Lakes District

The Lakes District, with its postcard-perfect scenery, is known to spark a distinct state of serenity. Open vistas, rolling green lawns, sparkling water, and splashing fountains recall a Victorian holiday from days gone by, reminding us of the joy of fresh air, a nice walk, and an exquisite view.

About This District

This area, which includes the Italian Water Garden and the Large and Small Lakes, reflects two of our founder Pierre S. du Pont’s passions: the beauty of water, and his delight in providing spaces for public enjoyment. Soon after he purchased the property in 1906 he began restorations to this area. The Large and Small Lakes provide open, spacious views, which serve as a welcome moment of decompression after leaving the more intimate pathways of Peirce’s Woods and Peirce’s Park. In 1925 Pierre embarked upon the construction of the Italian Water Garden, which added contrasting elements of formal design to the more naturalistic setting of the surrounding landscapes. In 2008, we added a new surprise for guests to enjoy–the Canopy Cathedral Treehouse.

Gardens in this District

Italian Water Garden

Italian Water Garden

Enclosed by pristine allées of littleleaf lindens and mature evergreens, this formal space, with its symmetrical blue-tiled pools and splashing fountains, offers the allure of a secret garden.
Large & Small Lake

Large & Small Lake

Take in the expansive views of rolling green lawns, midnight-blue water, and trees that reach for the sky. Nearby Cathedral Canopy Treehouse offers a chance for inspired exploration and new-found vistas.

District Highlights

A stone decorative gazebo stands tall under green trees

A wooden two-story treehouse sits among a large area of trees with green and orange leaves

Four rectangular pools of water with fountains in the middle surrounded a small circular fountain with green grass surrounding them all

Two people look out a large wooden with a wood lattice out at an area of green grass and trees

A row of green trees is reflected below in a large calm lake

A stone decorative structure stands on the edge of a large lake with dormant winter trees surrounding

Small water fountains arch over a larger pool of water in the ground surrounded by green grass

What’s in Bloom

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia ′Flemygea′ Snow Queen

Snow Queen oakleaf hydrangea is an elegant deciduous shrub, with deep green foliage during the growing season turning wine-colored in the autumn. The panicles of white flowers bloom through June and into July fading to pink and finally a handsome russet in the fall. Snow Queen will grow to six feet high with an equal spread and does well in sun or shade. Hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

The bald cypress is a remarkable tree native to the southeastern United States, especially thriving in the swampy bayous and river floodplains of the Gulf Coast. Despite being a conifer, it is a deciduous tree meaning it drops its soft, feathery needles each fall, earning it the name “bald” cypress. In autumn, its foliage transforms into a stunning rusty orange, Its famous “knees” or woody projections that rise from its roots help the tree survive in waterlogged soils. The bald cypress provides vital habitat for herons, wood ducks, owls, and turtles, offering nesting sites and shelter among its trunks. Both ancient and resilient, it’s a true icon of America’s wetlands! The elegant bald cypress allée (aka Flower Garden Drive), stretches in parallel rows, originally planted by the Peirce brothers in the 19th century and later enhanced and preserved by Pierre S. du Pont in the early 20th century. Today, the towering trees frame a tranquil vista that is ablaze of fall color each year, a living legacy of vision, history, and natural beauty. Be sure to check out the bonsai specimen in the Bonsai Courtyard!
Swamp-haw

Viburnum nudum 'Longwood'