Third Annual Garden Party
You’re invited to our 3rd Annual Garden Party on Saturday, July 12, 1–3pm on the grounds of the Chaffee Art Center!
It’s FREE with lots of fun activities, Make & Take, demos, speakers, light refreshments, giveaways, garden tours, Chaffee Ukulele Group will play some old favorites, and games weather permitting. Artisans will be set up selling their affordable, handmade items. Explore the 100 x 9 foot Pollinator Garden with native plantings, growing Sculpture Garden, beautiful outdoor area with expanded grass section, and over a dozen gardens on our historic property. Be sure to come inside our 1890s Queen Anne Victorian Mansion full of art, gift ideas and stunning architecture.
Schedule for the day:
11:30am–1pm — “Connections: Flora, Fauna, and You! Art of Collage FREE Workshop”
FREE all materials provided. All ages welcome; Min: 5, Max: 15; Instructor: Architect, Artist Robert Black
Come explore the interactions we share with our “fellow fauna” and discover how we are all “pollinators” that have a profound effect on the great Beauty that we call Flora. This interactive art experience will include presentation and discussion followed by a fun exercise using the Art of Collage. Must Pre-register https://chaffeeartcenter.square.site/
Speakers to-date:
12:15–1:30pm – Michelle Dauphinais … Do you want to learn how to grow Dahlia’s?
1:30–2pm — Martha Verrington will present “Monarch Butterflies and other Guests in your Garden.” Monarch Butterflies are an indicator species that reflect the health of your garden and the surrounding environment. Other guests, called beneficial insects, in your garden help to maintain the balance of insects that feast on your beautiful plants.
2pm to 3pm…Mrs.Twitters guest appearance! Join Mrs.Twitters for a Garden Walkabout! Bring your questions.
Demos to-date:
• Plein Air Flower Painting — artist, Jen Rondinone
• Mandala Rock Painting — artist, Evie Towsley with rocks for others to paint and take home
• Watercolor Painting — artist, Rainey Dewey
Booth displays and Artisan items for sale to-date:
Rutland Chapter of UVM Ext Master Gardeners
Christine Townsend
Evie Towsley
Rainey Dewey
Plus, The VT Bee Lab Drop off Bee Sample Station
The VT Bee Lab provides diagnostic services, free of charge, to any Vermont beekeeper looking to evaluate the health of their colonies. They have drop boxes located throughout the state, and at the Chaffee Art Center. Instructions for sample collection and submission can be found at https://www.vermontbeelab.com/diagnostics/
Step inside our 1890s Queen Anne Victorian Mansion full of art, gift ideas and stunning architecture. Attendees will experience our EXHIBIT “Threads…featuring fiber & fabric”. Chaffee artist members’ works will be on display and for sale throughout the galleries, and in the Gallery Shoppe!
Join us to mingle, get creative, learn from speakers, watch demos, and experience the fun happening both inside the mansion and outside by our Gardens. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will move it all inside!
Garden History:
In summer 2022, we began the project of restoring the beauty of our historic grounds to match the magnificence of the mansion architecture. One part of the project was to create a Pollinator Garden of native flowers and bushes thanks to a grant from the Rutland County Audubon Society. To do this, it took an army of volunteers…thanks to everyone who made this possible!
It began with excavation by Kurt Hathaway of a 40 x 46 foot section of knotweed, as well as a 100 x 9 foot area, and a 60 x 18 foot area. Markowski Excavating donated topsoil for these areas. Volunteers planted a huge number of native plants and bushes. The 100-foot trellis fence was installed behind the pollinator garden by GE Volunteers, prepped by Rutland City and South Rotary Clubs.
Another part of this project was to create a Sculpture Garden. A 70-foot section of trellis fencing was installed by GE Volunteers, with more native plants and bushes planted among sculptures, in front is a large grass area perfect for an outdoor gathering, and to be used as an outdoor classroom for camps and classes.
Along with the new gardens, we enhanced the three gardens close to the back of the mansion creating a rain garden complete with its own potting bench; a butterfly garden; and the third got a new spirea bush and hostas. In front of the mansion are 6 gardens. The Rutland Garden Club has for years done their magic with the front four gardens closest to Route 7. We added some plants and bushes to the gardens closest to the building, planting a few rose bushes behind our stunning hydrangea’s original to the property. There are a few more gardens along the driveway lush with ferns and flowers, and one with peonies original to the property.
We hope you enjoy a stroll outside through the beautiful gardens, and plan to visit the Chaffee during Open Hours to experience the beauty of the 1890’s historic building and the wonderful works of art throughout, plus our Gallery Shoppe! While here, picture your next event, bridal shower, wedding, meeting or retreat being held in our stunning 1890’s mansion, fondly known by its first owners as Sunny Gables. We also offer our spacious and stunning outdoor area as a venue space with or without tents.
Schools, Groups and Visitors: We created these outdoor spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy while they learn about native plants, bushes and pollinator gardens. They can be used as an educational tool for area schools and bus groups, visitors as well.
Volunteers welcome! We would love to have help with weeding and keeping these amazing gardens looking spectacular. Check out this site, and our Instagram and Facebook pages for updates on events, classes and more. Call 802.775.0356, [email protected], or stop in to the Chaffee Art Center at 16 South Main Street in Rutland, VT. Summer Hours: Wednesday through Friday 10am–5pm; and Saturday 10am–3pm. Private appointments available by request.