‘Pick Of The Crop’ To Feature The Best Of Washington’s Gardens

WASHINGTON — The Washington Garden Club is putting a new twist on the traditional garden tour by returning to “working” gardens this July 21, from 10 am to 4 pm. The club, founded in 1914, is sponsoring “Pick of The Crop,” a special event to raise money for community projects and to offer people the opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture and home vegetable gardening.

“Pick of the Crop” will focus on six very different gardens including a grandchild’s garden, another with a large greenhouse, a property above Lake Waramaug with gardens and livestock, and an organic vegetable and herb garden. Knowledgeable gardeners at each location will answer questions, and chefs will offer samplings of farm-fresh foods at several stops on the tour.

The event will begin with a cocktail party (“a locavore and shopper’s delight”) on Friday, July 20, from 6 to 8 pm, with a garden-related raffle and a diverse boutique with items for garden, yourself, your family and home. The party will be at Bryan Memorial Town Hall, on Route 47 in Washington Depot.

On the day of the garden tour, Bryan Memorial Town Hall will remain open for boxed lunches ($20). The boutique will continue, and the raffle drawing will be conducted. In addition, chefs from The Community Table, The Mayflower Inn, New Morning Store, and cookbook author Ann  Hodgman will offer samplings of foods and hors d’oeuvres made from farm-fresh ingredients.

Tickets for the cocktail party are $50. Garden Tour tickets are also $50, or free for children age 12 and under (children must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets can be reserved or purchased on the day of the event; on July 21, tickets and maps will be available at Bryan Memorial Town Hall.

For more information including reservations for the cocktail party, contact Susan Magee at 203-266-7958 or WashingtonGardenClubCT@gmail.com.