Photo Gallery I by W&M graduate alum Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph

Photo Gallery II by W&M graduate alum Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph

Spring Views of the Garden by W&M graduate alum Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph

Originally a small bulb and azalea garden, improvements have been made to it over the years. The plant collection now contains both weedy and herbaceous material. One interesting aspect of the garden is the presence of both tropical and semi-tropical plants – plants that are not ordinarily found in local gardens. Typically, the garden has nine varieties of plants in these categories. It also hosts an estimated 5,000 bulbs of various kinds.

This map of Williamsburg shows where the Adams Garden is located. You will also find a campus map.

See also this schematic drawing of the garden platt that will eventually detail the location of the more permanent plants in the garden.

Its Movers and Shakers
The Adams Garden has matured through the dedicated work of Madelynn Watkinson, a volunteer from Williamsburg who has worked with support from the College staff to create a quiet point of beauty. Madelynn started to weed the garden on her own in 1986 and got two parking tickets while doing so. Roy Williams (W&M Facilities Managment Director at the time) ended up giving Madelynn a parking permit so that she could continue her work. He then designed the seating arrangement and flow of the garden which, at that point, became an official College garden. The rest is history.

If you would like to comment about the Adams Garden and have it posted here, send us a note.

Its Funding
Limited funding is provided by the College and through the support of visitors and friends of the College. In 2003 the Greater Williamsburg Community Trust gave a $1,000.00 grant to the Endowment Association of the College to be applied toward the Adams Garden greenhouse heating expenses.

But we are now looking to endow the Adams Garden so that it can continue in perpetuity. Everyone knows that we won't find another Madelynn Watkinson to care for it on her own.

An endowment will ensure that the garden will continue to provide students, staff and friends of the College a haven of beauty within the College and surrounding community. The needed budget will (1) pay knowledgeable staff to work in the garden at least three days a week year-round; (2) cover greenhouse heating expenses; (3) pay for needed fertilizers and the occasional replacement plants; (4) replenish the oyster shells for the garden's walkways; and (5) maintain the garden's perimeter fence and benches.

The goal is for the Adams Garden to remain a mature, cultivated, all-season perennial garden that is kept in as natural a state as possible. And the College's current facilities management director, John D. McFarlane, knows exactly what is needed to keep it that way. Contact John for additional information: telephone +1 (757) 221-2256, Fax +1 (757) 221-2254, e-mail: jdmcfa@wm.edu

How You Can Help
Tax-deductible donations may be designated for the Adams Garden expendable account. Such donations, with a short letter of intent and your check made out to "The College of William and Mary," should be mailed to Brenda Denton in gift accounting who will send you a tax receipt:

You can also consider making a specific bequest to the Adams Garden in your Last Will and Testament.

Madelynn Watch!
If you are lucky, you might encounter Madelynn in the Adams Garden on a sunny morning, before the sun becomes too intense. She usually wears sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, and is about as big as a minute. You will probably find her clip-clip-clipping away in a bouquet of perennials. She wants you to know that this is not her garden, just one that she has lovingly tended for oh, so many years now.

View a photo of Madelynn in the Adams Garden, all 76 pounds of her.