Chimes Tower District

Aerial view of large grassy area with a small pond and stone tower surrounded by a forest

About This District

Originally designed as an arresting backdrop for the Main Fountain Garden, the Chimes Tower District is now a series of standout gardens and water features that warrant more than just a passing glance. The Hillside Garden features an enviable roster of rare and unique plants, thriving harmoniously throughout the sun-dappled slopes. At the crest of the hill, Oak and Conifer Knoll boasts an array of celebrated tree specimens, with some planted during founder Pierre S. du Pont’s time. The Eye of Water, Pear-Shaped Basin, and Waterfall—all originally part of the gravity-fed pump and reservoir system that once serviced the Main Fountain Garden—are three unique, and interconnected destinations for your exploration.

Gardens in this District

  • Hillside Garden
    a walkway lined with green trees and shrubs

    Hillside Garden

    Dappled sun flirts with open vistas and shady, intimate perspectives as you wander the paths past beds brimming with a who’s who of rare and unique plants from around the world, set to the occasional tones of the historic Chimes Tower.

  • Oak and Conifer Knoll
    A path winds through a walkway of green trees and bushes

    Oak and Conifer Knoll

    Towering, century-old trees and sun-dappled vistas await in this living gallery of champion specimens with four seasons of stunning highlights. In the early spring, sweeps of colorful geophytes bloom to create a stunning tapestry.

What’s in Bloom

  • Red berries against green foliage

    Winterberry Holly

    Ilex verticillata ′Winter Red′

    Native to eastern North America, this deciduous holly can commonly be found in swamps, low woods, along streams and ponds, and in damp thickets. The bright red berries appear in late summer and persist on the plant until spring, providing an important food source for many birds, including the American Robin. Winterberry Holly also goes by the name Fever Bush, due to its medicinal use by indigenous Americans.  Hollies are dioicous meaning you need both male and female plants for reliable fruit production. Grow extra Winterberry so you can use some berries in holiday decorations!  Look for a variety of Winterberry cultivars throughout the gardens!  

  • Purple Beautyberry

    Callicarpa dichotoma