Little Rock -- Stephens Garden, The

A Colonial revival house was built in 1950 on 1.5 acres that overlooked the Arkansas River, then rebuilt and enlarged in 2011 after the adjoining lot was purchased, doubling the size of the property. The architecture incorporates Greek revival elements of symmetry with a pediment and columns. A grander driveway, pool and pool deck were added and the original foundation planting of red azaleas was augmented with swathes of azaleas planted along the driveway. Boxwood were planted beneath the columns for a softening effect. The white oak, maple and magnolia that provided shade and privacy were re-enforced with larger trees and shrubs on the front side of the property to create the illusion of a house in a forest. There is a formal holly allée with a crushed aggregate walkway along the side of the house that leads to the lower terrace where there is a statue of Diana the Huntress.

There is a boxwood knot garden behind the house that overlook a wild, undisturbed riverside landscape. A butterfly garden at one side of the house mixes ornamental trees, large boulders and seasonal flowers. Large stone steps lead to the garden room on the other side of the house which has white-painted brick walls with arched entries at either end with sculpted Japanese yews completing the organic perimeter. This outdoor living space is paved with native stone with restored urns, Japanese red maple, roses, boxwood and dwarf mondo grass. The differing rooms on the property are connected by sweeping lawns that give way to a crushed stone pathway, the perimeter nature walk. Mature trees and woody perennials that block neighboring sights and sounds lead to a native stone patio set into the hillside, overlooking the river. A sunken garden of dwarf mondo grass gives the illusion of a water feature crossed by a foot bridge of stone slabs. Upon returning to the lawn there is a pavilion with views of the river, the countryside, the house, butterfly garden, and the garden room. The seven-year-long renovation that added space as well as garden rooms retained plant materials and decorative features of the 1950's-1960's gardens.

Persons associated with the garden include: Bess and Witt Stephens, owners (1959-2011); James E. Mauney (landscape architect, ca.1950s-1960s); Agnes Gray (former owner, 1950-1958); George Francis Trapp (architect, date unknown); Marianne and Alan Mumford, landscape architects (2011-2019); Bill Beringer Design (no dates).

Also known as Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Stephens Garden.