CO-PRESIDENTS OF THE GARDEN TOUR (left to right) Jane Gilman and Jolin Crofts with silent auction co-chair June Bilgore. (Co-Chair Joanne Osinoff is not pictured). Photo by Richard Battaglia
A house spans a stream surrounded by greenery. Drought-tolerant perennials dazzle a driveway. Wisteria vines drape colorful flowers above a garden fireplace. These are just three of the five beautiful gardens that await those who attend the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society Garden Tour Sunday, June 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The five inspiring gardens on display are in Windsor Square, Hancock Park and Brookside. As a bonus, the Bridge House spanning the creek, a modern architectural gem designed by owner Dan Brunn, will be open to visitors, along with its garden.
Historical Society President Richard Battaglia says this is the first backyard garden tour in the area in 10 years, and the first to be officially organized by the WSHPHS, which did not offer than home visits before the pandemic. Home visits will return in October.
It was not difficult to get the executive committee to plan a visit to the garden. “People love gardens!” enthuses Battaglia. “We’re lucky to have some great ones in our own backyard.” Larchmont Chronicle co-founder Jane Gilman and Jolin Crofts will co-chair the event. There will be music, snacks and a plant sale. June Bilgore and Joanne Osinoff will co-chair a silent auction.
Crofts notes that she and Gilman visited each garden several times to prepare for the visit. “I’m always amazed at how kind people are to open their homes to people. It’s such a… nice neighborhood. She continues: “We are really touched.”
Battaglia would like to use proceeds from the tour as seed capital to tackle the greening of the concrete islands of Beverly Boulevard and Rossmore Avenue. “The islands of Wilton Place were beautifully landscaped over 10 years ago, and if it could be done, Rossmore and Beverly certainly could be,” notes Battaglia. “We are just starting to form this committee. I hope we can reach out to the Wilshire Country Club, council member and area residents for help with the project.
“After COVID, let’s go and bring energy to the community,” asks Crofts. “Each garden has its own personality. Let’s see these beautiful gardens!
GARDEN UNDERTAKING leads to the edible garden of the Hudson Avenue house. Photo by Richard Battaglia
Tickets are $40 for members of the Historical Society; $50 for non-members. Advance tickets can be ordered at wshphs.com. Same-day tickets can be purchased June 5 at 166 S. Plymouth Blvd.
Category: Entertainment
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