Legend has it that the formal, mathematically precise gardens which overlook Lake Waban from the shore opposite the college are merely a manifestation of blighted love.

Horatio Hunnewell, a well-to-do young man at the turn of the century, fell in love with a Wellesley math instructor. She, however, was more attached to her work, and refused to marry him. As a constant reminder to her, he had these gardens laid out on his estate where she could see them constantly, and, he hoped, blame herself for ruining his life.