Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Moon gate in the works for Green Spring

The arrow points to the location of the Moon Gate Garden at Green Spring Gardens. [Park Authority]

A moon gate is coming to Green Spring Gardens. Plans for a new Moon Gate Garden began in 2020 when Green Spring celebrated its 50th anniversary.

An example of a moon gate. [Park Authority]

Moon gates originated in ancient Asian gardens.

“Guests who passed through them were symbolically granted an auspicious welcome and good fortune,” The Fairfax County Park Authority explains. “In garden design, they provide enticing passageways or window views from one space into another, piquing curiosity about what lies beyond.”

The moon gate at Green Spring Gardens is expected to become a popular backdrop for photography and events.

The Moon Gate Garden project will include a mix of traditional and modern design concepts.

It will be situated at the apex of a sight line established by trailblazing garden designer Beatrix Farrand and will offer, views of the ponds below.

Farrand designed the landscaping at Green Spring Gardens in 1942.

The Green Spring moon gate will be inspired by Farrand’s iconic moon gate feature at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in Maine.

The new garden is still in the conceptual and design phase. The Fairfax County Park Foundation is raising funds to complete the project. Donations can be made here.

3 responses to “Moon gate in the works for Green Spring

  1. Beautiful park slowly getting destroyed by irresponsible dog owners let dogs run, urinate, and dedicate all over the garden — a investment of taxes, time, and passion – just treated like the personal dog bathroom of a few losers. The huge dog park at Mason is less than a mile away — but dog owners with no appreciation of the garden and home site just want more and more space. Enough!

  2. I wish they would not allow dogs, this is such a lovely garden and I think it should only be for people.

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