Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden

The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden are managed by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America who explain that 'The present form of the Moffatt-Ladd garden was designed by Alexander Hamilton Ladd in the mid-19th Century. His daily records reveal that some of his plants were from the gardens of his mother and grandmother. The English damask rose was planted in 1768 by Mrs. Samuel Moffatt. The enormous horse chestnut tree, which is about 80 feet tall and 20 feet in circumference, was planted in 1776 by William Whipple upon his return from Philadelphia where he had just signed the Declaration of Independence. Known as the Tree of Independence, it was selected in the Year 2000 as The Millennium Landmark Tree for the State of New Hampshire.' In fact the style of the planting design is a blend of nineteenth century and twentieth century ideas, undoubtedly with an English flavour.

Head Gardener's Comment

The garden has been treated as a Colonial Revival garden since the New Hampshire Colonial Dames took over the house and garden in 1913. Care has been taken to preserve some of the more Victorian features of the Alexander Hamilton Ladd garden such as the grass steps and a curved pathway. There are twelve iindividual plots featuring a wide variety of perenials, herbs, and roses- the oldest rose dating back to the orignal garden of 1763. There are several notable trees the most outstanding being the huge horse chestnut tree planted by General William Whipple upon his return from signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Two large lawn areas are at either end of the garden and a newly restored mid-19th century coach house are available for public use.