The landscape of John Drayton is an expression of an 18th-century gentleman’s country seat, conceived along with the construction of Drayton Hall, which is centrally embedded within an early-English, picturesque landscape. John was also credited with utilizing many existing trees and native plants in his garden, while the landscape was further embellished with exotic plants by John’s son, Charles Drayton.

In addition, The Lenhardt Garden, located in the Sally Rearhard Visitors Center, is a semi-formal courtyard garden anchored under a historic majestic live oak, likely planted around 1800 during the time Charles Drayton lived at Drayton Hall. Charles Drayton was greatly interested in botany and left a considerable record on many of the plants grown here from 1784-1820. The courtyard garden primarily showcases plant material specific to the Drayton Papers or other relevant sources, but also dares to try newer plants that are well suited to the hot and humid climate of the Southeast. The plantings in the Lenhardt garden serve as a beautiful and peaceful retreat in which to explore the plants and horticultural endeavors at Drayton Hall over the centuries.