Historic Mount Vernon Celebrates Warmer Weather & Mother’s Day with a Spring Garden Party!

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2009
Digital images available 

Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org

Historic Mount Vernon Celebrates Warmer Weather & Mother’s Day with a Spring Garden Party!

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Mount Vernon welcomes warmer weather with a festive Spring Garden Party on Mother’s Day weekend, May 9 and 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Estate “springs” to life with 18th-century-style music, Mrs. Washington and friends greeting visitors, garden tours, colonial games, and dancing.  New this year: a toast to mothers by Mrs. Washington and special garden walks! Sample an 18th-century style chocolate drink as Mrs. Washington offers a toast to motherhood. Visitors may also purchase heirloom plants and garden items at the annual Gardening Days gift sale which is ongoing now through May 10.  Activities are included in Estate admission: $15 adults; $14 seniors; $7 children (6-11); free for children 5 & under.

• Participate in a chocolate drink toast to mothers! Join Lady Washington as she presents a special Mother’s Day toast and sample an 18th-century chocolate drink in the Spring Garden Theater at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Garden walks from Herbalist and Master Gardener Betsey Ann Golon: 18th Century Garden Techniques at 10:30 a.m.
• Martha’s Garden Recipes at 12:00 p.m.; and Lavender, Lavender! at 1:30 p.m.
• Learn traditional 18th-century dance steps from costumed interpreters in the upper garden at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
• “Martha Washington” shares her insight as the mother to her children, grandchildren, and her country in the little theater at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Guided 30-minute walking tours focusing on Washington’s innovative landscape design are offered at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• All day: listen to popular 18th-century tunes by the Itinerant Band, and play colonial games.

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