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Becky Giantonio, Pita Communications
(860) 293-0157, ext. 25; becky@pitacomm.com
LEARN THE SECRETS TO A HEALTHY GARDEN AT THE
WEBB-DEANE-STEVENS MUSEUM ON JULY 8
Master Gardeners To Offer Free Demonstrations and
Advice for Beautiful Blooms
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (June 2007) – On Sunday, July 8, master gardeners at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield will reveal how to maintain a bountiful summer garden of healthy plants and vibrant flowers.
From noon to 4 p.m., Rose Riley and Ellen Goldberg will explain what visitors should plant and when, where and how they should plant them as they tend the museum’s largest flower garden, located behind the 1752 Joseph Webb House.
Though only eight years old, the Webb House Colonial Revival Garden is based on a blueprint created by landscape architect Amy Cogswell in 1921 at the height of America’s Colonial revival period. The garden reflects the flowers and plants grown in flower gardens at that time, which were mostly for aesthetics. Visitors will see all of the garden’s annuals, as well as perennials, including hollyhocks, daisies, veronica, delphiniums, phlox and oriental lilies, in full bloom. Copies of the garden’s layout will be available to those who want to roam the grounds.
Riley and Goldberg’s gardening demonstrations are part of the 4th Annual Historic Gardens Day, during which 11 historic gardens throughout Connecticut will offer special activities or events.
Throughout the day, visitors may also stroll through the museum’s two smaller gardens. The herb garden behind the 1788 Stevens House features herbs grown for food and healing during the 18th century, such as mint, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, sage, mallow and thyme. In the Webb House’s front courtyard, the tall, orange tiger lilies and flower pot arrangements will be in full show.
What: Master gardeners will offer free demonstrations and tips on maintaining a healthy garden during the 4th Annual Historic Gardens Day.
Who: Master gardeners Rose Riley and Ellen Goldberg
When: Sunday, July 8, from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Cost: Free
Contact: Call (860) 529-0612 for more information.
About the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
Located in the heart of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the museum, which consists of three authentically restored 18th-century homes, brings Wethersfield’s rich history to life, from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. The museum includes the 1752 Joseph Webb House, which served as George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters in May 1781, when he met with French General le comte de Rochambeau; the 1766 Silas Deane House, built for America’s first diplomat to France; and the 1788 Isaac Stevens House, which depicts life in the 18th and 19th centuries through original family objects and includes a new children’s museum.
The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, located at 211 Main St., Wethersfield, is open daily – with the exception of Tuesday – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May through October, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 1 through April 30. Three-house tours cost $8 for adults and $4 for students and children ages 5 to 18. For information about current exhibits, upcoming events or Museum School classes, call (860) 529-0612 or visit www.webb-deane-stevens.org.
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