by Gina V. Stevens
Warnings of impending thunderstorms were superseded by clear, pale grey skies, as horticultural enthusiasts registered for Newtown Historic Association’s (NHA) 2023 Garden Walk, Saturday, June 24th, 8:30am, at their headquarters at the Half Moon Inn on Court Street in Newtown Borough.
The Garden Walk ended at 1:00pm. Rain was held at bay until 12:30pm, so guests and organizers were relieved that Mother Nature waited to sprinkle the lush land.
Whether driving or walking, ticket holders were first bolstered by complimentary bagels, toppings, morning beverages, fresh fruit, and handed an easy-to-peruse guide to each of the numbered locations. Many walked back to their cars and stored their umbrellas and rain gear.
This, the NHA’s first ‘self-guided’ tour in seven years, welcomed patrons to visit 17 private yards throughout the borough and township. Guests could start at the first property on the map, work backwards or forwards.
Gardeners, and master gardeners from Countryside Gardens and elsewhere, along with Barry Fleck, President of the NHA, other officers and supporters, were posted at specific gardens to provide historical perspective about the public and private plantings, statuary, fountains, designs, and other outdoor gems.
Dozens of volunteers spent countless hours shaping the annual event. All of these lavish yet inviting gardens created with love, sweep three miles of the area.
Proceeds from the $15 tickets benefit the maintenance and improvements needed for the historic Boone Garden, located across the street from the NHA main office at Half Moon Inn, a featured garden on the tour.
Other events through 2023 include: September 18th, NHA Monday General Meeting; October 6th, Friday Newtown Movie Theatre, Spirits of the Outlaws; October 7th, Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm, Market Day; October 22nd, 10:00am., Sunday, Tyler Park Self-Guided Walking Tour; November 20th, General Meeting – Native American Program from the Museum of Indian Culture; December 2nd, 10:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday, Holiday Open House Tour.
Further questions on future Garden Walks may be directed to Mary Jo Garner, 215-858-0939 or Kenya Crawford, 267-679-9287, while other event information may be found by visiting https//newtownhistoric.org.
PHOTO CAP: Committee Chairs of the NHA 2023 Garden Walk, Mary Jo Garner of Countryside Gardens (center), was joined by Kenya Crawford (right,) and Master Gardener Karen Groff (left,) as they greeted enthusiasts behind The Half Moon Inn. Photo by Gina V. Stevens.