WESTMINSTER — Westminster Cares presents its 11th annual Garden Tour on Saturday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, July 15, from noon to 3 p.m. A reception on Friday, July 13, precedes the tour.
James Beard award-winning cookbook author and culinary memoirist Crescent Dragonwagon, author of the best-selling Bean by Bean and Passionate Vegetarian will speak at a reception at Harlow Farmstand on Route 5 in Westminster on Friday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m.
In addition to her cookbooks, Dragonwagon has written two novels (one a New York Times Notable, published in five languages), a book of poetry, and 30 children's books (including the Coretta Scott King Award-winning Half a Moon and One Whole Star.)
All these flavor her talks, which are rambling, entertaining, wide-open, highly interactive, and include everything from new ways to use edible flowers to understanding what the garden and table reveal about life, death, resurrection, and - especially germane given Westminster Cares' purpose - aging, cycles, and caregiving.
Dragonwagon lives in Westminster West, in a 1795 house that was once her family's summer home.
Refreshments will be served, and a cash bar will be offered. Donations are requested for admission to the reception. Several of Dragonwagon's books will be available for purchase.
The tour includes a visit to the gardens of Gordon Hayward, a nationally recognized garden designer, writer, and lecturer, and his wife Mary. Four other beautiful Westminster gardens will also be on the tour: those of Cyndy Fine, John Medieros and Catherine Cadieux, Lonnie and Obe Lisai, and Kathy Leo.
Food will be available for purchase at the Haywards' garden. Local musicians will provide music throughout the weekend event.
Tickets to the tour cost $15 per person or $25 for two. Tickets, directions, and maps to the gardens will be at the Westminster Institute on Route 5, Westminster, and at the Hayward Gardens in Westminster West on the day of the tour.
Proceeds from the garden tour support the services and programs of Westminster Cares, a volunteer organization whose purpose is to create opportunities for seniors and disabled adults to live with independence and dignity in the community.
On Sunday, July 15, from 2 to 4 p.m., Kim Grall, visual artist and long-time gardener, will host an informal gathering on her farm on the flats, 4607 U.S. Route 5.
Visitors can ask questions, discuss methods, and share creative ideas about gardening. Subjects can include composting, natural pest control, and creating a garden uniquely yours. This is Grall's third season, and visitors can see an old Westminster farm beginning to come back to life.
For more information on the tour, or to buy tickets in advance, visit www.westminstercares.org or call 802-722-3607.