Elegant and unique, the Acacia Passage is vividly remembered by our guests for years afterward. In February and March, puffs of sunny yellow emerge from the branches. When coupled with the fragrant leaves, the very welcome burst of optimistic color adds a pop to winter’s muted tones. While you’re here, take note of the elegant, understated design of the narrow space, which provides a symmetrical contrast to the organic shapes of the dangling branches.
About This Garden
The cinnamon wattle (Acacia leprosa), a species that is native to Australia, is actually a member of the bean family and is named for the subtle, spicy scent that is emitted from its leaves. With the exception of a 1988 renovation, Acacia leprosa has always been grown in this narrow, high-ceilinged room. We’ve trained about a dozen of these very special plants to arch over the walkway, which allows the pendulous branches to surround our guests in a fringed blanket of green. Complementary plantings change seasonally, adding punctuations of color and texture to this verdant tunnel. On occasion, impressive, oversized hanging baskets are suspended above, creating the sense of total immersion in the world of plants.
