Bois Doré

The estate was originally over 11 acres, but acreage has subsequently been reduced by more than half. Large mature trees in lawns have been the characteristic of the site, with significant trees such as a large gingko and beech trees probably predating the current house on the site, which in 1929 was built on the foundation of a prior house. Charles Platt, landscape architect and architect of the current house, specified the linden allée leading to the front door, and the wisteria, which is on the outside of the ballroom, both of which are being actively maintained. If Platt designed a formal garden, no trace of it exists today. 

The current owners, Anne Fairfax & Richard Sammons, recognize that there is a decline in biodiversity, an increase in severe weather events, and that established gardening practices may not be sustainable or successful in a changing future. The goal is to encourage the proliferation of wildlife on the site through the replacement of some lawn space with wildflower meadows. In addition, planting beds of native plants have been established and allowing the grass to grow, rather than being kept mowed, has been introduced to create an understory of growth for wildlife. The use of pesticides has been forbidden and leaf blowers are strictly prohibited. The trees on site are being tended to through pruning when necessary, and the beech trees are being treated for BLD. Keeping the setting healthy and supporting the entire ecosystem should create a garden where the trees will thrive. In the case that trees are lost, they will be replaced with American White Oak (Quercus alba) a tree that provides a variety of benefits and is currently under no threat of disease.