Honestly can you think of a better month for gardeners than June? Near perfect weather (usually), flowers everywhere, and perennials popping up, even in unexpected places.{{more}}
By now you’ve probably mulched your beds and your garden fills you with anticipation and joy. It’s a great time to relax on your deck or patio and as they say “Smell the roses.”
The long days allow for both gardening and socializing. Many houseplants can be moved outside now, but look for a shady spot. They may need more water once they‘re in an outside environment.
Now that your garden is looking so wonderful, you may be interested in visiting other gardens both private and public.
The Garden Conservancy provides such an opportunity. Founded in 1989 by Frank Cabot ,a distinguished American plantsman, the Conservancy is a national organization dedicated to saving and preserving America’s exceptional gardens for the education and enjoyment of the public.
One of their unique programs is the Conservancy’s Open Days Program. Begun in 1995 it has provided access to some of the country’s finest private gardens. In 2012, private gardens, (300 of them) in 19 states opened to allow thousands of visitors to explore first-hand, beautiful spaces not normally open to the public.
Happily, Connecticut was one of those states. This June 11 private gardens located in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and Hartford County will be available to the public. A modest $5 admission fee is charged for each garden visit.
For specific information and dates you can log onto www.garden conservancy.com and/ or call 1-888-842-2442.
Orange Garden Club members are finalizing plans – preparing special educational exhibits, creating unique floral designs and, grooming horticultural specimens for our Standard Flower Show “Let’s Celebrate the Arts” to take place Saturday, June 1 at Holy Infant Religious Education Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is free. I encourage you to attend and perhaps be inspired to join this terrific organization dedicated to the love of gardening, floral design and civic and environmental responsibility. See you on the 1st!
Marion Rizzo is president of The Garden Club of Orange.