Garden Week at the Cummer

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens will host their annual Garden Week beginning Monday, March 14 through Saturday, March 19. Throughout the week, the museum will celebrate the historic gardens the Cummer family designed over 100 years ago with featured guest lectures, garden tours, a floral exhibition, luncheons, a fashion show, a garden concert and much more.

Monday, March 14, 6 to 8 pm Petals to Paint Enjoy a cocktail reception with live entertainment while viewing floral interpretations of the Cummer’s art collection by local designers. Members $65 and Non-members $70.

Tuesday, March 15, 11 am Conversation with Nancy Clarke: A History of Flowers at the White House Former White House Chief Floral Designer Nancy Clarke, known by many as the “Flower Czar,” has served six Presidents and First Ladies from 1981 through 2009. Luncheon following. Members $65 and Non-members $70.

Wednesday, March 16, 9:30 am Over the Top and Down to Earth with Beverly Church: Coffee and Lecture Beverly Church is a New Orleans author, designer and magazine editor. Through her energetic, imaginative style, Bev demonstrates with flowers and props how to create a Seasonal Celebration with a Southern touch. Continental coffee followed by lecture. Book signing following. Members $40 and Non-members $45.

Thursday, March 17, 11 am Fashion in Bloom with Linda Cunningham This New York style runway show features Linda Cunningham’s Couture Spring 2011 Collection as well as contemporary and classic sportswear. Luncheon following. Members $65 and Non-members $70.

Friday, March 18, 7 to 9 pm Garden Concert Featuring The Noel Freidline Quintet  A Jacksonville favorite, the Noel Freidline Quintet is known for its fresh, signature sound, combining innovative arrangements with masterful musicianship and infectious enthusiasm. General Admission: Guests may bring blankets, chairs, food and alcoholic beverages. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase that evening or through advance purchase by TreeCup Café. Reserved Tables: Seating for 10. Includes gourmet picnic dinner. (Limited number available. Alcohol not included.) General Admission: Members $15 and Non-members $20. Box Dinner for General Admission: $11. Reserved Table (seating for 10 including gourmet picnic dinner) $500

Saturday, March 19, 10 to 11:30 am Vermiculture: The Art of Making Compost Tea Evie Pankok, Program Assistant of the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program, will teach how to be “green” with a fun way to compost kitchen waste into nutrient-rich worm casings. Supplies included. Members and Non-members $5. For more information or to register, please call 355-0630.

Saturday, March 19, 10 am to 4 pm Garden Painting with Ellen Diamond Join Ellen Diamond, renowned landscape painter, for a day of plein aire painting in the Cummer Gardens. Lunch included. Members $80 and Non-members $95. For more information or to register, please call 355-0630.  

Saturday, March 19, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Art Adventures: My Digital Garden Children ages 6 to 12 will learn about photography in the Cummer Gardens. Bring a digital camera and learn how to choose and frame your shots. No experience necessary. Members $10 and Non-members $15. For more information or to register, please call 355-0630.

Saturday, March 19, 12 to 4 pm Museum Family Day Featuring live music, a scavenger hunt and studio activities. Free admission. For more information or to register, please call 355-0630.

Art, plant, gift and book sales, Mrs. Cummer’s Tea Table with delicious baked goods and one-of-a-kind jewelry creations by Lillian Ostergard will be available throughout Garden Week at the Cummer Store on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am to 3 pm. Garden Tours will be given Tuesday, 10:15 am and 1:30 pm, Wednesday, 11:30 am, and Thursday, 10:15 am. For more information on Garden Week or to register, please call 899-6038 or visit www.cummer50.org/Event/Garden_Week.