Lookout Mountain -- Kitty and Hacker Caldwell Garden

The Kitty and Hacker Caldwell Garden comprises six acres situated on a mountainside in Tennessee, with the two acre Eleanor Caldwell Bryan Park adjoining it. The property has been owned by members of the family since 1928, and the house designed by Atlanta architect Robert Smith Pringle was built circa 1930. Before construction could begin on the mountain property rock had to be dynamited and earth had to be moved (by mule). The garden is screened by magnolias and features mountain laurels and many varieties of rhododendrons, which are vigorous growers in the region. A rocky stream and waterfalls are part of the natural drama of the landscape, as are spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. The owners' collection of American sculpture is another feature set into this landscape.

Native trees, shrubs and flowers grow in the woodland gardens, while the perennial borders closer to the house were planted for cutting. A labyrinth garden of hand-cut stone, modeled on the one at Chartres Cathedral, is surrounded by white flowering shrubs and perennials.

Land for the Eleanor Caldwell Bryan Park was donated by the family in honor of one of its members years ago, and features native herbaceous perennials, woody shrubs and trees. A willow lattice fence separates the two properties. The current owners cleared the park of invasive honeysuckle vine and poison ivy, and are maintaining it for the public.

Persons associated with the garden include: the Caldwell family (owners since 1928); Patricia Lea (Cumberland Landscape and Design Co., landscape design and planting, 1989-1991); Jimmy Steward (landscape design, since 2004); Sam Baker (planting, since 2004); Robert Smith Pringle (Pringle and Smith, architects, 1929).