Haywood Hall

Description

Treasurer John Haywood built Haywood Hall to please his wife, Elizabeth Eagles Asaph Willliams Haywood , and to encourage her to remain in the capital city, of which she was initially none too fond. Eliza, an enthusiastic gardener who especially loved roses, hydrangeas, and bulbs of all kinds, found great joy in the gardens of Haywood Hall. One of the first trees planted by the Haywoods is the large Brazilian Magnolia in the side yard. Records vary as to whether this was a seed or seedling gift to the Haywoods. In either case, it flourished and its limbs swept the ground until the 1960s when it was trimmed. Eliza exchanged plants and seedlings with her many friends and relatives. Native holly and azaleas found in swamps around Wilmington, North Carolina, were brought to Raleigh specifically for her garden. She established a box hedge across the front yard. Eliza planted a Kentucky coffee bean tree, which she loved - near where the present American Legion Building is located. That tree was destroyed in the 1980s but it was later replaced by one that is now to the right of the steps as one approaches the house from the street. Eliza ’s garden was resplendent with color from Baby ’s Breath, Candytuft, Butterfly Weed, Coreopsis, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lemon Lily, Lavender, Orris Root, Peonies, Sweet Violets, Sweet William, Yarrow (pink and pearl,) Siberian Iris, Day Lilies, Feverfew, Hops Vine, Sweet Peas, Morning Glories, Foxglove, Aster, Hollyhocks, Phlox, Daisies, Bachelor Buttons, Ragged Robin, and Camellias. It was meandered by yellow Jasmine and pink Columbine, adding to the profusion of blossoms and color. Following the wisdom of the times, Eliza ’s garden was a potager fleuris – for among her flowers, she planted a large herb garden and a kitchen garden. Mrs. Haywood was known far and wide for her culinary expertise, complementing Treasurer Haywood who was known for his constant political soirees when they served many delicacies from Eliza ’s gardens. In one extant letter to her mother, Eliza remarks after three weeks of entertaining “Mr. Haywood has gone out to dinner, I can undress and go to bed! ” Eliza planted Crepe Myrtle, both lavender and pink, throughout the property. There were many oaks and maples. She planted hicknut trees, a variety of pecan which bear a sweet nut. There were trees and vines with figs, scuppernong grapes, damson plums, apples and peaches. Jellies and preserves Eliza made from the fruits of her garden delighted Haywood friends and relatives. Eliza and her daughters, Betsey John and Frances Ann, started a boarding school in Haywood Hall in 1830, which the daughters continued until the 1880s. Although the girls were more concerned with maintaining the property than beautifying the garden, the herbs remained – mints, rosemary, parsley, onion, and varieties of garlic – and were used in cooking. During the girls ’ tenure of residence, Dr. Dick Haywood (son of Sherwood, John ’s brother) increased the gardens ’ biodiversity by bringing ivy from Kenilworth Castle, upon his return from medical studies in Edinburgh University. Eliza also had a gazebo built where she enjoyed her gardens and played with her children.

Products & services

Similar companies nearby