Garden Sponsorship: Extension of Main Bed

Surrounding the Bidwell House are terraced stone walls brimming with perennial beds. Installed in the 20th century when the house was restored, these provide a fabulous setting for this gem of a Georgian saltbox. The remaining acreage is woodlands laced with hiking trails and footpaths leading to historical landmarks throughout the property.

The gardens have been carefully developed and maintained over the years, starting with Jack Hargis and David Brush in the 1960s, followed by decades of wonderful gardeners and dedicated Museum volunteers. In order to ensure future enjoyment of the gardens, there are several projects that we are looking to fund to be undertaken in our upcoming 2022 season.

The extension of the Main Bed, towards the bottom of the hill, was created as a shade garden. However, it experiences more sun than initially anticipated, and needs a bit of revamping. Many of the current plants can be used elsewhere on the property, possibly on the north side of the House. After the soil is upgraded, the area can become a lush garden of flowering perennials and annuals. Suggested plants for this area include peonies, primrose, globe thistle, red zinnias, ecchinacea purpurea, amaranth, only-the-lonely, and glomphrena.