A Look into The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden
We’re fortunate to have a number of gorgeous gardens near the Portsmouth area that can help inspire thoughts for your own garden. Among them is the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, a National Historic Landmark that’s not too far from TMS Architects’ office!
The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden celebrated its 250th birthday last year and has been a historic house museum for over a century. The construction of this Georgian mansion, a home for merchant John Moffatt, began in 1760 and was completed in 1763. The home served General William Whipple and his wife, Katharine Moffatt Whipple, during the Revolution. The home was passed down to John Moffatt’s great granddaughter, Maria Tufton Haven Ladd, in 1817. Maria lived there with her husband, Alexander Hamilton Ladd, from 1862 to 1900. During that time, Alexander Ladd, an avid gardener, laid out the plans for the garden.
The garden still features Ladd’s plan today – a 300-foot axis pathway surrounded by formal gardens that take visitors on a journey from the house through four terraces to a wrought-iron gate near the edge of the garden. Along the way, guests can enjoy gorgeous flower beds featuring a variety of colorful flowers and ornamental grasses.
Among the most notable features of the garden is a Horsechestnut tree that was planted on the property by William Whipple in 1776 when he returned from signing the Declaration of Independence. Ladd also included an English damask rose in his garden design, which was originally planted by Sarah Catherine Mason Moffatt in 1768.
If you’ve never visited the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, why not plan a visit this year? The 2014 season runs from June 1 through October 19, Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 1 to 5 pm. Special focus tours take place throughout the season as well. Visit the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden website for more information.
Which gardens in and around Portsmouth have you visited for garden inspiration? Leave a comment to share with us!
