Discovery in the Garden History
In 1997, at the urging of Museum Trustee, Martha Gesswein, seven homeowners on Sasco Hill Road in Fairfield graciously agreed to open the grounds of their estates for a garden tour to raise funds for the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport. “Art in the Garden” was born. It kicked off with an elegant cocktail party at the Museum the evening before the tour. Both party and tour were an immediate success. Visitors to the gardens were alternately charmed, awed and inspired. A catered luncheon at which to break the day added to the tour’s enjoyment.
Held bi-annually for four years, with a name change in 2003 to Discovery in the Garden, the event quickly earned the reputation of being the premier garden tour of the region. Over time, lectures, book signings, boutiques and flower shows augmented its distinctive appeal and reputation for excellence.
In 2007 Discovery in the Garden reached out to brighten the winter, too, with an art show, featuring the garden photography of the immensely talented artist, Stacy Bass. First Light was another jewel in the crown of the event.
June 2007 brought Discovery in the Garden back to Sasco Hill, with a fabulous 10th Anniversary Celebration, Twilight in the Garden, held at the home of Museum Trustee, Susan Sosin.
As Discovery in the Garden enters its second decade, the tour will again feature distinctive, fabulous gardens in the Southport and Greenfield Hill areas of Fairfield. You’ll be inspired by the graceful colors and fragrance of both old and new gardens, professionally designed garden rooms, and lush perennial borders.
In 1997, at the urging of Museum Trustee, Martha Gesswein, seven homeowners on Sasco Hill Road in Fairfield graciously agreed to open the grounds of their estates for a garden tour to raise funds for the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport. “Art in the Garden” was born. It kicked off with an elegant cocktail party at the Museum the evening before the tour. Both party and tour were an immediate success. Visitors to the gardens were alternately charmed, awed and inspired. A catered luncheon at which to break the day added to the tour’s enjoyment.
Held bi-annually for four years, with a name change in 2003 to Discovery in the Garden, the event quickly earned the reputation of being the premier garden tour of the region. Over time, lectures, book signings, boutiques and flower shows augmented its distinctive appeal and reputation for excellence.
In 2007 Discovery in the Garden reached out to brighten the winter, too, with an art show, featuring the garden photography of the immensely talented artist, Stacy Bass. First Light was another jewel in the crown of the event.
June 2007 brought Discovery in the Garden back to Sasco Hill, with a fabulous 10th Anniversary Celebration, Twilight in the Garden, held at the home of Museum Trustee, Susan Sosin.
As Discovery in the Garden enters its second decade, the tour will again feature distinctive, fabulous gardens in the Southport and Greenfield Hill areas of Fairfield. You’ll be inspired by the graceful colors and fragrance of both old and new gardens, professionally designed garden rooms, and lush perennial borders.