Garden Tour 2017
Town and Country Gardens of Old Newbury
Newburyport, MA – June 5, 2017: 2017 marks the 140th anniversary of the Museum of Old Newbury's founding, and the 38th anniversary of its signature garden tour. This weekend-long event taking place on June 10 and 11 offers access to nine local gardens that boast lush foliage, beautiful blooms, and creative landscaping. The tour will run from 10am-4pm daily, rain or shine.In a 1920s reminiscence, Margaret Cushing reflected on the importance of her own family’s garden, which is now part of the Museum of Old Newbury and an anchor for the annual garden tour. Miss Margaret observed that “many notable personages during these 106 years have visited this house and admired its garden—among them John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Jefferson Davis, John Greenleaf Whittier, and Cecilia Beaux.” Then in her 70s, Miss Margaret went on to note that “apart from the material utility of the Cushing Garden through its century of existence, like all other beloved gardens, it has been the source of spiritual inspiration.”
The beloved gardens included in Town and Country Gardens of Old Newbury are sure to inspire and delight. While some have sprawling yards with ample space for large parties or children’s games, others are intimate oases tucked into city neighborhoods. Attendees can tour the gardens at their own pace throughout the weekend, lingering where they please to examine special plants or reflect on nature’s beauty.
The museum recommends beginning the tour at 98 High Street to take full advantage of the weekend’s events. Here, insightful talks on gardening topics will be held daily at 11:00am. On Saturday, Ted Angelakis, the City of Newburyport’s Water Superintendent, will speak about water conservation in home gardens, and on Sunday, local beekeepers Rob and Jane Wild will give a presentation titled “Oh Honey! Beekeeping at Home.” The weekend also includes the museum’s annual plant sale and Gilded Horse Boutique, a shop of antique and contemporary home and garden goods.
New this year, attendees can learn about the Cushing family’s property with an audio tour that can be accessed from any smart phone or tablet. The tour offers insight about the museum’s own historic garden and the outbuildings used by the Cushing family during their 137-year tenure on High Street. Additionally, the 1808 Cushing House and the Perkins Printing and Engraving Plant, site of New England currency production in the 19th century, will be open for tours.
For a list of featured gardens or to purchase tickets, visit www.newburyhistory.org. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online, on-site the day of the tour, or at the museum between 10am and 4pm, Tuesday-Friday. Museum members receive a $5 discount on ticket purchases.
Date and Time
Sunday Jun 11, 2017
June 10 & 11
10-4:00
Location
Various
Fees/Admission
$30.00
Members $25
Website
