Chandor Gardens
Weatherford, Parker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Portrait painter Douglas Chandor began designs for his home and garden in 1934. Originally called White Shadows, the garden was renamed Chandor Gardens by his wife, Ina, after her husband's death in 1953. Carved from a caliche hillside that had been his in-laws' cow pasture, it consists of seven interlocking gardens with Oriental and English features. Most gardens include a fountain or pond, and space for flora, statuary or other objects. The garden opened to the public and began attracting attention by 1938 from newspaper features. Chandor's wish was that his garden would be an incentive for Texas men to take up gardening. The garden reflects Chandor's ability to transform thought and landscape into a place of beauty. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2011
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The British-born portrait painter Douglas Chandor began designing this home and garden in 1934, carving seven interlocking gardens — blending Oriental and English styles, with fountains and ponds — from a caliche hillside that had been his in-laws' cow pasture. Originally called White Shadows, it was renamed Chandor Gardens by his wife, Ina, after his death in 1953. Chandor hoped his creation would inspire Texas men to take up gardening, and it drew admiring newspaper attention as early as 1938.
Why it matters
Chandor Gardens is a rare surviving example of an artist's designed landscape, transforming raw Texas hillside into a work of horticultural art.
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Related people
- · Douglas Chandor
- · Ina Chandor
Themes & tags
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