Visitors to McMinnville always comment
on the landscaping nurseries that line every highway coming
into Warren County.
For years, this area has been known
as "the nursery capital of the world."
Ironically, dead cows led to the proliferation
of plant nurseries that started in the late 1800's. Some of
J.H.H. Boyd's stock died from mysterious causes, and an autopsy
revealed that they had been eating seeds of a native plant
called "sweet shrub." It turned out that the seeds
were valuable for medicinal purposes.
Wondering what else was growing wild
in the region, Mr. Boyd eventually learned that there were
more species of plants native to this area than most anywhere
in the U.S. or Europe.
Today, there are hundreds of certified
nurseries in the county.
Over the past several years, Falcon
Rest has taken advantage of this valuable resource by initiating
an extensive landscaping program. Hundreds of evergreens and
flowering shrubs from local nurseries now compliment the courtyard,
fountain, walkways, statues that dot the mansion's five-acre
grounds.
More plants and flowers are scheduled
to be added as the evergreens mature. |
The
interior of courtyard off the mansion's back veranda features
a brick walkway, wrought-iron gazebo, and bronze Italian fountain.
Boxwoods, Irish junipers, arborvitae, and roses complete the
setting for weddings and outdoor parties.