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Colorado Springs -- Mesacrest

Smithsonian Gardens

Object Details

Former owner

Black, R. Clifford

Former resident

McLean, Evalyn Walsh, 1886-1947

Former owner

Fung, Reginald P. Dr.
Parsons, Critchell
Schwab, Earl H.
Kipp, Fred R.
Preston, William J. Dr.

Landscape architect

Deboer, S. R.
Bell, Fawn Hayes

Contractor

Chambers, Charles W.

Landscape architect

Miller, Amy

Horticulturist

Miller, Shannon

Architect

Hart & Shape

Gardener

Fredell Enterprises

Provenance

Broadmoor Garden Club

Collection Creator

Garden Club of America

Collection Citation

Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.

Scope and Contents

The folder includes a worksheet, a copy of the garden plan, detailed plant lists, photocopies of newspaper articles about the 1947 sale of the house, and photocopies of memos regarding the 1990s restoration/improvement project. The garden is noted for its restoration of original design elements in a more contemporary environment, as well as its lush plantings of perennials and magnificent scenic setting.
sova.aag.gca_ref5735

GUID

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/kb695b7f0cb-c086-4399-beb1-84b7319691c5

General

This 3.1-acre garden site, with an adjoining 6.1 acres, was originally part of a 15-acre estate. The English Tudor style house was completed in 1928, and the original landscape plan was conceived by S. R. DeBoer of Denver, although few of the original plantings remain. The existence of many early drawings and plant lists, however, have enabled the current landscape architect, Fawn Hayes Bell, to restore much of DeBoer's design while adapting the grounds to reflect the lifestyle of the current owners. The garden style is derived from a blend of English Tudor elements (to reflect the style of the house) and the natural Colorado setting.
Contemporary improvements include a formal drive; central jardiniere; an architectural pergola of natural stone, brick, cast concrete, and wood; a garden folly in the form of a chapel ruin with steps and views into the surrounding native areas; new gate piers; natural stone terrace walls; a vegetable and fruit garden with unique lattice fencing; a small wall fountain; a sundial; xeriscape areas; extensive rose hedges; gravel walks; perennial beds; and a melding of exotic and native trees and shrubs.
Persons associated with the property include: R. Clifford Black (former owner, 1928-1947); Evelyn Walsh McLean (former resident, 1937); Dr. Reginald P. Fung (former owner, 1947-1955); Critchell Parsons (former owner, 1955-1956); Earl H. Schwab (former owner, 1956-1978); Fred R. Kipp (former owner, 1978-1980); Dr. William J. Preston (former owner, 1980-1994); Hart & Shape (architects, 1925-1928); Charles W. Chambers (contractor, 1925-1928); S. R. DeBoer (landscape architect, ca. 1925-1935); Fawn Hayes Bell (landscape architect, 1994-1999); Amy Miller (landscape architect, 1994-1999); Shannon Miller (horticulturist, 1994-1999); and Fredell Enterprises (gardeners, 1994-1999).

Place

Mesacrest (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
United States of America -- Colorado -- El Paso County -- Colorado Springs

Topic

Gardens -- Colorado -- Colorado Springs

Former owner

Black, R. Clifford

Former resident

McLean, Evalyn Walsh, 1886-1947

Former owner

Fung, Reginald P. Dr.
Parsons, Critchell
Schwab, Earl H.
Kipp, Fred R.
Preston, William J. Dr.

Landscape architect

Deboer, S. R.
Bell, Fawn Hayes

Contractor

Chambers, Charles W.

Landscape architect

Miller, Amy

Horticulturist

Miller, Shannon

Architect

Hart & Shape

Gardener

Fredell Enterprises

Provenance

Broadmoor Garden Club

See more items in

The Garden Club of America collection
The Garden Club of America collection / Series 1: United States Gardens / Colorado

Sponsor

A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.

Custodial History

The Broadmoor Garden Club facilitated the submission of this garden's documentation.

Archival Repository

Archives of American Gardens

Identifier

AAG.GCA, File CO030

Type

Archival materials

Collection Rights

Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Collection Restrictions

Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Related Materials

Mesacrest related holdings consist of 1 folder (18 35 mm. slides)
AAG.GCA_ref5735
Large EAD
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/kb695b7f0cb-c086-4399-beb1-84b7319691c5
AAG.GCA
AAG

Record ID

ebl-1643208220039-1643210177404-1

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The Garden Club of America collection

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