Blooming at The Cummer

19th annual Garden Month celebration at the Cummer

For more than 100 years, the magnificent gardens at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens have been associated with some of the most nationally important and globally recognized names in landscape design and horticulture: Simonds, Shipman, Meehan, Olmsted. Rare specimens join easily-recognizable springtime flowers amid canopies of beautiful centuries’ old oak trees, to complement the Museum’s fine collections. As tradition would have it, this spring the Gardens will once again come alive during the 19th annual Garden Month celebration sponsored by Community First.
“We are honored to present Community First Garden Month at The Cummer,” said John Hirabayashi, CEO and President of Community First, noting it is one of the most beautiful places in Jacksonville.
The Cummer has announced fun and exciting events as part of the annual Garden Lecture Series and Garden Month. Event info, reservations, costs (including those at no cost) are listed on www.cummer.org
Community Day & Plant Sale Saturday, March 1, 10 am-4 pm (Plant Sale 9 am-2 pm) Live music on the front lawn by Tammrelin
Terrarium-making Demonstration by Crystal Floyd, Noon-2 pm. Ixia Chapter, Florida Native Plant Society will be on hand for Q&A
Rain Barrel Sale Saturday, March 1, 10 am-noon. Sponsored by the St. Johns Riverkeeper (Barrel or Compost Bin/$70, or both/$130)
Lecture by the St. Johns Riverkeeper
“Back to Our Roots: Making Native Plants Work in the Urban Environment” Tuesday, March 4, 6:30-7:30 pm. The practical use and benefits of native plants and integration into our built environment. Panelists: Bob Chabot (Jax. Zoo); Eric Lycke (Landscape Architect, The Haskell Co.); Jim Draper (Artist) Moderator, Jimmy Orth (St. Johns Riverkeeper)
Terrarium-making Workshop with Crystal Floyd Sunday, March 9, 2-4 pm
Talks & Tea: Celebrating The Cummer Gardens Wednesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 13, at 1:30 pm. Karl Boecklen, Museum Educator, shares his knowledge of the gardens. Sweet treats and tea follows the talk.
Garden Concert: A Night of Motown Music with KTG Friday, March 14, 7-9 pm.
Back by popular demand – reserve now. Call or go online for admission, tables, and boxed dinner info.
Flower Arranging Sunday, March 16, 10-2:30 pm. Bring home a masterpiece!
“Bringing Nature Home” by Doug Tallamy Wednesday, March 19, 6:30-8:30 pm. Nationally recognized expert in the areas of native ecosystems and biodiversity. Meet and greet Tallamy during his booksigning. Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres served with music by Arvid Smith. For more information on Tallamy, visit www.bringingnaturehome.net.
The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program Sunday, March 23, Noon-4 pm
All three historic Cummer gardens open.
Volunteers are available to answer questions and provide an overview of the plant life and garden history.
Garden to Table Dinner Monday, March 31, 6-9 pm. Presenting the Ninah May Holden Cummer Awards. Recognizing individuals and organizations for building artful connections between people and the environment, this dinner features an “artful” food presentation showcasing some of Jacksonville’s best chefs.
(reserve early, required by March 21).

CHILDREN’S EVENTS
Art for Two: Beautiful Blooms! Saturday, March 8, 10:30 am-Noon. Ages 3-5 and their favorite adult.
Art Adventures: Botanical Paintings Saturday, March 15, 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Ages 6-12. Create watercolor paints based on direct observation of the historic Gardens. “Our gardens are special every day of the year, but March is a magical time on the campus,” says Holly Keris, Chief Curator at The Cummer. “The month is packed with special tours, programs, lectures, concerts, and other opportunities to experience the beauty of and science behind the magnificent gardens that the Cummer family created more than 100 years ago.” Public garden tours are available every Wednesday and Thursday in March at 11 am (free with paid admission, no reservation needed). Lunch reservations can be made at The Café at 899-6022.

Future dates
“Preserving Our Cultural Landscape” by Charles Birnbaum The Cultural Landscape Foundation. Tuesday, April 22, 11 am-1 pm. Luncheon served in the Garden (weather permitting). Marks the one-year anniversary of The Cummer’s Olmsted Garden. Birnbaum will speak on the importance of preserving the American landscape. For more information on the Foundation, visit www.tclf.org.
jon Carloftis: Luncheon & Demonstration America’s Pioneer Roof Top & Small Space Gardening Expert. Wednesday, November 5, 11 am-1 pm. Learn about The Edible Schoolyard Project (in Washington Mall); a one-acre garden to improve the eating habits of schoolchildren and to promote sustainable agriculture. Learn how to make a more beautiful green space to play, eat and relax within.
Jon Carloftis: Cocktails & Discussion Wednesday, November 5, 6:30-8:30 pm. Demonstration in the Olmsted Garden. For more information on Jon Carloftis, visit www.joncarloftis.com.