Beth McDermott
| Reporter assisted by AI
The Stonington Garden Club is inviting the public to explore private gardens in Stonington Borough during its “Gardens by the Sea” walking tour, set for June 12 and 13.
The tour, which was last held in 2022, is expected to attract more than 2,000 visitors from across New England, according to a community announcement.
This year marks the club’s 15th tour and its centennial. The event will feature 9-10 private gardens, including waterfront vistas, formal terraced rooms, and pocket gardens designed in various styles. The tour also will showcase several ribbon gardens.
Many gardens will have an on-site educator, such as a master gardener, horticulturist or landscape designer, to share insights and answer questions. “Plein air” artists will be painting in selected gardens. All gardens are within walking distance, and free parking will be available.
The club has invested in public community gardens, transforming them with native plantings. These gardens, along with the Stonington Community Center Children’s Learning Garden, will be included in the tour.
“We are thrilled to welcome everyone to our 15th ‘Gardens by the Sea’ garden tour in Stonington Borough,” said Jill Corr and Pamela Wright, co-presidents of the Stonington Garden Club. “The funds raised by the tour enable us to give back to our community by supporting our projects, community grant program, and educational scholarships. We are enormously grateful to all who support this critically important event.”
Tickets for the event are $50 online until June 7, and $65 on the day of the tour. The tickets are valid for both days and are nonrefundable. The tour will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine.
In addition to the garden tour, there will be a tented marketplace on Wadawanuck Square featuring a variety of vendors offering garden-inspired items, clothing, jewelry and home decor. Several community partners will be on hand to answer questions about regenerative gardening techniques, conservation, plant health, composting and volunteer opportunities.
“We are so thankful for our garden hosts, the tour committee, club and community volunteers, the Town and Borough of Stonington, and generous sponsors for all they are doing to make this a successful event,” said Laura Metzger, Gardens by the Sea project leader. “We are excited to welcome visitors once again to experience the stunning beauty of Stonington Borough’s gardens.”
Sponsorships for the event are still available, ranging from $100 to $5,000. Interested parties can contact sgctourinfo@gmail.com for a sponsorship package.
The Stonington Garden Club, established in 1926, is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that aims to educate and encourage interest in the environment and conservation, support community projects and stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit stoningtongardenclub.org/garden-tour.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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