Sunken Garden

The Sunken Garden is a 2.7-acre lawn set below ground level that extends from the Wren Building toward Crim Dell pond. American Beech trees, Common Boxwood, and Crape Myrtle line its edges, creating natural boundaries that frame the open space.

Charles M. Robinson designed this lawn between 1919 and 1923, inspired by Christopher Wren's Chelsea Hospital design from England. The project brought European garden design principles to an American university campus.

This lawn serves as the social and academic heart of the college, where students gather daily for studying, exercise, and community events. The grassy space functions as a natural gathering place that shapes how the university community spends its time outdoors.

The sunken design provides wind protection and creates an enclosed feeling despite the large size. The surrounding trees offer shade on warm days, while the open area allows room for various activities.

Two distinctive oak trees mark the space: a willow oak on the south entrance and a water oak on the north. The area hosts around 300 different plant species, making it botanically rich for those who pay attention to the vegetation.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 37.27085,-76.71166

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04