The Mount, designed and built by Edith Wharton
Gardens are a space for creative rejuvenation, muse, and inspiration. New England is rich with historical artists, poets and writers, and we are lucky to have not only their work but also the gardens that held a special place in their lives. Join us for an afternoon of exploring these truly inspired settings.
Emily Dickinson's poetry was influenced by the four seasons as she experienced them in her garden and conservatory. In this talk, Dickinson's poetry and excerpts from her letters will be accompanied by photographs taken by Michael Medeiros at the Emily Dickinson Museum throughout the year to illustrate just how these spaces worked their way into her writing.
Marie Nickerson, Celia Thaxter’s Garden Steward
“Summers for Celia: Then & Again"
Located ten miles off the coasts of NH and ME, Appledore Island was the home of writer/poet Celia Thaxter. Here on a granite outcrop, she cultivated her garden. While only 15’ x 50’ in size and featuring raised beds, it was both romanticized and immortalized through the paintings of American impressionist, Childe Hassam, and Thaxter’s book “An Island Garden,” which he illustrated.
Today, the garden has been lovingly restored by the Shoals Marine Laboratory and countless volunteers, and it attracts many visitors each summer. This presentation will share information about Celia Thaxter and the process through which her garden has been recreated and maintained.