Faeries in the Garden

The Andover Garden Club encourages gardeners to share their love of plants and the outdoors with children. At 10:00 AM on January 6 at South Church in Andover, Andover native Betsy Williams (http://betsywilliams.com/) will speak on how to cultivate a magical, charming garden that is receptive to faeries—and encourages children to grow up “green.” The event begins with social time followed by a brief meeting, then the program. A $10 donation is requested for guests (includes refreshments).

Through stories and demonstration, lifelong gardener, herb-grower, and cook Williams will offer the perfect avenue for introducing children to the joys and mysteries of growing plants and the possibilities of enticing faeries into their gardens. Williams trained as a florist in Boston and England. She combines floral, gardening, and cooking skills with an extensive knowledge of history, plant lore, and seasonal celebrations. Her gardens, floral work, and retail shop (The Proper Season, 155 Chestnut Street, Andover, MA) have been featured in many publications, including the New York Times and Better Homes and Gardens.

Prolific Author and Lecturer

The author of articles and books on the uses and stories of herbs and flowers, she has also appeared on the Discovery Channel and greater Boston cable stations as well as local and national radio talk shows. In 1987, she created the first Fairy Festival, now replicated throughout the country, and was a founding member of the International Herb Association, which in 1995 presented her with an award for her outstanding contributions to the herb industry. She teaches at Northern Essex Community College and Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Mass. Her professional affiliations have included the British Folklore Society, the Beatrix Potter Society, and the Herb Society of America. She is a member of Garden Writers of America.

About the Andover Garden Club

Founded in 1927, the Andover Garden Club (www.andovergardenclub.org) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that encourages the study and practice of horticulture, landscape design, and floral design; aids in the beautification of the town of Andover; and helps protect and conserve natural resources. A member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc., and National Garden Clubs, Inc., the club provides both financial and hands-on support to a variety of municipal, educational, and environmental organizations throughout the region. Information about joining the Andover Garden Club is available from AGC membership chairs Linda Carpenter (978-475-7430, lcarpenter1@comcast.net) and Ronnie Haarmann (978-475-4414, rchaarmann@comcast.net).