WHS Presents 25th Hidden Garden Tour, June 12

Westport, CT -- Attention all gardening enthusiasts! Join the Westport Historical Society on Sunday, June 12^th when it presents its 25^th Anniversary Hidden Garden Tour from 11am to 4pm.

Tour-goers will have a very special opportunity to experience six spectacular, not-to-be-missed gardens in Westport, Greenfield Hill and Southport. “Each garden has been carefully selected in honor of this 25^th Anniversary of the Hidden Garden Tour,” said Event Chair Edward F. Gerber. Several of the gardens were favorites of past Tours in the 2000s, and are being showcased again by popular demand to see how they have evolved.

Exceptional sights to see will include: a unique historic property featuring an axial border planting of perennials and herbaceous plants, a rose garden of four distinct color sections, an apple orchard, and a squatter’s garden where friends are encouraged to grow vegetables; a walled rose garden with a surviving American Elm overlooking Southport Harbor; a garden with three rock outcroppings, woodland garden and pathways, an abundant raspberry patch, and greenhouse; and a truly breathtaking property on Long Island Sound.

On Tour Day there will also be a Garden Market on the WHS Wheeler House lawn from 10am to 4pm. An eclectic variety of crafts made locally will be available featuring French lavender items, children’s appliquéd clothing, jewelry, antique gifts, and handcrafted accessories for the home and garden.  Admission to the Garden Market is free.

The Garden Party on Friday, June 10^th is the kick-off to the celebratory weekend and will take place at the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue from 6pm to 9pm.  The WHS Garden Party is a harbinger of Spring that brings together Westport’s most fabulous for an evening in celebration of history both past and present. 

Party guests will enjoy hearty appetizers and delectable desserts catered by A Dash of Salt; custard provided by Shake Shack; a Mionetto Prosecco bar; and a wine and beverage bar. There will be many exciting surprises such as incredible silent and live auction treasures including an African Safari, cruise on the Sound, and a week at a Cape Cod vacation house; a balloon swap; lively entertainment; and the Spring Hat Contest with prizes awarded for: Most Creative, Downton Abbey-tude, Best Use of Fresh Flowers, Lady’s Classic, Gentleman’s Classic, and Judges’ Favorite.  Come join the fun!

The Hidden Garden Tour is Sunday, June 12, 11am to 4pm. Tickets are $60 in advance, $70 day of Tour.  The Garden Party is Friday, June 10, 6pm to 9pm at Westport Woman’s Club, Imperial Avenue, Westport. Tickets are $100 advance purchase, and $125 after June 8.  All proceeds benefit the educational and cultural programs of WHS.  For more information, and to purchase tickets visit westporthistory.org, call 203-222-1424, or stop in at Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place.   Hidden Garden Tour tickets and directions will be available for pick-up at Westport Historical Society on Tour Day starting at 10am.

Sponsors: 

LEAD: BNY Mellon Wealth Management; ANNUAL:  Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation, Berchem, Moses & Devlin, P.C., Maplewood Senior Living, Sachs Walsh Insurance, Brown’s Monument Works; PLATINUM:  Austin Ganim Landscape Design;

GOLD:  A Dash of Salt, Darien Rowayton Bank, Darton Insurance Co., DLTC Landscape Contractors, First County Bank, Mionetto USA, Moffly Media, Oliver Nurseries & Design Associates, Ric Kallaher Photography, SAVATREE, The Care of Trees, Westport Auction;

SILVER: HTG Investment Advisors, Michael Moore, Nancy Axthelm, Saugatuck Rowing Club, Shake Shack, Westport Woman’s Club, Connecticut Business Systems; BRONZE: Eleish Van Breems, Michael Aloi, Certified Financial Planner; Ed Hynes, CFA, Merrill Lynch; Ed’s Garage Doors, Connecticut Arborists, Inc., and Edward F. Gerber.