|
McCrillis Gardens was donated to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning
Commission in 1978 by its owners, William and Virginia McCrillis. Assistant to the
Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower,
William McCrillis amassed an impressive collection of azaleas, rhododendron, and
companion plants until his death in 1979.
Maintained today by Brookside Gardens, the five acres surrounding the stone house
have been refined as a premier shade garden made possible by the extensive managed
canopy of native deciduous trees. Choice ornamental trees and shrubs, bulbs, ground
covers and shade-loving perennials have been added to the already impressive list
of original plants.
In 1981, the Brookside Satsuki collection was transferred from Brookside to a glade-like
area east of the house for further evaluation; subsequently plants were added to the
collections at McCrillis or donated to other local azalea collections.
A pavilion and benches provide restful vantage points to enjoy masses of mature
azaleas and striking specimen trees. The gardens are small enough to see and large
enough to provide a peaceful site for uninterrupted reflection.
| 
