Lily Ponds in Hollins, Roanoke County, VA, 1900s Image

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a serene view of lily ponds set within the lush gardens of Hollins, Roanoke County, Virginia. The image exemplifies the beauty of early 20th-century landscape design, characterized by carefully arranged flora and tranquil water features.

Johnstons work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document the rich architectural and horticultural heritage of the region. The photograph reflects the attention to detail and artistry that characterized gardens during this era.

Acquired from the estate of the photographer in 1953, this image is preserved in the Library of Congress, serving as a historical record of Virginias natural beauty and cultural landscape. The date of creation is significant in understanding the evolution of American garden design and the important role such spaces played in community life.