Click here to download the Potted Garden Tour Map
The Essex Board of Trade is delighted to sponsor the First Annual “Potted Garden Tour” where professionally designed and themed container gardens will grace the village main streets of Essex, Centerbrook and Ivoryton this June 5th, 6th and 7th. Spectacular displays will embellish patios, gazebos, courtyards and storefronts creating an inspiring visual feast for all to enjoy.
Our special events committee has designed an incredible spring event and dozens of storefronts will be brimming with color and creativity. We’re also pleased to host a number of lectures & events throughout the weekend to celebrate The Potted Garden Tour.
The Potted Garden Tour destinations include:
- Reading Garden at Essex Library, created by Acer Gardens, Deep River
- Village Garden at Pocketful of Posies, created by Van Wilgens Garden Center of Branford
- Garden of Verses at Essex Books, created by The English Lady of Essex
- Painted Courtyard, at Left Bank Gallery created by Anne Penniman Associates, Essex
- English Charm by the Cove created by The English Lady. Essex
- Patio Garden in Essex Park created by the Essex Garden Club
- Garden in the Square at Griswold Square, created by Old Lyme Landscape, Old Lyme
- Riverside Garden at the Connecticut River Museum, created by Ballek’s Garden Center, East Haddam
- Zen Garden at The Spa of Essex, created by Landscape Specialties, Centerbrook
- Potted Caboose at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, created by Riggio’s Garden Center, Essex
- Memorial Garden at the Lutheran Church in Centerbrook, created by Burnett’s Landscaping, Salem
- Gathering Spot at Gather, designed by Keith Rustemeyer, local Gardener/ Horticulturalist.
Other scheduled events will take place throughout the weekend to include:
Friday, June 5th
11:30 a.m. From Pot to Table (garden talk)
Emrys Tetu, Holistic Health Counselor, Wellness with Food
Griswold Square, Main Street Essex — directly across from The Griswold Inn
Learn about nutrient-rich herbs and vegetables to grow in container pots as Emrys talks
about how they improve energy, health, and well-being.
Noon — 2:30 p.m Special Luncheon at The Griswold Inn
Executive Chef Josh Berry has created an “herb-infused” menu addition expressly for this event.
The prie-fixe, three-course menu will be an addition to the Inn’s regular
luncheon menu. Reservations Recommended, (860) 767.1776.
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Art as Music, Opening Reception
Essex Art Association, North Main Street, Essex
An elected artist members’ show. Works, in all mediums, depict artistic interpretations of varied musical styles and themes.
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Boys of Summer, Opening Reception
Left Bank Gallery, 10 Main Street, Essex
Four renowned master marine artists exhibit their work: Bob Bryant, Louis Guarnacchia, Russ Kramer and Jeff Sabol.
7:00 p.m. How to Plant a Beautiful Container (garden talk)
Priscilla Pultz, Master Gardener, Acer Gardens
The Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex
Learn how to select planting materials and easily maintain containers to beautify your patio, deck and outdoor spaces. Ms. Pultz will accompany her talk with a slide presentation.
Saturday, June 6th
11:00 a.m. — Noon Converting Your Favorite Container to a Self-Waterer (garden talk)
Lorraine Ballato, Author
Essex Books, 1 Essex Square — Main Street, Essex
Ms. Ballato will discuss her new gardening book.
2:00 — 4:00 p.m. Garden Earth (garden talk)
Maureen Haseley-Jones, aka The English Lady — author, lecturer and garden designer
Essex Books, 1 Essex Square — Main Street, Essex
The English Lady will talk about creating a beautiful garden that’s rewarding to the gardener
as well as the environment.
Sunday, June 7th
2:00 — 4:00 p.m. Children’s Event
Essex Books, 1 Essex Square — Main Street, Essex
Children are invited to plant a flower and decorate a garden container.
The Potted Garden Tour is FREE of charge and open to the public. Visitors can begin the self-guided tour at the welcome tent at The Essex Library, 33 West Avenue. Tour hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
