The Brucemore mansion can be seen from the estate’s formal garden during a past Garden and Art Show in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
CEDAR RAPIDS – As of today, Eastern Iowa’s weather doesn’t get much better than this, and hopefully, that will hold out for the upcoming Brucemore Garden & Art Show.
If you enjoy lovely formal gardens, want to learn more about seed saving techniques from expert Master Gardeners, make simple summer appetizers (and get to sample them!) or have a guided tour of the historic Brucemore estate from head gardener, David Morton, be sure to make it to the show on Saturday, Aug. 23.
“We are really excited about the variety of presenters for the main stage this year, as well as the different activities that are planned,” said Tara Richards, director of events and communication for Brucemore, at 2160 Linden Dr. SE.
Tara provided the following schedule and information about the event:
Our main stage, which will be in the Visitor Center this year, includes:
- 10:00 a.m. – Seasons of Gardening: Growth and Change by the Linn County Master Gardeners
- 11:00 a.m. – Wood-fired Brick Oven Pizza at Home: A How to Guide by The Ceramics Center
- 12:00 p.m. – Simple Summer Appetizers by Hy-Vee
- 1:00 p.m. – Shelters for the Soul: Midwestern Garden Grottos as Visionary Art by Jane Gilmor
- 2:00 p.m. – Beyond the Mansion: A Walking Tour of Brucemore’s Historic Estate by David Morton
In addition, the Linn County Master Gardeners will be leading a couple of walkabouts, including:
- 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Tree Walkabout focusing on tree identification and invasive pests
- 11:30 a.m. – Seed Saving Walkabout focusing on identifying plants to pull seeds from and how to dry them
Also, new this year, is a potting activity that will take children to visit Brucemore’s partners for this event. Children will make a pot with The Ceramics Center; stop by the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency booth to learn about compost; and visit the Linn County Master Gardeners in Brucemore’s Lord & Burnham Greenhouse to plant seeds.
The annual Brucemore Garden & Art Show will return Saturday, August 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. amidst the historic charm of the Brucemore gardens and landscape. More than 60 artists and garden vendors from across the Midwest will share their expertise by showcasing unique products, vivid presentations, and pertinent information, including ceramics, plantings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, textiles, and more.
Educational opportunities will captivate attendees, whether it’s engaging in a one-on-one conversation, participating in an interactive display, or listening to a featured lecture. Main Stage presentation topics include seasonal gardening and historic grottos. The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase several displays and demonstrations in the formal garden, including “walkabouts” identifying trees, invasive pests, and seed saving. Plant vendors and horticultural organizations will share unusual and standard specimens, and artists will discuss their original paintings, pottery, and more. Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency will provide free compost to all interested attendees. Children can participate in a complimentary, special project with the Ceramics Center, Linn County Master Gardeners, Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, and Brucemore during the event.
Admission is $6.00 per person. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are sold at the gate the day of the event or online at www.brucemore.org. Parking is off-site. Shuttle service is available from Washington High School throughout the day. Handicap parking is available on-site by entering the First Avenue gate only. No pets, coolers, or outside food allowed during the event. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. The Brucemore Garden and Art Show is sponsored by Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency and Penford Products. The festival’s main stage presentations are sponsored by Hills Bank and Trust Company. Free self-guided tours of the mansion’s first floor are brought to you by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. For further information on the Brucemore Garden and Art Show, please call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.
No Comments Yet