AIS Region 4: District of Columbia, Maryland,
North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
ß Weston Manor
Lucy Ann Bohannan
127 Sherwood Dr.
phone: 804-458-7741
Hopewell, Virginia 23860-1931
20H + other bearded
Facility: Weston Manor is a restored colonial mansion dating back
to 1735 and is located on a bluff overlooking the Appomattox River.
It is one of several historic sites in the area that are open
to the public.
Its gardens contained many older irises and was cared for by Mrs.
Beryl Lemmond in it's early restoration during the 70s and 80s.
In 1991, Cameron Hall, with the help of Mike and Anne Lowe, donated
and planted a collection of pre-1930s irises. Mrs. Lucy Ann Bohannan
has been the curator for some time, and she states that the irises
are still blooming beautifully. Unfortunately, some children from
a near-by housing developement removed the name tags. The cultivars
are easily identified when in bloom.
Some of the different varieties are: Baldwin, Bruno, Celeste,
Col. Candelot, Dawn, Deputé Nomblot, Dolly Madison, Gajus,
Glowing Embers, Honorabile, Innocenza, Lent A. Williamson, Loreley,
Ma Mie, Mildred Presby, Mme. Chereau, PeacockÆs Eye, Pfauenauge,
Pluie d'Or, Quaker Lady, Sambucina, Troost, Vert Galant and Zwanenburg.
This past year has been rather stressful due to drought, lack
of volunteers and injuries sustained by Lucy Ann. She is hopeful
that this 'new year' will be better.
Open: the garden is open for viewing at all times
Restrooms: when Manor House is open (9 - 5), April 1 - Oct. 31
Directions: Rte.10, Hopewell. It is well marked on Rte.36, off
21st St., opposite the cemetery.
Restaurants: no facilites on the premeises
Bloom-time: Best time for the irises are in mid-May, good idea
to call ahead.
Adequate parking for buses