Amy Krzanik reports from Washington, CT. The annual Twilight in the Garden cocktail party at Hollister House, which occurred this year on Saturday evening, July 25, allows guests the opportunity to wander the property during one of its most magical moments. The garden, an interpretation of a classic English garden, was inspired by Sissinghurst in the UK, but incorporates a more informal, euphoric planting style. Begun in 1979 by George Schoellkopf and Ron Johnson, the garden is comprised of different “rooms," created by using multiple levels, stone walls, hedges and other borders. Guests enjoyed cocktails on the Main Lawn and snacks on the Upper Lawn, where frogs came out to greet the visitors. Hollister House Garden is open on Saturdays through September. Visit the website for information about the upcoming Garden Study Weekend, which includes a symposium, plant sale, cocktail party and more. Above, guests enjoy the Gray Garden on the upper level.
Hollister House's executive director Pamela Moffett and founder George Schoellkopf; Humphry and Paula Rolleston with Amel Derragui and Michael Friedl of the Austrian Trade Commission in NYC.
Betsy Manning, a founding board member, with Garden volunteers Dwight Keeney and Ambler Cantey; Jonathan Tait and Caroline Johnson.
Monica Neumann, general manager of the Mayflower Grace, with Rod Pleasants, Gülengül Öncel, Patrick Gallagher of Rome, Italy, Jessica Pleasants Öncel and architect Okan Öncel.
Gael Hammer with Leslie Middlebrook Moore; Jack Barker, Marvin and Norma Prince and Paul Egee enjoy the calm of the reflecting pool in the Walled Garden.
Bruce and Johanna Haan of Sharon, CT pose near the Crabapple Walk; Iris Lord of Woodbury and Pamela Hicks of Goshen by the water.
Jim Shehan, Amy Nadeau, Mara Ford and John and Stephanie McDonald of Woodbury.
The reflecting pool in the Walled Garden; guests enjoy cocktails on the Main Lawn.
Through a stone doorway lush with vines, a peek into the Walled Garden and beyond.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
