In 2004, overgrown quince shrubs were removed from the center of the garden and in 2005 all of the small boxwood shrubs, edging the parterres, were removed as well. The boxwoods were infected with nectria canker, a soil borne fungus, which was causing the plants to decline rapidly and for which there was no cure.

These shrub removals created 18 small geometric areas in which sod was then installed. The new grass provided a larger and more welcoming space for visitors to assemble.

Seating around the existing four holly trees was added to complete the picture.