Italian Garden Turns 100 Years Old

In 2010, Maymont celebrated the 100th anniversary of its Italian Garden. Major and Mrs. James H. Dooley originally commissioned Maymont’s gardens at the turn of the 20th century, and Noland and Baskervill of Richmond designed the Italian Garden, using elements of the classical style developed in Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries. As you stroll through this flower-filled city oasis, it is easy to forget that Maymont is a public park. The garden appears to be transported from another time and place with its dramatic pergola, exquisite stonework, statuary, gazebos, fountains, and, of course, beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees. The garden, which is open to the public year-round, is located closest to Maymont’s Hampton Street entrance at 1700 Hampton Street in Richmond, Virginia.