HORTICULTURAL AUTHENTICITY

The extensive estate at Monmouth has been lovingly restored to match the opulent gardens and grounds first envisioned by the plantation’s most famous owner, General John Quitman. In the General’s era, newspapers frequently wrote of Monmouth, noting the “flowery bowers, with shadowy lawns and honeysuckle retreats.” In his efforts to create a showplace, the General planted orchards heavy with fruit-laden trees, ornamentals and perennials of every sort, and tendril-twining plant-life from all over the world. 

Our contemporary landscape architecture was researched and designed with an eye to authenticity in hopes of capturing the plantation’s original splendor. When owners Ron and Lani Riches first purchased the property more than 30 years ago and began the restoration process, the California couple began filling the 26-acre site with native and period plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. 

Today, elms, oaks, holly, sumac, and magnolias flourish, just as they did nearly 200 years ago during General Quitman’s era. Green-thumbs and Mother Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate our flower-festooned pergola, rose gardens, tulip beds, daffodils, azaleas, bloom-filled cutting gardens, and the fragrant chef's herb garden that provides the mint for our secret recipe Mint Juleps. In fact, guests and visitors are invited each evening at twilight for a self-guided stroll through the grounds and gardens with our signature Mint Julep Tour. 

Pebble-lined pathways lead guests on a contemplative tour throughout the estate, marked by Monmouth’s signature collection of angel statuary. You will no doubt be joined on your stroll by the occasional curious chipmunk or scampish squirrel, while tuneful songbirds and softly humming cicadas provide a gentling soundtrack to complete nature’s perfect picture.