Gardens & Grounds
A Living Glimpse into the Past
The Formal Gardens, designed by Thomas Sears, are rooted along a central path that branches out to connect the ornamental garden and the vegetable garden. A cross path divides the Formal Gardens into four garden “rooms,” called parterres. These garden rooms serve as living collections, each with their own “exhibition” title: Pink & White Garden, West Rose Garden, East Rose Garden, and Blue & Yellow Garden.
In addition to these curated spaces, you’ll find Japanese-style tea houses, pergolas, two fountains, perennial and shrub borders, and specimen trees.
While landscape architects originally advocated for the Formal Gardens to be an extension of the main residence, Katharine Reynolds wanted her gardens to be an extension of the greenhouses. This allowed the gardens to be accessible to the public from Reynolda Road and ensured the privacy of the family.
Explore the Gardens
Gardens Events
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Aug 5, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…
Aug 12, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…
Aug 26, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…
Sep 1, 2026, 12:30pm — 1:30pm
Get an inside look at what’s included in the popular annual Fall Plant Sale at Reynolda Gardens. Gardens Director Jon Roethling will share seasonal must-haves and identify those in short supply so y…
Sep 2, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…
Sep 9, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…