Highstead Arboretum's Three Open Days Programs Will Each Offer Different Themes
Highstead Arboretumâs Three Open Days Programs Will Each Offer Different Themes
REDDING â Visitors will get three chances in 2004 to visit Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Road in Redding â May 23, June 6, and August 8. Guided walks will be given on each of these dates at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm.
Set on fifty acres of geographic extremes, the arboretum is also open on weekdays by appointment.
In May, the visit will focus on a collection of deciduous azaleas, when dappled shade provided by native oaks proves perfect shelter and habitat.
In June, a guided tour of the mountain laurel collection in bloom presents the opportunity to compare the characteristics of plants found in the wild with plants that have been cultivated. The collection has over sixty cultivars to admire, growing in a variety of soils and exposures.
In August, a magnificent natural stand of sweet pepperbush fills the air with its summer scent. Nearly three acres of this unusually late native bloomer is made accessible by boardwalk for a dry-footed discovery of the swamp habitat at Highstead, also allowing appreciation of the native plants, birds, and wildlife dwelling there.
Admission to the garden is $5, the Open Days are rain or shine, and no reservations are required.
Call 888-842-2442 or 203-935-8809 weekdays for more information.
These Open Days gardens are included in the 2004 Open Days Directory, a soft-cover book that includes detailed driving directions and vivid descriptions for a number of private gardens written by their owners and not generally open to the public. The National Edition includes garden listings in 22 states plus British Columbia, and costs $15.95 plus $4.50 for shipping.
The Northeast Edition (including gardens in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont) costs $5 plus $1.95 for shipping. Each directory also includes a free admission coupon offer (valued at $5).
Call the Garden Conservancy toll free at 888-842-2442, to order with a Visa or MasterCard, or send a check or money order to the Garden Conservancy, PO Box 219, Cold Spring NY 10516. Discount admission coupons are available as well through advanced mail order.