Gardens of Sheffield

“Summertime, and the livin’ is eas(ier).” Among the many joys of our newly mobile season are the beautiful gardens that dot the region’s landscape. And soon The Sheffield Historical Society will give garden-lovers a chance to admire eight lovely Sheffield Gardens up close and personal.

Gardens of Sheffield: A Weekend Celebration is planned for July 23rd, 24th and 25th, with a fundraising gala set for 5-7PM on Friday, a garden lecture at 11 AM Saturday and the tour on Sunday, 10AM-4PM. Participants can visit each garden at their own pace.

The Friday gala party will feature live music by Mary Ann Palermo and the First Take Band, hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and signature cocktails, a silent auction and other festivities.

During Saturday’s lecture—conducted under tents on the Society grounds—garden educator Ron Kujawski will talk about how to extend the growing season. The lecture will also be streamed on the society’s website.

The gardens on view are varied and range from historical properties to hillside gardens with grand vistas. Some have pond gardens and other water features, intricate outbuildings, fruit trees and bushes or arrays of perennials. Many have unusual shade plants and while others highlight native plants.

Some of the perennials visitors will see in bloom include hydrangeas, meadow rue (thalictrum), yarrow, lilies, daylilies, roses, various daisies.

Tickets for this fundraiser are $100 for one person, $150 for two and are on sale at sheffieldhistory.org or in person at the Old Stone Store weekends from 11AM-4PM. The tickets are flexible, allowing participants to attend the cocktail party with one person and then to take another friend on the tour. The fundraiser will allow the historical society to continue its free, year-round exhibits, programs and events.