The Waveny Walled Garden was originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted’s firm as a formal rose garden. The garden had fallen in disrepair and in 1995 a committee of Garden Club members restored and redesigned the garden as a “Wedding Garden”. Alice Parker, then NCGC President, spearheaded the renovation and fundraising efforts. The design today incorporates roses in a long border along the east side. The remaining three sides, bordered by brick walks, showcase deep herbaceous borders that include perennials, small trees, flowering shrubs, bulbs and annuals.
Three seasons of the year this very special space is used weekly for weddings and special events. NCGC partners with the Town of New Canaan as the Park and Recreation Department manages the use of the garden and the Garden Club is responsible for the weekly maintenance.
In 2013, funds were raised to help restore the Peony Walk. The first phase consisted of clearing masses of weeds and extraneous plant material from the peony beds and trimming dead wood and weeding under the row of Japanese maples opposite the peonies. Near the fountain the Barberry thorn and dead Miss Kim lilacs were removed and replaced with small boxwood and holly according to a plan drawn up by NCGC member, Laura Case.
Additional peonies were planted where gaps existed. Now complete, the Peony Walk adds a new area of beauty to the overall splendor of the park.
In 2018, the Parterre Garden was restored. The Garden Club took great care to respect the original design of the Olmsted Brothers firm and of founding Garden Club member and Waveny owner Antoinette Lapham. The final restoration design was created to be traditional and stand the test of time by remaining beautiful for years to come. The Garden Club partnered with the Waveny Park Conservancy in this effort.
The three gardens provide our residents and all visitors with a wonderful experience! We hope to see you in the garden, as there is much to learn and to enjoy.
