A tour of the gardens was conducted by guide, Sheila Wertheimer who gave a history of the 13 acre property and pillared mansion built in the 1700s by a sea captain. Every Friday the extensive flower and vegetable gardens are tended to by many local volunteers. The gardens were replanted in 1990 and remain today. Florence Griswold inherited the spacious mansion after her farther died and she took in borders to meet financial obligations. Eventually, artists flocked to the idyllic setting, living in small out buildings and in the mansion.
Some of the property was sold many years ago, but has been bought back and is now owned by the museum. The museum on the property houses paintings by many of the artists who lived there. The house where Florence Griswold lived is open to the public and is fully furnished.
Daytime Gardeners of North Haven is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT and the National Garden Clubs. The Daytime Gardeners are actively seeking new members to enjoy field trips and to participate in programs encompassing civic, youth, and conservation. For more information, call Brenda at 203-239-1557.
