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Photos and captions by Randy Bartlett
Join NTBG tour guide Randy Bartlett for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into five distinct rooms within Allerton Garden. In this photo gallery, Randy shares personal reflections drawn from his experiences guiding visitors through the garden’s pathways and open-air “rooms.”
The reflections in this gallery offer only a glimpse into Allerton’s remarkable spaces—there’s so much more to uncover when you experience the garden in person. Book a tour of Allerton Garden to see it for yourself!
Photos by Randy Bartlett
RB: I enjoy the symmetry of the Thanksgiving Room. I like to point out the different vegetation that makes up the “walls & ceiling” of this outdoor space, such as; the panax hedge (Polyscias guilfoylei), shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) and Alexandra/king palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) “walls”.
Also, the Pavilion, designed by John Gregg Allerton, Robert Allerton’s life partner and adopted “son” – neatly ties the two halves of the room together.
Photo by Randy Bartlett
RB: The main take-away of Diana’s Room, for me, is the reflection of the loggia – also designed by John Gregg Allerton. And, of course, the statue of Diana, Roman goddess of the hunt, can hardly be ignored.
Photo by Randy Bartlett
RB: Three main features of the Three Pools Room I like to point out are: 1) the reflection of the longan/dragon’s eye (Dimocarpus longan) tree from the foot, 2) the reflection of the monkey pod/rain tree (Samanea saman) from the head, and, 3) the Scallop Falls; tumbling down between huge bird’s nest anthuriums (Anthurium hookeri).
Photo by Randy Bartlett
RB: Besides the two beautiful mermaid statues, I like to emphasize the scallop and waterchain fountains, as well as the “wall” of licuala palms (Licuala spp.) lining one side of the room.
Photo by Randy Bartlett
RB: Perhaps Robert Allerton’s favorite “Room” – the cast iron Buddha statue surrounded by common/golden bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris var. striata) and a lovely view of the Lāwa’i stream estuary is also many visitors’ favorite garden room, as well.
