The Wilton Garden Club will be holding a Standard Flower Show called “Timeless Gatherings,” on the grounds and in the charming 18th and 19th century buildings at the Wilton Historical Society’s museum complex Oct. 9–11. The highlight of the event is a fund-raising gala on Friday, Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m., dedicated to raising funds for the ongoing preservation and restoration of the circa 1832 Old Town Hall, opposite the Wilton Congregational Church.
The Flower Show
Almost 50 spectacular floral designs, plus hundreds of horticultural specimens, photography and educational exhibits will be artfully displayed in the period rooms, Burt Barn Gallery and Sloan Gallery of the Wilton Historical Society. The $10 entrance fee includes a ticket for a daily drawing, and tea in the 1860 Abbott Barn.
The Club’s flower shows are visual extravaganzas that provide a means for it to share the beauty of flowers with fellow members and the public. They challenge members to try something new while taking part in an interesting and exciting community event. The Club presents flower shows every few years; in 2011 it was “Friends, Fun, and Flowers,” held at the Wilton Library, which celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Garden Club.
“The theme this year is ‘Timeless Gatherings.’ We wanted to show flower arrangements in the Historical Society’s beautiful 18th century houses, which really convey a sense of the ageless importance of the special times when we gather for shared social events great and small. We will have beautiful floral designs of all sizes, from immense and traditionally styled to miniatures in teacups to still lifes to more contemporary ones. We will have many arrangements placed with table settings; it is a great way to get inspired for your holiday decorating!” says Nan Merolla, Garden Club president.
Adding to the interest are the ribbons and cards by each design. Ribbons are awarded to each of the four designs in a class; the judges write comment cards with remarks on style, composition, and execution. “It is amazing what you can learn from them!” Merolla adds.
Though flower arrangements are the draw, there are many other aspects of “Timeless Gatherings” that will appeal. Interested in horticulture? Get ready to view hundreds of beautiful specimens of cut flowers and branches, with ribbons awarded to the best in each category. This is the first time the Club will have a photography section; noted local photographers Peggy Garbus and Pam Rouleau are the judges. Educational exhibits round out the offerings.
The $10 admission fee covers a raffle ticket and a relaxing sip of tea or coffee and a sweet nibble in the 1860’s Abbott Barn, which will also have flower arrangements on display. The hours are Thursday, Oct. 9, 1-5 p.m.; Friday Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-noon.
The Gala and Benefit
A festive Gala is planned for Friday, Oct. 10, 6-9 p.m. (tickets are $50.00 per person) at the Wilton Historical Society. Guests will enjoy fine wines and beers, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and a leisurely stroll through the show. A live auction will take place and there will also be an array of silent auction items. The Gala is being held to benefit Wilton’s historic Old Town Hall, which the club lovingly preserves and maintains. As is typical of antique structures, the circa 1832 building needs a great deal of ongoing care to keep it in top shape for rentals, which pay for much of the upkeep needed.
The Wilton Garden Club has had a long relationship with Old Town Hall. It dates back to the early 1930s when the Club stepped in to renovate and preserve this beautiful building, which is on the National Register for Historic Places, and is located in Wilton’s Historic District #2. Another tremendous effort by the Club took place in the 1970s, when Old Town Hall was about to be condemned. These days, the Club continues to lovingly care for and maintain Old Town Hall. Through its efforts, a very important part of Wilton’s history has been preserved.
For more information and to purchase Gala tickets, visit the Wilton Garden Club website.
The Wilton Historical Society is located at 224 Danbury Rd.. Old Town Hall is located at 68 Ridgefield Rd.