April showers may bring May flowers, but Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons brings one of the most exquisite floral arrangements of the year to Mulford Farm during The Garden Club of East Hampton’s (GCEH) annual Garden Party with Plant Sale and Silent Auction.
“The Garden Club of East Hampton’s Annual Garden Party kicks-off summer with a Plant Sale and Cocktail Party featuring annuals, perennials, orchids and elegant silent auction items for the home and garden,” noted Noel Mason.
The two-day event will commence on Friday, May 25 with a lovely Garden Party, where guests will have first access to the beautiful blooms, including a magnificent mix of Hawaiian orchids, hanging baskets and potted plants. The Cocktail Party and Silent Auction – which will feature donated books, paintings, jewelry, amazing travel opportunities, and more – will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
Then, on Saturday, all are welcome to Mulford Farm from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to stock up on items to beautify their summer garden during the Plant Sale. Garden Club experts will be onsite to answer any questions about what to plant where and queries about growing an herb garden. In addition to the variety selected especially to thrive in East Hampton’s Zone 7a climate, annuals designated by New York Botanical Garden professionals for the Garden Club’s new Moran Garden will be showcased.
The Garden Club of East Hampton was founded in 1914 and has been a member of The Garden Club of America since 1915. The organization’s mission is to “restore, improve and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and civic improvements.” The Memorial Day weekend benefit is the Club’s sole fundraiser, and proceeds back initiatives in beautification, education and conservation in East Hampton, as well as on the state and national levels.
Throughout the years, the Club has been responsible for installing The Mimi Meehan Native Plant Garden, Rachel’s Historic Dooryard Garden at Mulford Farm, the Janice S. Brightwell Heritage Apple Trees at Mulford Farm, the Brick Courtyard Garden at the East Hampton Library, the Mary Nimmo Moran Garden at the Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran Studio, the Millstone Garden Park on Main Street, the Pollinator Garden at the East Hampton Town Hall, the East Hampton Post Office, the Railroad Station roses and plantings, and the Nature Trail, which they also maintain thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. For the Nature Trail and Railroad Station, the Ladies Village Improvement Society (LVIS) lend their green thumbs to ensure those two spots stay in tiptop shape.
GCEH, in partnership with the Town of East Hampton, also manages the Amagansett Orchid Conservation Project and aids with water quality testing of local waterways, with a focus on Big Reed Pond. Each year, GCEH interns embark on a yearlong project working with Montauk’s Third House Nature Center to examine the Montauk pond and it’s nearby flora and fauna. To honor their hard work, GCEH awards the teens a scholarship.
Admission to Friday’s Cocktail Party and Silent Auction is $50 and tickets will be available at the door. Entry to Saturday’s Plant Sale is free.
Mulford Farm is located at 10 James Lane in East Hampton. For more information, visit gceasthampton.org.