Mary Brophy - The Rockingham Project

One of Stony Brook Garden Club’s longest- running projects, from 1960 to 2013, was its commitment to creating and maintaining gardens for Rockingham, an historically important building owned by the state. From researching and building the gardens to tending them and providing educational programs, SBGC helped keep history alive.

The Rockingham Historic Site, built in the early 18th century and long associated with the Berrien family, holds a distinguished place in American history as the final headquarters of George Washington from August to November 1783. It was here that Washington composed his Farewell Orders to the Continental Army, marking the close of the Revolutionary War.

Rockingham’s survival into the present day is itself a remarkable story. The house was moved multiple times, first in 1897, again in the mid-20th century, and ultimately in 2001. It endured periods of neglect and adaptive reuse, including service as a dormitory for quarry workers.

A pivotal chapter in its preservation came through the efforts of Tommy and Betty Alsop. The landscape surrounding the house owes much of its vitality to the Stony Brook Garden Club, whose involvement began in the early 1960s. Under the leadership of then-president Jane Pierce, the Club received permission to create gardens on the site. Early efforts transformed what had been a damaged and neglected landscape into a place of purpose and promise.

The Club’s connection to Rockingham was firmly established in 1964, when, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, members created the first garden on the site. An herb garden, designed by Helen Griffin and executed by Club members, was planted at Washington’s headquarters in Rocky Hill. The project was both ambitious and successful, earning the Sears Roebuck Award. It was given to garden clubs and civic groups in recognition of outstanding horticultural or community projects, and setting a standard for the Club’s future work.

This early garden, influenced in part by Williamsburg- style interpretations, evolved over time. With guidance from landscape historian Rudy Favretti, the design was reconsidered and simplified to reflect a more practical and authentic 18th-century working landscape. The focus shifted toward a kitchen garden and educational features that illustrated daily life during Washington’s residence. Over the years, the grounds expanded to include herb beds, fruit trees, a sundial, and experimental plantings.

For many members, this work became central to the identity of the Club itself. “Rockingham was a big part of the club’s identity,” Anne Gates recalls. “It had been our project since the 1950s.” By the time she joined, many members had already contributed years of dedication and care.

The relocation of the house in 2001 marked a new chapter. With Rockingham newly situated, the Club undertook the creation of a second, historically grounded kitchen garden, an effort that would span roughly twelve years and conclude in 2013. Led by Sheila Stuart, the garden was carefully researched and designed by a dedicated committee who visited numerous historic sites, including Monticello, Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and Philipsburg Manor. “Our task was to make the gardens historically correct,” Anne explains. The work moved from research to action, with plants 

grown from seed, additional materials sourced, and a strong volunteer group bringing the garden to life.

Each plant was chosen with purpose. Roses, for example, were planted along the fence line not only for beauty, but to deter deer. The scope and care of the garden were documented by Sharon Altmeyer, whose comprehensive records of the beds and plantings remain an invaluable archive of the Club’s work.

By 2004, the garden had attracted attention, grants, and press, including support from the New Jersey Committee of the Garden Club of America. The Grand Opening remains a cherished memory of Anne’s. “It was a special, sunny celebratory day. ‘If you plant it, they will come.’ And they did.”

Beyond its horticultural achievements, Rockingham became a vibrant center for education and outreach. Under the leadership of Janet Haring, a gifted teacher, the Club developed school tours and hands-on programs for both public and private schools, including Princeton Day School. For several years, students visited regularly each spring, engaging directly with the garden through tasting, handling, and seasonal demonstrations. As Janet recalled, “The children didn’t just look at the garden, they experienced it.”

The Club also welcomed outside expertise. Renowned rose expert Steve Scaniello visited over several years, offering lectures and guidance on rose cultivation and design.

The work was not without challenges. Groundhogs proved persistent, irrigation systems failed, and deer were a constant presence. A major setback occurred when an underground oil tank leak contaminated the soil, destroying much of the garden. Some plants were salvaged, and the garden was rebuilt. At the same time, summer absences meant fewer volunteers during peak growing season. The location was sometimes considered too far or too hot, and county boundary issues added complexity.

BJ Booth recalls one particularly memorable episode. With a personal connection to the Revolutionary era, she felt a strong pull to tend the garden during the summer. One season, despite a state government shutdown that had closed Rockingham, she arrived to weed. A voice over a loudspeaker ordered her to “cease and desist” as a state trooper secured the site. She left as requested, but her determination reflected the spirit and dedication that defined the Rockingham years.