Robinson Family Water Garden
A less formal extension of the original Bryant Fleming landscape surrounding the Cheek Family Mansion is what is now known as The Robinson Family Water Garden. This peaceful location is highlighted by three manmade ponds connected by understated rockery and small, graceful waterfalls flowing from one pond to the next. Outfitted with picnic tables, the water garden is a popular place for groups to gather or for individuals to find a moment of respite. It is not uncommon to spot geese, ducks, herons, and other wildlife also enjoying these cool, shaded waters.
Clearly a design nod to the British Arts and Crafts movement of the mid to late nineteenth century, the ponds and surrounding gardens form a character defining feature of the historic landscape at Cheekwood and also originally served a utilitarian purpose. Now considered to be ahead of its time, the ponds were built to serve as part of a large integrated water system, supplying many of the water features throughout the property. Additionally, the water garden was a destination for the Cheek family and their friends to enjoy on their walks around the estate. Photographic evidence from the Cheek-era shows a diving board situated at the first pond, indicating that swimming and diving was a popular pastime.
Horticulturally, The Robinson Family Water Garden features evergreens such as Eastern red cedars, low-growing Japanese yew, and delightful winter-blooming hellebores. In the summer months, pickerel weed can be seen growing at the edge of the pond waters, attracting dragonflies to its flowers. The serpentine Elizabeth Proctor Weaver Walk leading to the Literary Garden meanders along the stream and offers many plants that grow naturally in Tennessee, such as Clethra, Itea, and a variety of colorful native azaleas.
