Repository: UIHistories Project: Map of UIUC (2001) (Allerton) [PAGE 50]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE TREATMENT PLAN ROBERT ALLERTON PARK, MONTICELLO, ILLINOIS

ISSUES/RECOMMENDATIONS

This garden has been through a series of major changes – from rose garden to shady perennial garden to site of the Chinese Musicians to site of the Sea Maidens. It has gone from a sunny space to a shady space to a sunny space. Today it is a remnant that doesn’t reflect the garden’s appearance at any time during Allerton’s occupancy. The arborvitae are particularly out of character with the intended design for this space. The recommended treatment for this garden is restoration to the circa 1946 appearance as shown in image HGR-35. This was John Allerton’s intended planting to accompany the Sea Maidens, which have remained in place here since their acquisition in 1935. Before replacement plantings are installed, problems with brick walls, which exhibit efflorescence and spalling on the south side, should be resolved. Rebuilding/repair of walls is addressed in conjunction with recommendations for the Brick Wall Garden.

2A. Plantings

Current arborvitae are post-1948 replacement plantings, which are the wrong scale and character for this space. Remove arborvitae, including the fifth one on the west side of the Brick Wall Garden, and replace those on the terrace with four disease resistant elms or other species with similar form. Recommended elms include: Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’ or U. americana ‘New Harmon or Ulmus parvifolia ‘Allee.’ Re-establish honeysuckle along wall as documented in 1948 plant list. Remove Alberta spruce, which do not appear in historic photos. Restore/replace privet hedge in accordance with 1948 description.

2B. Steps Leading to Rose Terrace

Existing steps are cracked and risers are inconsistent in height. Rebuild steps concrete to make risers even.

2C. Sea Maidens

Retain Sea Maidens in this location. Clean and maintain sculptures and columns per conservator’s recommendations.

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