A Special Treat at this Year’s Weekend In Norfolk for Gardeners, August 2, 2026

This year, Weekend in Norfolk is taking place from July 31 – August 2 and a highlight are Norfolk’s Gardens. There is something unmistakably magical about the summer gardens in Norfolk. At this summer’s WIN, on Sunday, August 2, 2026, one of the standout experiences is the rare opportunity to step inside four exceptional private gardens alongside a thoughtfully cultivated community garden. Each space offers its own personality, rhythm, and story—inviting visitors to slow down and truly see what makes a garden come alive. Private gardens have a special kind of quiet magic. Every path, planting choice, and tucked-away corner reflects the care and personality of the person who created it, making these spaces feel less like landscapes and more like deeply personal worlds.

At Feeding Body and Soul on 84 Maple Avenue, that idea comes to life beautifully: “Our garden’s focus is to feed us, our chickens, our bees—and our souls.” The garden is shaped by organic practices and a natural, thoughtful rhythm—from removing invasive species to working with challenging terrain and letting beauty emerge in its own time. Behind the house, a skillfully built kitchen garden rises from sloped, stone-filled ground, with raised beds lined with gravel, cold frames along a retaining wall, espaliered apple and pear trees, and space for bees, chickens, and future gatherings. Out front, the mood softens into a naturalized meadow, where native plants sway in shades of green and white, brightened by bursts of seasonal color.

At Connections (76 Maple Avenue), the garden does something rare: it stretches beyond a single property, seamlessly linking two neighboring landscapes through a network of peaceful woodland paths. As you wander along meandering, wood-chipped trails edged with salvaged sapling trunks, the journey gently guides you downhill through the woods. Along the way, the transition feels natural and unforced—paths glide through a shallow depression before opening into mature plantings that surround the house and lawn. The result is a landscape that feels truly connected in every sense. More than simply beautiful, these neighboring gardens are a quiet testament to the idea that outdoor spaces can unite people just as powerfully as they shape the land.

At 290 Bruey Road, professionally designed gardens create a beautiful story of transformation. What were once two separate properties have been thoughtfully brought together through woodland pathways, layered plantings, and carefully shaped garden spaces. Visitors move through a sweeping transition from structured lawn and mature shrubs into a more shaded woodland setting, where winding paths, curated shade gardens, and restored areas invite moments of discovery along the way.

The second property, now serving as the primary residence, continues to evolve as a living landscape. With expanded plantings and newly diversified vegetable beds, the garden remains a work in progress—one that keeps growing, changing, and revealing new layers of design over time.

Our next stop, Formal Borders, is at 152 Litchfield Road and features a lovely Arts and Crafts–style home and garden dating back to 1908. With care and thoughtful interpretation, the current owners have brought new energy to the original design by Marian Coffin, restoring the garden’s historic charm while giving it a fresh sense of life.

Highlights include a refined formal parterre stretching south from the house, along with a striking double border on the west side, recreated using guidance from an original working plan. One of the garden’s most delightful features is a graceful half-moon of dwarf and semi-dwarf evergreens. What began as a chance collection of gifted plants has grown into a lush natural screen, now enclosing an extra perennial bed and adding depth and intimacy to the space. Altogether, Formal Borders offers a serene blend of history, beauty, and thoughtful evolution.

The final stop, the Community Garden at 128 Greenwoods Road East, on the grounds of Botelle Elementary School, offers something just as meaningful as it is beautiful: a true sense of shared purpose. Sponsored by the town’s Recreation Committee, this welcoming space brings together neighbors, families, and young gardeners in a collaborative effort that blossoms throughout the season.
In the height of summer, visitors can see children from the Summer Gardening Club caring for their own beds, along with a vibrant mix of vegetables like pumpkins, tomatoes, peas, lettuce, kale, and more. Some plots are even dedicated to supporting the local Food Pantry, helping the garden make a difference in the wider community.

Guests will enjoy hands-on learning through composting demonstrations led by resident expert Doug Semmes, and the first 25 visitors will receive a complimentary herb seedling to take home. Looking ahead, the garden’s impact will continue to grow this fall through programming designed to engage local fifth- and sixth-graders in ongoing stewardship.

Whether you’re drawn by inspiration, tranquility, or the sheer visual beauty of a summer garden in full bloom, this experience offers more than a simple tour. It offers a way of seeing—one that stays with you long after the season fades. Because truly, there is something special about gardening. And in Norfolk, at the height of summer, you can feel it in every leaf, every blossom, and every carefully tended path. For more information about Weekend in Norfolk https://weekendinnorfolk.org/

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Free Events, Live Music, Local Flavor – Weekend in Norfolk (WIN) July 31- August 2, 2026

(WIN) celebrates its 11th year from Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2, with a three-day weekend of music, art, food, history, and outdoor activities. One of the weekend highlights is the expanded Sidewalk Sunday on August 2, from 12 PM to 4 PM on Station Place. With the street closed to traffic, it becomes a lively pedestrian space where visitors can shop handmade goods, meet local makers, and enjoy live music.

Garden lovers will find plenty to enjoy. Sunday’s garden tours open four exquisite private gardens, including Woodland Pathways and Feeding Body and Soul. Visitors can also explore
Norfolk’s community garden, learn composting tricks from master composter Doug Semmes, and pick up a free herb seedling, while supplies last. For treasure hunters, there is a town-wide tag sale, and for art lovers there are shows at the Art Barn and the Norfolk Library as well as an open artist studio.

Music fills the weekend, with many free performances. Friday opens with a concert on the Green and live music at Infinity Music Hall’s Bistro on all three days. Saturday features the free Emerging Artists concert at the Music Shed, and live performances on Robertson Plaza. On Sunday, enjoy another round of free concerts, plus a children’s concert and ice cream social at the Music Shed.

WIN also offers plenty of ways to get outdoors. Start Friday with a plant and bird walk at City Meadow, then choose from Saturday’s yoga on the Green or a guided gravel bike ride with the Rails to Trails Committee. On Sunday, enjoy lawn games and a bring-your-own picnic lunch at the award-winning Manor House Inn. Visitors can also explore Norfolk’s scenic trails or attend a free fly-fishing workshop at Wood Creek Pond. Families will find plenty to enjoy as well, including bubble art at the Botelle School and family-friendly activities hosted by the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, featuring a bounce house and an obstacle course that introduces children to basic firefighting skills.

History and culture are also front and center. The Norfolk Historical Society’s exhibit brings the Revolutionary War era to life, while tours of local landmarks such as Battell Chapel and the Immaculate Conception Church show off exquisite stained-glass windows by Tiffany and others, and a tour of the Whitehouse offers a closer look at Norfolk’s rich past. At The Hub, Aton Forest is putting on an exhibit showing the history of the many conservation projects its founders undertook. And for something truly global, head to the Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center, which offers exhibits, complimentary Asian lunch boxes, Dragon Boat Racing, bonsai demonstrations, and tea ceremonies.

When it’s time to eat, Norfolk delivers. Local favorites like the Icebox Cafe, Berkshire Country Store, and Infinity Bistro are serving up delicious options and WIN specials, while food trucks and pop-up vendors add even more variety throughout the weekend. All offer take-out, and Mountain Spirit Liquor is offering its own WIN specials to go with your picnic. With most events free and everything close by, WIN makes it easy to explore at your own pace. Whether you come for the music, the art, the history, or simply the atmosphere, you’ll leave with more than a good weekend—you’ll leave with a sense of belonging. Explore the full, daily-updated schedule at Weekend in Norfolk and plan your perfect summer weekend. For more information https://weekendinnorfolk.org/

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Whispers of the Past: Step Into Revolutionary-Era Woodbury at the Glebe House July 18

On a warm July evening, history will come vividly to life at The Glebe House Museum & Garden, one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums. In partnership with the Woodbury Cemetery Association, the museum invites visitors to attend “Whispers of the Past – A Tour of the South Cemetery and the Glebe House Museum and Garden” on Saturday, July 18th, beginning at 4 p.m. This immersive, multi-sensory experience offers a rare opportunity to stand on the very ground where Woodbury’s Revolutionary War story unfolded, guided not only by historians, but by the voices of the past themselves.

The event is free to attend, though donations are appreciated, and advance registration is strongly encouraged at glebehousemuseum.org. Guests can look forward to a memorable journey through local history, brought to life through storytelling, historic settings, and the shared legacy of the museum and cemetery grounds.

The experience begins at South Cemetery along Main Street, where tours will run between 4:00 and 5:30 PM. Here, the stillness of the historic burial ground will be transformed by live actor portrayals of Woodbury residents who fought in the Revolutionary War, each stationed beside their final resting place. Visitors can expect more than storytelling. A historical presentation of Woodbury’s three cemeteries will provide deeper context, complemented by stone restoration demonstrations and displays—offering a fascinating look at how these sacred markers are preserved for future generations. Close your eyes for a moment, and the modern world fades. In its place: the rhythm of horse hooves, the creak of wooden cart wheels, and the quiet determination of a town of just 2,500 souls striving to survive—and to shape a nation. Names etched into stone—Judson, Strong, Minor, Mitchell, Franklin, and Bissell—become more than history; they become human.

As the cemetery tour concludes, guests are invited to continue their journey just down the hill to the Glebe House Museum & Garden at 49 Hollow Road, open from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Step inside and encounter the world of Rev. John Marshall, Woodbury’s first Anglican priest, and his wife Sarah, as they raised their nine children amid the turbulence of a divided colonial society. Through thoughtfully preserved period furnishings and locally crafted architecture, the home tells a story of resilience, faith, and quiet defiance. It was here, in the uncertain weeks following American independence, that a secret of Connecticut Anglican clergy took place—men determined to reconcile their religious identity with a newly independent nation. That pivotal moment helped shape the future of the Episcopal Church in America.

Guests are invited to linger on the lawn, enjoy refreshments, and reflect on the extraordinary history woven into this peaceful setting. “Whispers of the Past” is more than an event—it is an opportunity to stand where history happened, hear the stories where they began, and connect with the people who helped shape a nation. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a local resident, or simply curious, this program offers a meaningful experience for all. In a year when we commemorate America’s 250th birthday, “Whispers of the Past” serves as a particularly fitting and memorable way to honor the past.

About the Glebe House & Garden
Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills in the heart of historic Woodbury, the Glebe House Museum offers a unique look at Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The restored 18th-century farmhouse, once home to Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, is furnished to reflect daily life during the American War for Independence. Opened to the public in 1925, the Glebe House is one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums and has welcomed visitors for over a century. Its restoration was led by Henry Watson Kent, a leading figure in American decorative arts. Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century, designed the museum’s garden in 1926. This classic English-style garden features 350 feet of vibrant mixed borders and is the only surviving example of Jekyll’s work in the United States. The garden is now in its fourth year of full restoration.

Plan Your Visit
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Cemetery Tours: 4:00 – 5:30 PM (South Cemetery, Main Street)
Glebe House Tours & Refreshments: 5:30 – 7:00 PM (49 Hollow Road)
Admission: Free (donations gratefully accepted)
Parking: available along Main Street South near the cemetery, at the Glebe House Museum, and at Hollow Park’s soccer field lot.
Advance registration is appreciated:
https://www.glebehousemuseum.org
https://woodburycemetery.com
Questions? Call 203-263-4878 or 203-263-2855

JanetLeave a comment

Pirates Invade Sheffield Island A Swashbuckling Summer Adventure Awaits -July 18 & 19

Yo, ho, ho—and a barrel of fun is headed for Sheffield Island Lighthouse when the annual Pirates Weekend & Cruise sets sail on July 18 and 19, 2026. Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association, this wildly popular event turns a scenic island getaway into a full-on high-seas escapade for the whole family, complete with treasure hunts, sea chanteys, and enough swashbuckling spirit to make your inner captain shout, “Ahoy!”

The adventure begins at 90 Water Street in South Norwalk, where guests board the ferry and cruise across the sparkling waters of Norwalk Harbor. Along the way, you’ll pass charming islands, historic lighthouses, and sweeping coastal views—basically, a scenic prelude to your pirate destiny. Ferries depart at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. So arrive early—these boats wait for no matey! Secure your spot with Pirates Weekend Ferry Tickets at seaport.org and set sail before the crew swabs the deck without you!

A Pirate’s Playground
Once ashore, Sheffield Island turns delightfully rogue. The day comes alive with the legendary Bawdy Buccaneers—a professional troupe of pirate re-enactors who bring history to life with just the right amount of mischief. Between treasure hunts on the private beach, interactive pirate games, sea chanteys, storytelling, and dramatic swordplay, there’s no shortage of high-seas hijinks. Add in tall tales of danger, mystery, and the open sea, and you’ve got yourself a day fit for the fiercest pirate and the mistress of the high seas.

Best of all, every bit of this eyebrow-raising adventure is included with your ferry ticket. And while the pirates are having their fun, the island still has plenty to teach: Pirates Weekend is also a chance to step into maritime history. Guests are invited to tour the lighthouse, uncover the legacy of Sheffield Island’s light keepers, and learn why preserving Long Island Sound matters. This popular event is part history lesson, part pirate party, and entirely unforgettable.


About the Norwalk Seaport Association
Founded in 1978, the Norwalk Seaport Association is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the region’s rich maritime heritage. Through educational programs, lighthouse tours, and unforgettable on-the-water experiences, the organization connects visitors of all ages to the history, environment, and beauty of the Norwalk Islands. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to strengthen the connection between past, present, and future through preservation, education, and community engagement.

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A Century Rooted in Discovery: Aton Forest Celebrates 100 Years

In northwest Connecticut, Aton Forest has spent the past century doing something remarkable: listening to the land. Now, that legacy takes center stage in “A Centennial Celebration,” a retrospective exhibition at the Norfolk Hub, on view through July honoring 100 years of conservation, ecological research, and habitat preservation at Norfolk’s Aton Forest.

The exhibition opens with a reception on July 10 at 4:30 p.m., featuring remarks by Aton Forest President Billy Gridley, who will reflect on what defines the eco-system field station Aton Forest today and what its future holds with the recent acquisition of the Spaulding Pond Preserve (965 acres in South Norfolk) assembled by Dr. Eglar’s wife, Happy Kitchel, aa a forever wild area, whose amended conservation restriction will be held by the Norfolk Land Trust. “Dr. Egler and the Kitchels believed that protecting natural areas was essential to scientific discovery,” Gridley says. “We are proud to carry on this legacy by studying ecosystems as interconnected wholes rather than collections of plants and animals.”

“Aton Forest: A Centennial Celebration” is more than a historical retrospective—it offers an immersive view of Aton Forest as both a protected landscape and a living laboratory. Over the decades, the forest has been shaped by observation and curiosity, values that continue to inspire discovery today. The exhibition highlights a compelling mix of ongoing and historic research, from the Lingering Ash Study, which examines resilience in the face of invasive pests, to the forest’s herbarium collection, which preserves plant history in remarkable detail. It also features and an exemplary vegetation research plot on the rare tapering fern, and entomologist and Aton Research Fellow Charley Eiseman’s work on leaf miners, revealing the hidden worlds thriving within the forest. It also revisits Egler’s foundational ideas in vegetation science, emphasizing the importance of natural and semi-natural landscapes as places in which to consider today’s environmental challenges. Together, this exhibition tells a larger story: ecosystems are not static backdrops, but dynamic, interconnected systems that can only be fully understood over time.

At the heart of the exhibition is Dr. Frank Egler, the pioneering ecologist who founded Aton Forest and helped shape modern environmental thinking. Over his prolific career, Egler authored nearly 400 articles and five books, advancing a holistic understanding of ecosystems that was far ahead of its time. He was also in active correspondence with Rachel Carson, offering insight on herbicides featured in the groundbreaking book Silent Spring, a cornerstone of the modern environmental movement.

Alongside him stood his wife, Happy Kitchel, an acclaimed photographer whose work captured the beauty and ecological significance of Connecticut’s landscapes. Together, they forged a partnership that blended science, art, and environmental stewardship, viewing the land as a living, breathing laboratory.

Complementing the exhibition is a series of special events and lectures that bring its themes to life through discussion and exploration. These include “Nature & Brain Health: Minding the Gaps,” presented by Dr. Susan Masino of Trinity College on July 12 at 4 p.m. at UCC Battell Chapel, as well as the Aton Forest Science Lecture II & Walk, featuring “Mason Hale’s Aton Forest Lichen Collection: 70 Years Later Report” at The Norfolk Hub, led by Dr. James Lendemer of the New York State Museum. The exhibition also marks the launch of a new book, The Spirit of Aton Forest: Frank Egler, Rebel Ecologist, in Pursuit of Science and Natural Area Protection by Billy Gridley. The book offers a compelling account of Egler’s life, his scientific work, and his lasting influence on conservation and natural area protection.

Aton Forest’s Centennial Celebration is more than a look back—it is a call to engage with the future of conservation and regional scientific research. As climate change reshapes ecosystems worldwide, Aton Forest stands as a model for thoughtful stewardship, rigorous science, and deep respect for the natural world. For visitors, the exhibition offers something rare: an opportunity to step into a century-long conversation between scientists, landscapes, and the evolving science of life on Earth.

About Aton Forest
Aton Forest is dedicated to protecting and stewarding its natural area preserves while advancing the forest succession, ecological research, and demonstration work pioneered by its founder, Dr. Frank Egler. Through this mission, Aton Forest honors Dr. Egler’s practical and intellectual legacy and applies it to support both the natural environment and the human communities within the bioregion.

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This August Step Into the 18th Century at Glebe House Hands-on History brings Colonial Life to Kids.

In a time when children are surrounded by screens, packed schedules, and digital distractions, the summer programs at the Glebe House Museum in Woodbury offers something refreshingly different: a chance to slow down, step into history, and learn through experience.

For more than 36 years, the Glebe House Museum’s Summer Experience programs have invited children to discover the past in a way that is both educational and memorable. Designed for children ages 6–12, these programs go far beyond traditional classroom learning. Instead of simply reading about colonial life, campers get to live it.

Two Unique August Programs

This August, the museum is offering two special camp opportunities.The first program runs August 3–7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this week, children will explore the treasures of the Glebe House Museum through colonial crafts, candle making, butter churning, historic games, and nature-based activities. Children will also visit the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, learn about herbal remedies and kitchen gardens, and create nature-inspired art.

A second, newly expanded program will take place August 10–12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. In partnership with Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, this immersive experience places children in the daily lives of people who lived during the American Revolutionary War. In a year when the nation is commemorating its 250th birthday, the program offers a timely and engaging way for young people to understand the realities of colonial life.

Set in the historic Glebe House, built in 1750, these programs focus on the practical skills needed for survival and comfort in the colonial era. Under the guidance of historical interpreters, children will use period-appropriate tools and techniques to better understand how people worked, lived, and adapted in a very different world.

Beyond the historical learning, these programs provide something equally important: a safe, enriching environment where children can build confidence, creativity, and independence.

With support from the Ion Bank Foundation, the Glebe House continues to offer programs that nurture both minds and imaginations. The museum’s approach combines education with play, making the summer experience valuable for children and reassuring for families.

For parents looking for a program that blends history, nature, creativity, and hands-on discovery, the Glebe House camp offers a compelling option. It is a chance for children to step away from the noise of modern life and into another world—one filled with learning, exploration, and wonder.

Registration Information

For details or to register, visit http://www.glebehousemuseum.org, or contact the museum at 203-263-2855 or office @glebehousemuseum.org Early Bird pricing through June 30.

About the Glebe House & Garden
Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills in the heart of historic Woodbury, the Glebe House Museum offers a unique look at Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The restored 18th-century farmhouse, once home to Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, is furnished to reflect daily life during the American War for Independence. Opened to the public in 1925, the Glebe House is one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums and has welcomed visitors for over a century. Its restoration was led by Henry Watson Kent, a leading figure in American decorative arts. Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century, designed the museum’s garden in 1926. This classic English-style garden features 350 feet of vibrant mixed borders and is the only surviving example of Jekyll’s work in the United States. The garden is now in its fourth year of full restoration.

JanetLeave a comment