the Lake Geneva Gallery page.