Feel stressed out over income taxes, in need of a relaxing, bucolic setting? Or have you been looking for that unusual piece of furniture for the garden/patio? Both can be accomplished during Mount Vernon Estate's first Garden Party.
Scheduled for April 15 and 16, the Estate's many gardens will feature a different 18th-century musical group as well as activities such as wagon rides, colonial games, and early-American gardening demonstrations. Mrs. Washington will also be hosting a tea party for her friends in a garden setting.
For those lucky enough to have already received their tax refunds, Mount Vernon will be unveiling its new collection of garden furniture during the Garden Party as well as throughout Gardening Days, which run through May 7. The collection has been inspired by historical furnishings and architectural elements of the Estate.
Designed by Terra Furniture Company of the City of Industry, CA, the pieces, available at The Shops at Mount Vernon, replicate such things as the side chair from Washington's dining room and the famed elliptical "bulls-eye" window from the Mansion's third floor. Individual pieces range in price from $695 to $3,195.
"George Washington had a deep love and enthusiasm for gardening and landscape design, so a garden furniture collection is a natural for Mount Vernon," said Beverly Addington, licensing director at Mount Vernon Estate. "We are so pleased with our partnership with Terra, a company known for excellent quality and design."
CONSTRUCTED OF CAST and extruded aluminum, pieces are available in 20 designer finishes. The tables and chairs resemble carved wood and feature special outdoor Sunbury fabric based on a pattern from an antique trunk at the Estate. Three tables of varying sizes and dimensions showcase a reproduction of Mount Vernon's decorative elliptical window as the tabletop design.
As for the Garden Party itself, which serves as the opening event for Mount Vernon's annual Gardening Days, it can be enjoyed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. And, all visitors will receive free seed packets as well as having the opportunity to purchase heirloom plants.
Folk music by the Martin Family Band, popular 18th-century tunes by the Itinerant Band, and formal chamber music by The Strings of Credere will be offered in the orchard, kitchen garden, and upper garden throughout each day. Herbalist Betsy-Ann Golon shares creations from Martha Washington's cookbook while a costumed gardener uses period implements to care for the First Lady's garden.
Visitors may observe Mrs. Washington hosting tea at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Wagon rides at the Pioneer Farm are offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Colonial games are available all day. Guided 30-minute walking tours focusing on Washington's innovative landscape designs are available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Plants propagated from historic cuttings on the Estate, as well as flowers, plants, herbs, and seeds from Mount Vernon's operating greenhouse may also be purchased.
All activities are included in the regular admission fee of $13 for adults; seniors $12; children six to 11, when accompanied by an adult, $6; and children under five are free.