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

  • Small blue star-shaped flowers on two foot plant with narrow leaves

    Arkansas Amsonia

    Amsonia hubrichtii

    Amsonia hubrichtii was named  “Perennial Plant of the Year” by the Perennial Plant Association in 2011. This species is truly distinctive and extraordinary, with clusters of powder-blue flowers in April and May. It grows to a height and width of 2 to 3 feet. In the fall, its golden-orange color rivals the best trees and shrubs. This clump-forming herbaceous perennial prefers full sun to partial shade and is native to the central and northeastern United States. Additionally, it is deer and disease resistant.

  • Enkianthus

    Enkianthus cernuus f. rubens
  • Florida Anise-tree

    Illicium ′Woodland Ruby′
  • Six petalled flower with alternating red and green petals

    Furrowed Trillium

    Trillium sulcatum
  • Small purple flower with rounded petals and a small yellow center.

    Cranesbill

    Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan’s Variety'
  • Striking semi-double bright deep-pink ruffled flowers that bloom later than most azaleas..

    Glenn Dale Hybrid Azalea 'Cremona'

    Rhododendron 'Cremona'
  • Carpet Bugleweed

    Ajuga reptans ′Catlin’s Giant′
  • Hybrid Herbaceous Peony

    Paeonia ′Coral Sunset′

    Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' is known for its splendid color transformation. The blooms open in a vibrant coral-peach tone and gradually fade to softer shades of apricot and cream as they age.  This variety is among the earlier herbaceous peonies to bloom in late spring to early summer, making it a great choice for extending the peony flowering season in your garden. 'Coral Sunset' has received the American Peony Society Gold Medal, a testament to its exceptional beauty, and garden performance.

  • Purple flowers with lance-shaped leaves grow along stream.

    Wild Iris

    Iris versicolor
  • Tree with green leaves and white flowers.

    Japanese Flowering Dogwood

    Cornus kousa

    Cornus kousa, commonly known as Japanese flowering dogwood, is native to eastern Asia. This tree delights in all four seasons. In late spring, after the foliage has emerged, it has an abundance of creamy white bracts which are long lasting.  Flowers are followed by bright, red fruit that is a compound berry about one inch in diameter and resembles a raspberry.  These fruits are edible and a sweet and delicious addition to the tree's ornamental value.  The deep red fall foliage and the stunning exfoliated bark give fall and winter interest.  Cornus kousa is slower growing and later blooming than other dogwood trees. With age it reaches 30 feet high and can look quite stately.