A Countryside Kitchen Garden Upgrade at a Historic Mansion

At a historic stone mansion in Upper Marlboro, I partnered with my client to bring a kitchen garden to life—one that flourishes as both a source of abundant harvest and a peaceful retreat. Nestled among fig trees and elevated above the rolling countryside, the garden is a harmonious blend of productivity and beauty, perfectly integrated into its historic surroundings.

The Design

We created a mix of raised and in-ground beds to provide both flexibility and a visually appealing layout:

• 4 raised beds (8’ x 4’, 22" deep)

• 2 raised beds (8’ x 4’, 11" deep)

• 2 in-ground beds

The beds sit on an organic foundation of mulch, complemented by sod walkways and neatly edged borders. This approach gives the garden a natural, inviting feel, while the cedar beds and trellises—including a central arch and nine obelisks—add structure, elegance, and functionality.

I supplied pre-cut cedar boards, rich soil from Veterans Compost, and the trellises, while the client selected their own plants. This collaborative approach allowed us to align the garden design perfectly with her vision, combining aesthetic appeal with practical growing space.

Installation and Layout

With careful planning, all beds were installed and filled in a single day. Weed fabric lines each bed to support long-term soil health. The layout emphasizes symmetry and visual balance, with the arch in the center and a bench at the far end—creating a serene space to sit, enjoy the garden, and take in the breathtaking views of the countryside.

The Garden in Action

This garden produces both beauty and bounty. Fig trees frame the space, adding charm without shading the vegetables. Beds of varying depths allow for versatile planting: leafy greens, root vegetables, and seasonal crops like broccoli raab thrive in this well-planned environment. With proper guidance on planting and watering, the garden yields an abundant harvest while remaining a delightful retreat.

Highlights

• Symmetry and structure: Central arch and aligned beds create an elegant, harmonious layout.

• Versatile planting: Different bed depths support crop rotation and diverse harvests.

• Scenic integration: The garden blends seamlessly with the historic mansion and surrounding countryside.

• Inviting retreat: The bench at the far end provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Lessons Learned

Every garden teaches something new, and this one offered a few insights to keep in mind:

·     Plan for protection: A taller deer fence ensures your harvest stays plentiful and allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor with peace of mind.

·  Attention to detail pays off: Narrower 4" trim boards provide stability and clean lines, helping the garden feel polished and elegant.

·  Seasonal planting maximizes success: Timing crops to the right season, like planting brassicas in the fall, ensures a productive, abundant harvest.

·  Collaboration brings the vision to life: Working closely with the client allowed us to create a garden that is both functional and stunning—a space that’s enjoyable to work in and beautiful to behold.

With nearly 200 square feet of growing space, this kitchen garden demonstrates how thoughtful design, collaboration, and attention to detail can create a productive, abundant, and visually stunning landscape that feels timeless.