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| French Farm - Greenwich Historical Society |
French Farm on 516 Lake Ave. in Greenwich was the first
property in the town to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1975; and just recently it
was designated as a Local Historic Property that will preserve it for future
generations.
Originally,
the house was designed by H. VanBuren Magonigle and was built in 1911-1915 for
Mary Billings French. Today, this four-acre,
100 year old property has beautifully restored farm buildings and a rare plant
collection that creates a series of distinctive gardens designed by late owner,
David Wierdsma making this landscape a living work of art. Wierdsma inherited
the property in 1972 and endeavored to preserve the original structures on the
property and to create beautiful and whimsical gardens.
The farm is not always open to the public, however on
Sunday, September 15, on behalf of the Greenwich Historical Society, the entire
family is invited to visit French Farm for an afternoon of art and nature from
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., rain or shine.
This is the perfect place to celebrate the final days of
summer and explore this unique private landscape that is part gentleman’s farm
and part living work of art. Kids will have the
opportunity to get up close and personal with the farm’s animal occupants,
enjoy a scavenger hunt, press cider, climb the “pterodactyl nest” tower,
explore the fossil garden and enjoy nature crafts and activities on the lawn.
Adults have the option of two tours–one led by Florence Boogaerts,
focusing on the horticultural aspects of the property; the other by farm
manager Jacek Nidzgorski who will talk about the property’s cultural landscape,
its collections and its origins and development. Artists are invited to set up
their easels during the event, and photographers will be free to snap.
Buffet refreshments, served on the main lawn, will include an artisanal
cheese board, seasonal bites and sweet and savory pastries, all created by
celebrity chef John Barricelli of Sono Baking Company and Martha Stewart Everyday Cooking fame. Advanced reservations are
required no later than September 11 and made be made http://www.hstg.org/adult.php#frenchfarm.
Admission to this event is $35 for adults, Children 4 to 12: $10. No charge for children 3 and
under.
