George Washington’s fondness for experimental gardening is shown by the care with which he arranged these terraced beds for growing small fruits and vegetables for the use of his household. His diary is evidence enough of the eagerness with which he selected the best-known seed and exploited, with more or less success, the latest improvements in horticulture.

Sheltered by the walls he built, scions of original fig bushes still flourish, while bordering the cross walk to the gate, the box hedge he planted has developed to unusual proportions.