To step back to America’s Gilded Age — when the very rich could and would spend tens of thousands of dollars every spring to manicure their grounds — consider heading to Bridgeport’s stately Chimneys mansion atop a hill in the St. Mary’s-By-the-Sea section.
The third Vines Vignettes Spring Garden Fantasy Experience on Saturday, May 31, will bring together landscape designers, antique dealers and representatives of area garden nurseries for a “stunning transformation of the landmark property,” said event spokeswoman Lindsay Chessare.
Garden Fantasy will be a visual feast for garden enthusiasts and those who appreciate gracious living, she said. As an added feature, the author, Emmy-nominated TV host and home-and-garden guru Mar Jennings will be on hand to sign copies of his new book, “Life on Mars: Creating Casual Luxury.” From 11 a.m. to noon, the Westport-based designer will be the featured speaker in the event’s lecture tent.
An occasional event (the last was in 2011), Vines Vignettes is a benefit for the Black Rock Food Pantry, St. Ann Academy and a new partner, Christian Heritage School in Trumbull.
Since the Chimneys — described as a Georgian-Revival mansion built in the 1920s — is privately owned, all displays and activities, including a cafe and about 30 boutiques, will be outdoors. A rain date is set for Sunday, June 1.
Chessare explained that the three-acre property has been sectioned into more that 20 areas, called vignettes, that will be designed by its own gardener/designer, each having a distinctive theme or style.
“For me, the greatest pleasure will be to see the transformation from the cold and snowy winter we experienced to a beautiful setting. That’s really exciting. When the designers initially visited, it was in winter. That they could visualize what it could look like in May is amazing,” she said.
These vignettes will be spaced around the grounds in floral and herb gardens, terraces, courts, walkways, a pool-house area and the original “Motor Court,” which is covered in slate, where vintage luxury autos will be on view.
Visitors are also invited to attend a wine tasting that will run from 1 to 4 p.m.
In a prepared statement, Jennings said he is looking forward to meeting visitors and offering gardening and design tips.
“I’m excited to join Vines Vignettes, and I cannot wait to see this year’s garden fantasy come to life. I am a big fan of the work this organization does to support the children and the Black Rock Food Pantry. I’m delighted to be involved and get a chance to see everyone there.”
Among the vendors that will be transforming the grounds are Austin Ganim Landscape Design, Ganim’s Garden Center Florist, Oliver Nurseries, Lindquist Landscape Design, Beau Maas Antiques and Epicure of Design.
Lecture tent schedule
In addition to Jennings, featured speakers are:
Amie Hall, of From Your Inside Out, noon to 1 p.m.; Eva Chimulera, of Austin Ganim Landscape Design, 1-2 p.m.; Dan Uriuol, of Bartlett Tree Experts, 2 to 3 p.m.; and Ethan Currier, of Sticks and Stones Farm, 3 to 4 p.m.
Parking
There is very limited parking near the mansion, which is on a narrow lane. Free parking will be available at St. Ann Academy, 521 Brewster St., Bridgeport. Several shuttles will run continuously throughout the day.
The Chimneys mansion, Old Battery Road, Bridgeport. Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; rain date is Sunday, June 1. $35 advance online; $40 door. www.vinesandvignettes.com.
pasboros@ctpost.com; Twitter: @PhyllisASBoros
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