This project involves the design of a water feature for the Daylily Garden at Heritage Museums and Gardens, whose mission is to promote American culture through excellence in horticulture, garden design and exhibits. The site consisted of a mature stand of trees separating the main entry level with the lower elevation of the Daylily Garden. The design, inspired by the age of gristmills and historic flumes found throughout New England, is a 208 feet long, two-foot wide mirror of water that slides through the existing stand of woodland and pours over and down into the water garden. The weathered, cinnamon-tone steel resembles the surrounding tree bark and was designed to integrate with the hues of the existing flora. The flume is experienced upon arrival to the Visitor’s Center with a level channel at the terrace extending deep into the existing vegetation. As the visitor slowly descends down a slope, the structure disappears and reappears at the Daylily Garden, where it terminates as a twenty-six foot tall waterfall. The water garden is defined by native granite stone edges and invites visitors to explore the water plants and garden collection.

Recognition
American Society of Landscape Architects | Award of Excellence in Design 2019
Boston Society of Landscape Architects | Honor Award 2014

Photography
Charles Mayer
Ngoc Doan
STIMSON