Letter from the Executive Director and Artist in Residence

Greetings!

I'm writing this letter a week after our Taking Root Luncheon and the event is still fresh in my mind. This year's Taking Root, our twelfth, was our most successful yet, bringing in $320,000 with 288 guests attending.

But the day was about more than numbers. There was a palpable warmth in the room. If you were there I'm sure you felt it, a kinship that forms when a group of thoughtful people come together in support of a worthy cause. Our speaker, Margaret Renkl, and our honoree, Chris Knapp, gave voice to the bond we share, and during their conversation, in a room filled with almost 300 people, one could have heard a pin drop. This year's Taking Root was a testament to the generosity of our supporters and proof that a fundraising event can be meaningful. 

One of last year's attendees who was out of the country for this year's luncheon emailed me a few days before the event. She wrote, "Last year I decided that everyone I know, admire, love and want to spend time with was at the luncheon, and I'm sure it will be the same this year!"

And, indeed, it was.

Warm regards,

Letter from the Nursery Manager and Horticulturist

It seems that cooler weather is finally hitting Hempstead, and I, for one, could not be happier! As has been the case in recent years, October was hot and dry with cloudless skies. This might just be the new norm in our neck of the woods, though, so I’ve been doing my best to adapt to the elongated summer! 

I wanted to give a big shout out to everyone who attended this year's Trunk Show at the beginning of October. Thank you for shopping with us! We sold lots of great trees despite the heat and had a great time doing so. With the way our oak trees are dropping acorns this year, it looks like Trunk Show 2026 will be even bigger and better!

Speaking of sales, mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8th, because we will be hosting one final sale for this year. All nursery plants will be marked 5% off of their tag price. But wait, there’s more! Members, this will stack on top of your membership discount, so you will get 20% off of your plant purchases. We will have a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, trees, and groundcovers available, plus a select few houseplants. Early November is still a great time of year to get new plants in the ground before winter hits, as they will have just enough time for their roots to really get established. I would love to clear the house, so please stop by and shop to your heart’s content. The more you buy, the less I have to move inside the greenhouse before a freeze! I hope to see you there.

One more final piece of exciting news on the horizon: we are going to start supplying seeds from selected plants in The John Fairey Garden. I often get requests for mail-order seeds, and want to make them available to the public so that everyone gets a chance to own a little piece of our garden, even if you live in a different state. Be on the lookout in the coming months!

As always, if you have any plant related questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at ashlyn@jfgarden.org.

All best,

Open Studio at the Garden November 15th

Executive Director and Artist in Residence, Randy Twaddle will open his studio to guests on Saturday, November 15th, from 1 pm - 3 pm in the gallery space at the Garden. Randy will be showing new work inspired by the Garden, as well as the source of much of the inspiration – selections from his collection of assorted dried seed pods, stems, leaves, cocoons, etc.

The afternoon will kick off at 1 o'clock with an optional docent-led tour of the Garden, followed by an artist's talk at 2:15, and then cake and refreshments to celebrate John Fairey's 95th birthday on the 17th. 

You can make a reservation for this event here.



A Visit from the Town and Country Garden Club

The Town and Country Garden Club from Houston visited the Garden this month on the most beautiful day in recent memory. Director of Horticulture and Living Collections, Wally Wilkins, led the tour of eleven enthusiastic and experienced gardeners.

We love to host garden clubs. If you'd like to schedule a private tour, please contact Aviana@jfgarden.org

“Autumn light is the loveliest light there is. Soft, forgiving, it makes all the world a brightened dream.”

Margaret Renkl