By Walter D. Kolos

The Walled Garden was the most practical and productive part of “Caumsett.” Except for the youngsters on the estate that were forbidden to enter, there was nothing mysterious or “whimsical” about it. It was the engine that kept the estate going during the warm months, supplying it with flowers and necessary provisions.

Established by head gardner and horticulturist George Gillies in the mid 1920’s, the Walled Garden would supply the Marshall Field family estate and city residences with the necessary produce and flowers during the outdoor growing season.

The garden was walled in the Victorian fashion. High brick walls enclosed the four acre square, which was arranged in the Greek cruciform style. This pattern was based on a square cross, with four quadrants. Two long gravel paths, one north to south, the other east to west, crisscrossed this vast expanse. The high walled garden was thought to protect the vegetation from the effects of winds, and would also retain heat overnight.

For the very few individuals who remember the garden today, it was a delight. The southeast quadrant was noted for its “cabbagey things” as George Gillies frequently said. This section, with its overhead pipe irrigation system was a field of blue-green cruciferous vegetables-cabbages, kale and broccoli.

There were apple trees, blueberries, and a variety of fruits and berries. Grapes were trellised along the north wall. The garden was also used as a floral cutting garden, and had an array of the famous Caumsett daffodils within its confines. Plantings were rotated over the decades, old trees cut down and new ones planted. It was a working garden, where the concept of crop rotation was employed.

The Walled Garden was especially popular with the youngsters on the estate. As the children of estate employees, they were not permitted free run of the place. One elderly lady, who grew up at Caumsett, said that they had “no business” exploring the environs beyond their houses. The estate was a rigid place with a strict social order even amongst servants. It was an American version of “Upstairs, Downstairs.”

Consequently, the Walled Garden became a sort of forbidden delight. Mr. Gillies oversaw it as his private domain, and even Marshall Field’s children had to ask him permission to pick. He had eyes in the back of his head, and could hear the slightest bush rustling or gate squeak. Upon catching a youngster, especially when blueberries were in season, he would demand that they stick out their tongues.

To the south of the garden, there was the extensive greenhouse complex., which still stands  in a state of radical disrepair. The greenhouses provided the estate and New York residence with flowers and vegetables during the cold weather months. The eight greenhouses were run by a full time staff of three men, and at one time, it required firemen to stoke the two massive coal furnaces constantly.

The Walled Garden now, of course, has truly been transformed into a whimsical place. From being a utilitarian work yard, it has become one of the priceless treasurers of Caumsett - truly the “Walls of Whimsy.”