Restoration Projects
The timeless vision and timely ideas of landscape architect Lester Collins call for unique preservation and education efforts. With increased support from generous donors, Innisfree has embarked on several major restoration projects—the first in the garden’s ninety-year history.
Like Collins, our work is rooted in developing a deep understanding of this landscape and its place in the world. In 2021, we completed a four-year strategic plan. Last summer, we began work with Charles Birnbaum of the Cultural Landscape Foundation to develop clear guiding principles. Together with research, documentation, and analysis underway for our Cultural Landscape Report (CLR), these principles will inform all of our work at Innisfree—from capital projects and day-to-day maintenance to programming and outreach. A growing community of generous donors is supporting our tremendous progress.
Read about that progress below.
The Burly Wall
This important feature forms the northeast section of the Terraces, opposite the Meadow Stream and is almost to grade roughly where the North Lawn begins. The name derives from the rough boulders that were stacked to create this retaining wall.
Stone Mountain
Created by Walter Beck in 1938, Stone Hill became known as Stone Mountain after the house was removed in 1982. Within the open space north of The Point, Beck balanced the picturesque rocks of Stone Mountain without using mortar, and the structure was enveloped in flowering vines.
Tyrrel Lake
Tyrrel Lake is the jewel in this 185-acre glacial landscape. Alive with reflections and patterns of waves and light, as well as flora and fauna, the lake animates the garden. In 1969, Collins’ first major project at the garden included dredging the shallow north end of the lake to restore open water.
Entrance Drive
In early 2023, work began on the maintenance of Innisfree’s driveway to improve drainage, create more functional pullouts for passing cars, and regrade the surface for durability.
The Meadow Stream
In 2021, garden designer Asher Brown was brought in to address the erosion issues above and below the Yarimizu (oxbow). Like Collins, he lived and worked in Japan, and his practice is rooted in the traditional Japanese techniques and aesthetics that Collins employed at Innisfree.
Stonework
Unusual rockwork is a defining feature at Innisfree, be it individual standing stones, picturesque groupings, or the many lovely stone walls and stairs integrated with the landscape.