VanCleave HallScott-Hanna-Moore House · c. 1834
The wide front lawn of VanCleave Hall where a Southern-inspired garden of historic roses is being planted

Horticulture at VanCleave Hall

The Garden

A Southern-inspired garden of historic roses, now under design and taking root around a house built c. 1834.

The wraparound porch at VanCleave Hall with rocking chairs and its white spindle railing looking out over the grounds

A gardener's house

A rose garden for a historic home

VanCleave Hall's owner is a renowned gardener, and the grounds of this National Register-listed house are becoming a Southern-inspired garden resplendent with historic roses.

Historic roses, often called old garden roses or antique roses, are varieties with long pedigrees, many prized for their fragrance and their ease in a Southern garden. They suit a house with a long pedigree of its own. The heirloom varieties here are being chosen to bloom against the yellow clapboard and white gingerbread of the porch.

A garden in the makingThe garden is currently under design and development, and like all things worth waiting for, it takes time to come into its own. Visitors in these early seasons will see it taking shape, with new beds, young roses and paths still being laid.

  • Underway

    Historic rosesHeirloom varieties planted around the house

  • Underway

    Beds, paths and a ceremony lawnThe garden's bones, laid out for gatherings

  • Annual

    Garden PartyAn afternoon among the roses as the garden comes into bloom

For gardening enthusiasts

Come for the roses

Garden lovers are welcome at VanCleave Hall. Watch the garden grow from its first seasons, and pair a visit with Marion's historic homes and churches.

  • Garden visitsSee the roses on a private tour. Tours coming soon.
  • The Garden PartyAn annual afternoon among the historic roses. Dates are posted on the events page.
  • Stay from late 2027Overnight accommodations open in the fourth quarter of 2027.
  • Garden weddingsVows among the roses, with just 12 weddings a year.
Plan a garden visitSee eventsGarden weddings
VanCleave Hall's turret and wraparound porch above the lawn, with pumpkins lining the curved front walk
The grounds in autumn
Spindle frieze and gingerbread brackets along the porch against butter-yellow clapboard
Turned columns and scrolled brackets of the octagonal turret porch

Garden questions

Frequently asked

More about the garden as it grows. For anything else, send us a note.

What are historic roses?

Historic roses, often called old garden roses or antique roses, are long-established rose varieties with deep pedigrees. Many are prized for fragrance and for growing well in Southern gardens.

Can I visit the garden at VanCleave Hall?

Tours are coming soon, and garden visits will be part of them. VanCleave Hall is a private home, so please don't stop by unannounced. The garden is still under design and development, so expect a garden in progress that grows fuller each season.

Is the garden finished?

Not yet. The garden is currently under design and development, and like all gardens it takes time to come into its own. New beds, young roses and paths are being added season by season.

When is the Garden Party?

The Garden Party is an annual tradition held as the garden comes into bloom. Dates are posted on the VanCleave Hall events page each year.

Can we have a garden wedding?

Yes. Ceremonies can be held on the lawn among the roses, with a parlor plan ready in case of rain. VanCleave Hall hosts just 12 weddings a year.