Saturday, July, 22—RUTLAND—The Chaffee Art Center will be hold a Garden Party on Saturday, July 22 from 1-3 p.m. The event will take place on the grounds of the Chaffee Art Center, located at 16 So.h Main St. in Rutland.
The Garden Party offers a variety of activities, demonstrations, and speakers. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in garden tours, witness flower arranging demonstrations, and learn about perennial flower utilization beds. Furthermore, attendees will be delighted by the captivating melodies of the Castleton Ukulele Group, who will perform some old favorites.
Art enthusiasts and shoppers can explore a diverse selection of affordable and handmade items offered by talented artisans who will showcase their creations at the event. In addition, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the 100 x 9 foot pollinator garden, featuring native plantings, as well as the growing sculpture garden and other stunning outdoor areas. With over a dozen gardens on the historic property, attendees are encouraged to take a stroll and appreciate the beauty surrounding them.
As part of the Garden Party, notable experts and organizations will share their knowledge through engaging talks and demonstrations. The Rutland County Audubon Society will discuss wildlife habitat protection and connection, while Bee the Change will present a session on native bees and offer free native plants to attendees (while supplies last). The Vermont Center for Ecostudies will provide insights on native bees in Vermont through an interactive show and tell session. Additionally, gardener and board member Michelle Hartline will lead ongoing tours of the pollinator garden.
The Chaffee Art Center introduces the new VT Bee Lab, which will have a drop-off bee sample station at the Garden Party.
The Vermont Bee Lab offers diagnostic services, at no charge, to beekeepers in Vermont who wish to evaluate the health of their colonies. The lab has drop boxes conveniently located throughout the state, making it easier for beekeepers to access their services. Instructions for sample collection and submission can be found on the Vermont Bee Lab website: vermontbeelab.com/diagnostics.
The Garden Party is an opportunity to celebrate the ongoing efforts to restore the historic grounds of the Chaffee Art Center.
Last summer, with the support and dedication of numerous volunteers, the center embarked on a project to enhance the beauty of its grounds to complement the grandeur of its 1890s Queen Anne Victorian mansion. With the help of Kurt Hathaway and Markowski Excavating, sections of knotweed were excavated, topsoil was provided, and a remarkable number of native plants and bushes were planted. The project also involved the installation of a 100-foot trellis fence and the development of a sculpture garden with native plants, alongside an inviting grass area suitable for outdoor gatherings and educational activities.
For more information about the Chaffee Art Center, updates on events and classes, or to get involved as a volunteer, visit: chaffeeartcenter.org. Stay connected with the Chaffee Art Center through its Instagram and Facebook pages or contact the center by calling 802-775-0356 or emailing: info@chaffeeartcenter.org.
