For this first series of The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens in Monroe, we’re taking a walk through the history of The Biedenharn Elsong Garden.

Emy-Lou, who’s the daughter of Joseph A. Biedenharn – the first bottler of Coca-Cola, named the garden after going through several names. She ultimately decided on Elsong. Emy developed this walled English garden upon returning to Monroe after completing a successful vocal career in Europe. The English gardens she experienced during her time in Europe inspired the design of Elsong. Beginning in 1947, CC Fleming created landscape architecture for Elsong.

One of the many reasons guests return to Elsong throughout the year is that there is always something blooming in the garden. Each season brings a new display of color, but spring is especially beautiful. Visitors won't want to miss the vibrant tulips that bloom in early spring, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the garden.

While visiting the garden, it’s common for guests to walk toward the Wagnerian Fountain to snap a few photos. It’s the highlight of the garden that’s located on the north end of the Ballet Lawn. It was originally a duck pond before Emy-Lou purchased the museum’s iconic iron maidens. Those statutes are five English-styled monuments.

Elsong is currently split into two lawns: The Ballet Lawn, where Emy-Lou would host ballet and outdoor performances, and the South Lawn, which was acquired by Emy-Lou when she purchased the building that is now The Bible Museum.

In recent years, the Ballet Lawn provided arts and entertainment for people who are interested in ballet. Guests have experienced a ballet company in northeast Louisiana bring the garden’s statue to life through mesmerizing performances. The dancers were adorned in attire resembling sculptures, while gracefully dancing through the greenery.

One part of the garden is called White Garden/Shakespeare Garden. It’s named after the plants that bloom there, which are all white. In the early days, Emy-Lou would show the Balcony scene from Romeo & Juliet in that area as well.

Today, Frances Davidson Hutson is the museum head horticulturist and keeps the garden in pristine condition for all the guests who visit the gardens throughout the year and for the events the museum hosts in the garden as well.

On June 12, the museum is hosting Garden Cinema in the garden featuring the classic film Ella Enchanted. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and create a picnic with their own snacks. Fresh popcorn will be available for purchase.

For the next series of Discover the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, we’ll bring you The Bible Museum.