Garden Education Center Of Greenwich Launches May Market Month

From the Garden Education Center: The Garden Education Center (GEC) May Market has grown from a one-day event, that began in the early 60's, to an entire month of special programs and classes this year. This new month-long celebration of horticulture features gorgeous specially sourced plants, planters, organic edibles, fun additions to the garden and festive tributes to spring.

"For the first time in history, May Market at Garden Education Center will stretch over the course of an entire month! This event has blossomed from a very popular one-day sale to a schedule packed with entertaining activities for the community", said Vice President of Horticulture at Garden Education Center, Margery Scotti. She continued, "On Tuesday's we'll have a fresh lineup which kicks off on May 1st with our first-ever "Greenhouse Botanical Cocktail Party" event. Our experts will work with attendees to help develop their knowledge and appreciation of gardening. May Market Month is loaded with educational programs and our expert horticulturist is wonderful to work with. There will be limited seating on our veranda for our cooking demonstration with renown Chef, Geoff Lazlo, on May 22. I encourage anyone interested in any of our very special events to register on our website as soon as possible and to view other happenings throughout the spring and early summer - we've got a lot to offer!"

Garden Ornamentation will kick off the month during week one beginning Tuesday, May 1, at the Greenhouse. Visitors will have access to one-of-a-kind garden additions including birdhouses from Birdhouse Brokerage, outdoor accents brought to you by Amabelle Chan of Marvin Gardens and hand-forged towers and landscape elements by Battle Hill Forge hand-crafted metal design. A bird walk in the Montgomery Pinetum and a cocktail party will be held onTuesday, May 1, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm where attendees can shop, sip and socialize.

Hydrangeas will be featured during week two beginning on Tuesday, May 8. Local Horticulturist and hydrangea enthusiast, Lorraine Ballato, will share her expertise and debut her new book, 'Success with Hydrangeas'. Attendees will enjoy this informative discussion and have the opportunity to ask questions. Ballato’s book will also be available for purchase. A large variety of specially sourced Hydrangeas will be available in the Greenhouse for purchase with help from expert horticulturists.

Perennials and Annuals will be in abundance during week three along with an opportunity to create containers at the "Container Wow!" Workshop with the GEC's renowned floral designer, Trish O'Sullivan, on Tuesday, May 15. O'Sullivan will share her award-winning design secrets and help attendees create a beautiful display for their entrance way or patio. All materials and plants will be available for purchase with a 25% discount including containers for all attendees of Trish O Sullivan’s program. Attendees can also bring their your own container.

Week four features the renown Executive Chef, Geoff Lazlo, hosting a cooking class demonstration and discussion featuring seasonal vegetables and how to incorporate them into everyday meals on Tuesday, May 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Attendees will watch Chef Lazlo grill vegetable pizza on the Veranda while they enjoy an herb-infused cocktail. Chef Lazlo's approach as a chef is heavily influenced by his close relationships with farmers, a community-minded spirit and a decade spent working alongside a celebrated group of seasonal fine dining restaurants and chefs –Alice Waters at Chez Panisse, Dan Barber at Stone Barns and Blue Hill, and Michael Anthony at Gramercy Tavern. There is limited seating for this event.

Other happenings during May Market Month 2018:

• A Private Tour of the New York City Highline, May 2
• A tour of the New York flower market, located in the Chelsea District of Manhattan on 28th Street, May 9 or June 16
• Mother's Day "Regal Themed" Tea, May 12
• Royal Wedding Celebration with High Tea and Floral Fascinator Hat Making, May 19
• Backyard Edibles featured with a Celebration of Herbs and Vegetables, May 21
• Hudson River Garden Tour of the Untermyer and Kykuit Gardens Designed by William Welles Bosworth, May 23
• Chocolate & Peony Perfusion: English Garden Design Inspired by Constance Spry, May 24
• Mindful Morning Classes for Adults and Kids (ages three to eight) with Certified Yoga Instructor and Riverside resident, Helena Svedin, May & June

"The May Market is a major fundraiser for the Garden Education Center which is vital for the organization since we are a non-profit and solely dependent on our donors. We are a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting horticulture, conservation, and the arts through educational programs, outreach activities, and special events. This event is a great resource offering specially sourced plant material, expertise and fun elements for the garden which are featured all month long", said Scotti.

Registration through the Garden Education Center website is required for all Tuesday events and includes registration fees. Garden Education Center offers members discounts. May Market Month events range in price from $10 to $145 with member discounts of $20 or more. There is on-site parking for all events. For more information about GEC memberships and to register for May Market Month events please visit Garden Education Center online (www.gecgreenwich.org). #MayMarketMonth #MayMarketGreenwich

Image courtesy of the Garden Education Center