United States of America -- South Carolina -- Aiken County -- Aiken
The Balcony (Aiken, South Carolina)
Scope and Contents:
17 digital images and 1 digital file which includes a planting list and copy of Shipman's planting plan.
General:
The original 1930's garden design by landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman (1869-1950) still can be discerned in the mature trees and sculpted hedges of the 5.82-acre estate. The property was intended as a winter sporting retreat for the original owner so, given the economic uncertainty of the time, an ornate display of summer blooming plants was deemed unnecessary. The brick Georgian revival house built in 1930 and the landscaped grounds reflected the Country Place era – an emulation of an English country estate that would have existed for generations. The entire property is enclosed by a stucco high wall with an iron front gate and a wooden door inserted in wall in the 1950's for access to a private supper club on the adjacent property.
The level property has expansive lawns punctuated or bordered with camellias, hollies, tea olives, native magnolias and loblolly pine. Shipman defined and enclosed spaces but in a more naturalistic way on this property. Osmanthus fragrans x fortune (tea olive) border the lawn along the drive. A shaped boxwood hedge defines the walkway to the front door. Some of the varieties that were popular when the estate was planted are no longer available commercially, and a Carolina cherry laurel allée was replaced with azaleas as the original plant is invasive. Azalea drifts that flower in early spring replace the original design of viola, vinca, and spring bulbs. Crepe myrtles, nandina and magnolia grown at the entrance to the property. Behind the house there is a simple rectangular pool, a later addition but in Shipman's style. There are a dressage ring, stables, and grooms' cottages along with three paddocks on this polo player's property.
Persons associated with garden's design include: Julian Peabody (architect, 1929-1931) and Ellen Shipman (landscape architect (1930-1931).
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
USA, Walters (Larry), "Inspiration I" ("Lawn Chair Flight" 1982) [Documents]
Collection Creator:
National Air and Space Museum. Archives Division. Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
The majority of the Archives Department's public reference requests can be answered using material in these files, which may be accessed through the Reading Room at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. More specific information can be requested by contacting the Archives Research Request.