Presidential Gardens 
By Hilda M. Morrill
April 23, 2010

Visiting the historic Adams Mansion in Quincy, MA, is always a treat. But for garden lovers, even more so!

In the spring, the lower orchard is aglow with thousands of daffodils under canopies of fragrant pink-and-white apple blossoms. Perennials burst forth in the more formal upper gardens, watched over by a majestic yellowwood tree.

What makes it all the more fascinating is the fact that the house and gardens were once the home of John and Abigail Adams, ultimately housing four generations of Adamses. Originally a farmhouse, it's the place where the second president of the United States lived, worked and died. Named "Peacefield" by John and Abigail, in the 1870's the country estate would become known as the "Old House" to their descendants.

In 1788 John Adams is quoted as saying, "It is but the farm of a Patriot." On leaving the presidency he wrote, "The remainder of my days will probably be spent in the labors of agriculture...of which I have always taken more delight than in any public office...."

According to Bob McKenzie, longtime head gardener at the mansion, the garden boasts original lilacs, wisterias and a Yorkist rose that were planted during John and Abigail's time.

In addition to daffodils, Abigail also planted delphiniums, four o'clocks, nasturtiums, sweet bay shrubs and tree peonies.

As much as possible, everything in the gardens today reflects the four generations of Adamses who have lived there. But every fall Bob McKenzie and his crew plant more and more daffodil bulbs - to add to the beauty of the spectacular spring show.

Each generation of Adamses added it own touches. Where there was once a kitchen garden, there is now a traditional English formal garden. The original paths were lined on either side by a dwarf box hedge imported from England.

John Quincy Adams (son of John and Abigail and the sixth president of the United States) is said to have been very sad about having to cut down the althea planted by his mother Abigail.

He was the one who had granite posts installed at the front entrance, still welcoming visitors all these years later.

His wife, Louisa Catherine, planted the yellowwood tree, which she brought to Massachusetts from the nation's capital in Washington, D.C. The magnificent tree is still there for all to enjoy, even in early spring before it leafs out. John Quincy Adams was also responsible for the planting of oriental poppies.

It was Mrs. Charles Francis Adams (daughter-in-law of John Quincy Adams) who planted bleeding heart, iris, daylilies, phlox, peonies and dahlias. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Adams (the fourth generation of Adamses) added hydrangeas as well as ferns that were transplanted from the lowlands of the nearby Blue Hills.

The reality is that the gardens and orchard are beautiful in every season, although according to Bob McKenzie, "It really shines the third week in July!"

Don't miss this treat. Visit often if you can. Admission to the gardens is free.

While you're there, for a small fee, why not visit the mansion and adjacent library, too? The Adams National Historic Site is managed by the National Park Service. For more information, call 617-770-1175 or visit www.nps.gov/adam.

Enjoy!

Note: A version of this article (written and photographed by Hilda M. Morrill) originally appeared in the publication, "New England Lifestyles," Spring 2004. At press time, it is also scheduled to appear in the May 2010 issue of "The Senior Times."