Rochester Civic Garden Center's Summer Soirée Series

Join us for one or all of these informal get-togethers. Enjoy some refreshments and a chance to talk about our favorite subject - gardening! - with fellow enthusiasts. Proceeds help support the RCGC education program.

All Soirées: $12, sign up for 3 or more soirées and the price is $10 each.

Advance registration required. Call 585-473-5130.

Peace and Tranquility in an Asian-Styled Garden
Tuesday, July 15, 6-7:30pm

Join us in Don and Webster garden for drinks and dessert and an opportunity to experience the peacefulness of this really special place, SEI-EN ("serene or tranquil garden") with Don as our guide. This substantial Asian-influenced garden is the result of Dennis Burn's creative design, choice plant materials from Oriental Garden Supply, and the owner's perference for a large selection of less common conifers and Japanese maples, many of which are considered specimens.

Asian gardens have evolved over time, and SEI-EN reflects the early design concepts integrating landscape and spirituality to express a universal harmony. The asymmetrical patterns of plant materials, paths, stones, and water provide the impression that the garden is largely an outcome of Nature with little or no human intervention. A common response of visitors to SEI-IN is that it enables the person to abandon the hustle of the temporal world and connect with the timeless qualities of silence, reflection, and inner peace.

An arbor topped with driftwood beckons you through the stone wall; wind along the blue stone path through the side garden of evergreens and perennials, then out a matching arbor and around the house to the rear (or is it front?) deck - a summer living room on the lake. A dry stone wall keep the sand on the beach with stiles built in - an ancient detail allowing people east passage but keeping livestock in their place. When night falls, the garden is transformed with low voltage lighting into a magical evening setting, complete with the sound of waves on the lake, candles, wine, and refreshments - the perfect place for a summer evening!

Gardens and Heirloom Tomatoes at High Bid Farm
Monday, August 25, 6:30-8pm

Join Bob and Linda Geiger at their 16-acre farm in Brockport. This beautiful, interesting and welcoming place is a testment to several of their passions: Shetland sheep for their fiber business,chickens, pigs, two naughty goats - who all contribute to and benefit from the lush and lovely flower and vegetable gardens.

The Geigers grow many kinds of tomatoes plants every year from seed, both heirlooms and unusual modern varieties. To help support their garden habit they sell transplants at spring markets such as RCGC's Proud Market and the Rochester Sunday Public Market. Come to this soiree to tour the abundant gardens, and also for a unique opportunity to try these special tomato varieties firsthand and find out what all the hoopla is about.