Tucked away in the far corner of the Linnaeus Gardens behind the Vegetable Garden and east of the Barn is one of the prettiest gardens in the complex. It is a lovely and intimate space abounding in exuberant color and motion. And it challenges all of the senses.

Why then such a pedestrian name as “Study Garden”? In the overwhelming challenge of creating the Gardens, the creativity gave out when it came to naming this special place. It was obvious that the name needed to be changed. After a year of observation, head scratching and the rejection of some good possibilities, such as the Reflection Garden or the Proposal Garden, and some truly awful suggestions, it became obvious that the Garden should be named after its most striking feature. That feature, dramatic and serene, is the Fountain that dominates the center of the space. And thus, the Study Garden has been transformed into the Fountain Garden.

The Fountain Garden offers the most architectural form of the gardens. Laid out on a strongly symmetrical pattern with the slate gray sheet of water and the upthrust basalt monoliths as a centerpiece, the world is suddenly ordered and comprehensible. The huge chess squares of the pavement surrounding the pool are wide enough to invite strolling and dawdling. The three arbors that anchor three of the sides of the Garden suggest that a short rest on the stone benches would be pleasant. And once seated, it is easy to watch time flow by as you enjoy the sounds of the water, the scent of the roses, and the lush beauty of the flowers all around. If you have brought your sketchpad, as so many art classes have, you can spend a morning sketching and capturing the mood of the place. Children love to pat and splash at the edge of the pool. Sweethearts find a place to discuss important matters. Gardeners make notes of plants of particular interest. It is a smallish space, and yet it easily accommodates all this at one time without seeming to crowd.

Fred Schone, the curator of the Garden, says that two things have struck him this year. The first was, as mentioned above, how many people find that the benches in the arbors cause them to linger and enjoy. And the second was how much the garden has matured. It looks established, and in fact it needs a bit of persuasion to stay put. The east border, with plants that are more typical of the English cottage garden, has a few boisterous inhabitants that need firm correction. The west border, with plants that are more representative in form of our grasslands, is developing an integrated character. Meantime, several donations from Linnaeus Gardeners and specialty plants from sponsors have caused a lot of comment. The foxgloves have been superstars this year. It is hard to be sure if that is due to the gardener’s skill or the prolonged wet spring-like weather. There is no doubt at all as to why the copper hibiscus is a star. It is big, bold, and glamorous. And the over-the-top showiness of the Glory Bright daylily is bound to be an eye catcher. Fred has also noted that some plants that were considered to have been boring last year are showing off well this year, while several of last year’s showiest specimens are …disappointing.

This is a garden that will always be changing as crevice plants come in to decorate the paving squares, and designers suggest plant pairings that are worthy of note. But is will always retain its overall allure as a place to sit and watch the water sparkle, the grasses blow, and a bumblebee hard at work on a blossom. If you can’t find this hidden spot easily, ask one of the volunteers for directions.