The Water Garden: A Photographic History

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The Water GardenA Photographic History

• Richard Bland College
• Petersburg, Virginia

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Inspired by Monets famous water gardens at
Giverny, France, former RBC President Clarence
Maze Jr. with the able assistance of RBC
Landscape Supervisor and horticulturist Bill
Wamsley, created the Colleges beautiful Water
Garden. The garden is open to visitors
throughout the year. It was started in 1988 and
fully developed in 1994. It consists of a a
one-acre garden, a quarter of which is under
water, along with two waterfalls, two
Japanese-style bridges, and a pier. The
following photographs were taken by Bill Wamsley.
His photographs capture the creation and
development of the Water Garden from construction
to completion.
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The Pump House
The Pump House is situated behind the Presidents
House and beside the Water Garden.
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Clearing of Land
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The Bridge in Its Early Days
The footbridge was modeled on the Japanese-style
bridge in Monets water gardens at Giverny.
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Laying the Groundwork
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Adding the Water
The underwater portion of the Water Garden
occupies ¼ of an acre.
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Outdoor Plumbing!
A recirculating pump was added to create the
Water Gardens waterfall.
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Grounds Crew at Work
Under the supervision of Bill Wamsley, student
workers have helped landscape the Water Garden
and surrounding area.
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Gravel PathsBefore and After
A gravel path surrounds the Water Garden.
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Seeing RedPat McKenzie Paints the Bridge
Japanese footbridges are traditionally painted
vermilion (bright red).
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GreeneryAssorted Plants, Shrubs and Trees
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Special GuestsThe Peacocks
1994In the early 1990s, the peacocks were a
tradition at RBC.
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Landscaping
The cupola (shown on the right) was a donation to
the college by Betty Pat Webb, wife of Harry F.
Webb, Jr., of Petersburg, and is reminiscent of
the cupola atop the Petersburg City Hall building.
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Spring Flowers
Spring 1995Native flowers are in bloom every
spring.
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Waters Edge
Spring 1995
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A Place for Romance
Spring 1996Since its completion, a number of
weddings and receptions have been held in the
Water Garden and surrounding area.
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A Place for Everyone
Students and community members regularly visit
the Water Garden.