Here is the blurb from the event invitation:
Hartwood Manor, known as "The Old Foote Place" until the 1950s, was built in 1848 by Ariel and Julia Foote, on property that was originally 1150 acres. The Footes built their home in Gothic Revival style, which was much more common in their native Connecticut and unusual for Virginia. The Hilkers bought the property in 2002, and they have been restoring and renovating the house, barn, outbuildings, and grounds ... and creating gardens. Gardens on the nine-acre property contain Connie's collection of over 500 roses, many of which are rare and endangered. The roses are expected to be at or approaching full bloom on the day of our visit.
The cool, rainy weather that we have had for the past two weeks has set the timing of the roses back a bit ... which has turned out to be a good thing. I expect that the roses will show very well for this tour, and for the annual public Open Garden Day on May 30.
I'm not stressing about this, believe it or not, but there's a lot to get done in the time between now and tour day. Inside the house, I'm tidying and staging, and outside I'm doing what I can to whip the gardens into shape ... whenever the weather allows me time to do so.
I know that some of you are asking, "What can a person do if they aren't a Society member, but are local and want to come tour the house and garden on May 21?" That's easy! Click HERE and to go to the membership page on the SCHS web site, scroll to the bottom of the page, download the membership form, and bring it and a check along with you on tour day, We will gladly accept it when you arrive. (If you have questions, email me: connie@hartwoodroses.com)
