Saturday, May 18th, 2024
11 am - 4 pm : Artisan Market at the Warm Springs Gallery
Home and Garden Tours with Picnic in the Garden:
9:30-12:00 Grammercy Farm
12:30-3:00 Roseloe Manor
Picnics provided by Claire’s Cakes of Monterey
Note: transportation to and from Saturday’s home & garden tours is provided, shuttles will run from the Bath County High School to the homes
11 am - 2 pm : Artist Demonstration with Amanda Slaughter
basket weaving
1 pm - 2 pm : Tour & Tasting, Troddenvale Orchard
2 pm - 3 pm : Artist Demonstration with David Csont
3:30 pm - 5 pm: Invited Talk with Robyn Puffenbarger
“Gardening for Birds and Wildlife”
6:30 pm : Dinner in the Garden with Two Fire Table
GRAMERCY FARM
During the early 20th century the springs resorts in Warm Springs Valley attracted an influx of visitors, some of whom purchased property near the Homestead as summer or year-round homes. Consequently, many old houses in the valley were remodeled and enlarged by wealthy new owners. Rock Spring, circa 1810, was one of them. Purchased by William McKee Dunn and renamed Gramercy Farm, the two-story stone house was enlarged and remodeled by Richmond architect Duncan Lee into a Colonial Revival showplace with a garden laid out by Charles Gillette. With its stone cottages and lawns shaded by old trees and outlined by picturesque stone walls, Gramercy Farm is a Virginia landmark that has been passed down through the Dunn family.
Catch shuttle from Bath County High School
From Warm Springs Gallery, head up Courthouse Hill Rd and turn right onto 220 (Sam Snead Blvd) heading south 1 mile. Turn left onto Charger Lane then turn right into hillside parking lot above playing field and below school building. Shuttle will take you to Grammercy Farm, then on to Roseloe Manor where a picnic will be provided, before returning you to the school.
ROSELOE MANOR
Originally the centerpiece of a 126 acre farm, Roseloe Manor was built in 1905 by Rebecca Douglas Lowe, founder of the Atlanta Woman’s Club, and later expanded by her daughter the Baroness Rosenkrantz. Features include decorative ceilings, pilasters, highly carved fireplace mantles and a 9 foot stained glass window. A formal boxwood and rhododendron garden enhances the grounds. Reduced to 12 acres, this once run-down property has recently been restored to its former grandeur.
Owners: Peter Fowler and John Nowland
Directions: To head to Oakley Farm for the artist demonstration and talk, exit Bath County High School, turning right onto Charger Lane. Oakley Farm will be on your left.
NOTE: This button will link you to our Eventbrite Event Page where you can choose to purchase a full day pass for Saturday (which includes all ticketed events for Saturday), or historic home and garden tour tickets for Gramercy Farm + Roseloe Manner only.
ARTIST DEMONSTRATION: AMANDA SLAUGHTER
Warm Springs Gallery, 12 Katydid Trail, Warm Springs, VA 24484
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
After visiting her local Appalachian decorative arts museum, Amanda was captivated by their collection of early 19th century decorative and functional arts from the region.
Although her formal training is in silver-smithing, Amanda has studied under two master basket makers from the Southwest of Virginia: Deborah Partridge of Grayson County, and Kathy Dulaney of Floyd, VA. Although there are no rules when it comes to Appalachian-style weaving, the wisdom passed down while weaving under older generations connects each of us to the vibrant history and culture of our past.
Amanda's main inspiration in all she creates is the natural world, with a specific focus on the indigenous flora of the Southeast. She often dyes her weaving materials to match the color palette of wildflowers, landscapes, and the seasons, and also incorporates natural materials such as grapevine, rhododendron, and antlers into her basketry as much as possible.
ARTIST DEMONSTRATION:
DAVID CSONT
Oakley Farm, Oakley Farm Lane, Warm Springs, VA 24484
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Watercolor has been a passion of David's and is evident in his painting and illustration style. He has developed a colorful, painterly approach, rooted in the tradition of English watercolorists like John Sell Cotman and Cyril Farey.
"As an artist my first response is to draw or paint to communicate my ideas. I strive to tell the story through pictures my words can't easily communicate. The act of painting is a process that involves all of the senses. I immerse myself completely into the subject in order to draw out all of its character and hidden meaning, hoping if I observe it closely enough I may glimpse the true essence of what makes it special."
ORCHARD TOUR & TASTING
TRODDENVALE roughly translates to the “valley road” and is inspired by a lengthy history of visitors traveling to the cradle of Virginia’s great springs region, the Warm Springs Valley. Although this elevated valley remains sparsely populated, its roads are heavily worn by those who have come here seeking its healing waters.
Translated through cider, Troddenvale strives to preserve this valley’s treasured history, its spring water, forgotten orchards, and furthermore, creates an opportunity for new stories to be told — of the land, the soil, and the people.
Located in a county of 4,400 people and surrounded by the George Washington National Forest, Troddenvale is focused on revitalizing fruit growing for cider production in this mountain region of Virginia.
ROBYN PUFFENBARGER
Robyn Puffenbarger received her Bachelor of Science in biology from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in molecular immunology from the Medical College of Virginia. After a post-doctoral research fellowship at SUNY-Stony Brook, she joined the faculty of Bridgewater College. She is professor and chair of the Department of Biology and Environmental Science. Robyn teaches ornithology, genetics, and intro biology courses. With her husband Bill, they bird watch in the yard and all over the world, having seen birds on four continents. Since 2021, she’s been part of the Virginia Home Grown team, filming about all aspects of gardening in the Shenandoah Valley for the VPM PBS program. Robyn is a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener since 2011 and loves learning more about native plants to support wildlife.
TALK: “Gardening for Birds and Wildlife”
By making our yards more bird, pollinator, and wildlife friendly, we encourage other creatures to linger in our spaces. Just a few additions can make your backyard into an interesting, welcoming environment for birds. Robyn will talk about the ecosystem and building your plant community, whether you have sun or shade, a patio, or acres to enjoy. Following some of Robyn’s suggestions just might help you add some new birds to your personal backyard list.
North Stable, Oakley Farm, Oakley Farm Lane, Warm Springs, VA 24484
DINNER IN THE GARDEN
Two Fire Table emphasizes seasonal Virginia ingredients to thoughtfully prepare over-the-fire dining experiences that spark profound connection.
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This event is brought to you in partnership with Visit Bath County