Free pdf downloadable brochures for 2008:
Guide to the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens including a map and Iris Bed Index New this year: "Ask Presby," |
Bloom Season:
The Bloom Season for 2008 is May 16-June 8.
Here is a guide to all our Bloom Season fun:
Bloom Season:
May 16-June 8, open daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Student Iris Art Exhibit:
Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Iris Tours & Iris Workshops:
May 24, 25, 26, 31 and June 1.
Iris Rhizome grab bag orders taken daily during Bloom Season.
Rhizome Pickup:
July 18-19, August 15-16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
We've determined this to be the best time to experience our gardens at their spectacular best. We go
there to unwind, take a walk, read, or play with our children. For the last 80 years, Presby has remained a source of civic pride in the Montclair community.
Last year's Bloom Season had a special significance as we celebrated our 80th birthday. We held a series of special events for this celebration. Below are some highlights from Bloom Season 2007.
“Consider the Iris First”
The Past, Present and Future of the Presby Iris Gardens
“Consider the Iris First: the Past, Present and Future of the Presby Iris Gardens,” co-curated by volunteer Heidi Stokes and staffer Katie Landes, was the first exhibit to be created and displayed in the Walther House in honor of The Presby Memorial Iris Garden’s 80th Anniversary. The living room was transformed into a gallery showcasing Presby’s transformation from humble beginnings to one of the most important gardens to come out of the early twentieth century.
The idea for the exhibit developed when we started to organize our archives and discovered remarkable historical documents that reveal the personalities and events of the gardens over the past eighty years. Newspaper clippings, letters, awards and photographs will be on display. In addition, there is an original recording of founder Barbara Walther and John Wister, the first President of the American Iris Society, addressing the 1967 Garden State Iris Society Dinner in honor of Barbara Walther’s forty years of service to the Gardens. The exhibit describes the early years at Presby, the individuals who were involved, as well as a brief history of the iris itself. The exhibit comes full circle with plans for the future of The Presby Iris Gardens.
The exhibition will take place from April 30 through June 3 and will be open from 10 am to 6 pm daily.
Secrets in a Victorian Garden
Secrets in a Victorian Garden was held on the grounds of the Walther House where twelve local landscape designers showcased their work. The landscape firms donated their time and talent to create displays and garden rooms filled with perennials, shrubs, pots, stonework, furnishings, and a little whimsy, which will inspire and delight.
The proceeds from this tour were used for the maintenance of the Walther house and grounds with the vision of hosting horticultural classes and programs in the future.
Participanting landscapers for our 80th Anniversary event were: Gardens Gate, A. Lombardi, Cedar Grove Garden Center, Gardens of Distinction, Landscape Techniques, Randscapes, Perennial Bliss, Birch Hill, Fredette, Joe Mulroe, Signature Stonecraft, and Eagle Scout Loren Hoyt.
Memorial Day Garden Party and Student Art Exhibit
The Student Art Exhibit brings out the aspiring artist within the young residents of Montclair; last year’s show featured almost 900 entries from eight schools. The one day event always draws a large crowd to Presby. From mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, even out-of-town grandparents, everyone has their own personal favorite, and proud artists can often be found posing next to their entries. The show brings people of all ages out to celebrate the magical qualities of artistic expression, and the beauty of our iris garden.
Entry is open to all students who live in or attend school in Montclair. As in the past, the show has been judged by professional artist Katherine Kinkaide with prizes supplied by local vendors. This year the Garden party and Student Art Show will be held on May 26 from 10-4 pm. Refreshments will be donated by Whole Foods of Montclair and Applegate Farms. Puppeteer Jennifer Levine will perform.
Twilight Garden Party
Event organized and catered by Allison Sargent Enterprises
celebrated our 80th Anniversary
- Wine Tasting by Amanti Vino
- Past trustees will be honored
- Luminaries throughout the gardens, individual flashlights for guests, guided tours by the garden staff.
- Secrets in a Victorian Garden, The Archive Exhibit and The Bloom Room will open as well.