The Hermitage is on a twelve-acre point that juts into the Lafayette River. Given the lack of open land in Norfolk, these twelve acres are important esthetically and environmentally. A variety of landscape types are represented: waterfront, wetlands, tidal pond, bog gardens, woods, gardens, and lawns. Extensive renovation of the grounds and gardens, in preparation for the Hermitage's hundredth anniversary in 2007, began in the spring of 2002, and the Finley Memorial Rose Garden was dedicated in December 2001. Most recently, in 2005, steps were taken to secure the historical south and east seawalls in preparation for the 2006 Wetlands Restoration. More information regarding the wetlands project and the building of a living shoreline can be attained by clicking here or contacting Yolima Carr, Curator of Gardens & Grounds.

Nature lovers, birders, gardeners, picnickers, and people who simply want to enjoy the beauty of a quiet spot in a crowded city appreciate the Hermitage grounds. On a single day in 2005, an experienced birder identified over 80 different species at the Hermitage. In addition to the house, several original outbuildings are on the grounds: the "gardner's" cottage; the VAS or Visual Arts School which was formerly the Sloane's carriage house, barns and stables; the water tower, which also housed the woodcarvers studio; and other storage buildings.


Gardens Surrounding the House
The Hermitage is surrounded by trees and gardens. At the front of the house museum, which faces north, a small tiled terrace outside the Gothic music room holds two of the many unique plant containers found throughout the property. From a shady alcove filled with camellias and ferns, a large and very old purple wisteria covers the museum entrance in the millstone courtyard. A long shade border is anchored by a Japanese maple, aucubas, and oakleaf hydrangeas.

Chinese snowballs, oakleaf hydrangeas, hellebores, hostas, Solomon's seal, Japanese anemones, holly ferns, rosemary, and other shade-loving perennials fill this border, which leads to an archway through the brick wall at the northeast corner of the house.

Visitors pass through the archway to reach a paved seating area. Continuiing around the house, one follows a colorful English-style perennial border. Plants include roses selected by Mrs. Sloane, daffodils, peonies, Japanese anemones, Russian sage, black-eyed susans, and other sun-loving perennials. A large southern magnolia stands sentinel on the east lawn.
The back patio features a bronze fountain, "Girl with a Shell" by Edward McCarten. Beyond the patio at the rear of the house, herbal plants such as rosemary, hollyhock, and fennel predominate under a handsomely carved niche by Karl von Rydingsvard in the 1920's. Around the next corner a handsome millstone courtyard edged with boxwood, camellias, crape myrtles, cedars, and pines affords a beautiful view of the Lafayette River. 103 historic millstones are located here and elsewhere on the Hermitage property.


Circular Garden The east end of the Hermitage looks out on a large circular semi-formal garden. This walled garden overlooking the Lafayette River features slate patios, a cobblestone walkway, and wrought-iron fences. Steps at one end lead to a millstone walkway where Mrs. Sloane had a bird aviary, while the other lead to wetlands. The plants include viburnums, smoke trees, lilacs, boxwoods, hydrangeas, daffodils, tulips, irises, peonies, daylilies, and ferns. Upon close investigation, the Virginia state champion Yaupon Holly can be seen along the shore line. Research is being conducted by the Curators of Gardens and Collections in efforts to restore portions of this gardens to it's formal beauty.


The Grotto An archway at the northeast corner of the Hermitage house museum leads to the walled garden, the children's garden, and a grotto. Dwarf evergreens form the backdrop for the David Turner bronze wildlife sculptures in the children's garden.

To reach the cherub and dolphin fountain in the grotto, visitors follow a longborder containing hollies, crape myrtles, cedars, azaleas, camellias, daffodils, irises, ferns, columbines, and hellebores. Shaded by a large live oak, the grotto remains cool even on the hottest days, as the birds well know. An adjoining bench built into the brick wall invites visitors to rest and to contemplate the expansive view and the nearby bog garden.

Visitors pass from the grotto to an area of flowering trees, such as viburnums, dogwoods, red buckeyes, and fringe trees. A perennial woodland garden of spiderwort, daisies, columbines, Queen Anne's lace, money plant, and dame's rocket serves as a transition to natural areas.



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© 2006 Hermitage Foundation Museum. All Rights Reserved.

Wetlands Restoration 2006

Summer Blooms at The Hermitage