Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s second annual Garden Party will take place on June 15 in the historic Italianate Garden featuring a one-night-only “peek” into the neoclassical early 20th century Cheney-Baltzell Manor House. The garden benefit supports The Gardens at Elm Bank, located at 900 Washington Street, Wellesley. Henry Platt’s Jazz Quartet will be providing musical entertainment and Kathleen Fahey, Curator of the Wellesley Historical Society, will be addressing the robust history of the Cheney-Baltzell estate and its historic Olmsted Brothers’ gardens.
Stephanie Chlan, of Stephanie Chlan Interiors, has decorated the Carrere and Hastings 1908 Manor House ballroom to reflect the grandeur of its time combined with a flair of the present. Guests will be able to peek into the “museum view” of the ballroom to imagine and highlight the possibilities of preserving this historic home.
Committee chair Alicia Hesse-Cleary and committee members Lisa Abeles, Lisa Geiger, Stephanie Chlan, Annette Lee, Betsy Gibson, and Suzanne McCance, President of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, are planning an exciting evening for everyone to enjoy. Alicia Hesse-Cleary announced: “We will be raffling off two tickets to Hamilton in NYC for this Fall - the house seats are fabulous!”
The Garden Party to support The Gardens at Elm Bank will take place on Thursday, June 15 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Garden Party hats are encouraged. Tickets are $100 per person. For reservations, call Elaine Lawrence at (617-933-4945) or visit Masshort.org and click on the home page party link. Rain location will be in the Hunnewell Building.
The event will help announce Mass Hort’s Master Plan initiative to take them to their 200th anniversary in 2029. The initiative will support the objective to build Mass Hort’s future as a leading regional public garden tourism destination that demonstrates the science and practice of horticulture for the 21st century. The plan will also address Mass Hort’s historic gardens, Manor House, and visitor amenities such as café, gift show, and visitor center.
Founded in 1829, Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s mission is to develop the public's enjoyment, appreciation and understanding of plants, gardens, design, and the environment. Mass Hort is a 501 (c) (3) educational nonprofit and is supported by membership, sponsorships, and donations. The Gardens at Elm Bank are open from May 1 through Columbus Day, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free for Mass Hort Members, Adults: $10, Children under 12 free with adult. The entrance is located at 900 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley, MA.
