Preserving the Legacy of a 1924 Jens Jensen Masterpiece: The VanDeveter-Haslam Garden Restoration

The former Van Deventer garden (1924) in Knoxville, Tennessee is one of the rare masterpieces designed by the landscape artist Jens Jensen (1860-1951), who was a distinctive pioneer in the history of American landscape architecture.

The VanDeventer-Haslam Garden is located in West Knox County, Tennessee along the Tennessee River. Established in 1924, the 66.6-acre property offers examples of the work of landscape architect Jens Jensen. In, 2018 Nashville landscape architect Ben Page was selected by the owners, former Tennessee Governor Bill and Crissy Haslam, to supervise the restoration of the woodland, meadow, formal and informal gardens.

Jen Jensen's design blueprints, personal correspondence, and hand-written plant lists remain in the owner's possession, as do historic photos of the property. The original plans for the estate focused on several sites including the swimming hole, tennis court, woodland garden, rose garden, and the gardens surrounding the house.

“Ben Page's thoughtful restoration celebrates the graceful curves, native plants, woodland pathways, and stone hardscape laid down nearly a century ago. At the same time, he has invigorated the property with his brand of modern aesthetic.”

The woodland hillside "swimming hole" is as alluring as it was generations ago with invisible improvements allowing for easier more efficient maintenance. Adjacent to the swimming hole, a council ring, and fire pit still welcome warm gatherings. This wooded wonderland is bordered by a stone wall and features the original his and her changing rooms. The former tennis court and rose garden have been replaced with a revived players' green, pickleball court, and treehouse.

A home originally built for a furniture maker remains and the nearby stone workshop has been transformed into a playhouse. The traditional gardens surrounding the residence consist mostly of boxwoods and deer-resistant perennials.

Throughout the property, an effort has been undertaken to restore the native wildflowers and trees. Originally called "Konnaseetah," which means "dogwood" in Native Cherokee the property is laden with East Tennessee's favorite flowering tree. Descendants of original trillium and fern proliferate in the woods.

In addition to the restoration and re-imaginings of the Jensen features, the Haslams have made other additions to the property. A new entrance allows for safer access while still ascending through the woods to the circular driveway and home. From the home's back yard, when the surrounding hardwoods lose their leaves, there is a wide view of the river.

On the sweeping green behind the residence, a modern pool provides a more formal centerpiece for entertaining and when the hardwoods drop their leaves, a wide view of the river remains. New seating areas are in keeping with the home's architecture and are substantial modern additions, fully expected to survive the next century or two with grace.

The English Revival Tudor house was designed by local architect Charles Barber in 1924.

Persons associated with the design of the garden include Jens Jensen (landscape architect, 1924), Mr. Beardsley (gardener, 1924-), Ben Page (landsacpe architect, 2018), Brian Campbell (gardener, 2019-).