Dorothy &
Max Rutledge Garden

The Dorothy and Max Rutledge is a Conifer Garden

This classic dry garden features xeric, subalpine and steppe perennials, shrubs and an assemblage of unusual conifers.

Dense & Rich

Born from the design tradition begun by legendary British garden designer Beth Chatto, the gravel garden is the jewel box of the property. This makes it the densest and most richly planted with over 250 species from around the globe.

Visitors Encounter So Much

From native Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’ (Standing Ovation little bluestem) to rare Eurasian meadow plants (like Corydalis schanginii and Gentiana acaulis). You’ll also see chains of wisteria flowers (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’) hanging from the adjacent pergola, hardy cacti (Opuntia and Escobaria), plus  dramatic conifers (like Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’). Make sure not to miss oddities like Hamamelis vernalis ‘Quasimodo’ (Quasimodo dwarf witchhazel) tucked in as well.

See It In Every Season

Sited with year-round views from the Willow & Wisteria Rooms, the Dorothy and Max Rutledge Conifer Garden is a signature horticultural experience. Thus, it’s part of the beautiful backdrop to many a celebration.

The conifer and gravel garden is given in honor of Dorothy and Max Rutledge through the generosity of Buz and Sue Brenton.