Garden Club Showcased at Governor's Mansion

On Monday, the Montville/Valhalla Garden Club planted seeds at Drumthwacket, the official residence of the Governor. Montville was one of seven premier garden clubs throughout New Jersey invited to participate in the annual competition to decorate the 175-year-old mansion for the holidays.

Located in Princeton, Drumthwacket holds official functions on the main floor. Tours are conducted throughout the year for the public. There are 12 private rooms upstairs that serve as a part time home to the First Family.

This year's decorating theme was "Homemade Holidays, New Jersey Style."

Montville/Valhalla decorated the solarium. Tutty Giordano chaired the project and developed the design. Her team collaborated, incorporating natural products that were grown or handmade in New Jersey. 

The teams worked on their respective rooms from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the judging to select one winner. The other garden clubs invited to participate were Essex Fells, Florham Park, Somerset Valley, Neshanic, Hunterdon Hills, New Vernon, Spring Lake, and Dogwood of Princeton.

First Lady Mary Pat Christie arrived at 3 p.m. to thank the participants.

"Rest assured that many people will enjoy your handiwork," she said.

Mrs. Christie said the family plans to spend time during the holidays at the mansion. She looks forward to having the public come during the open houses. 

"This is very exciting," she said. "We want to open it to as many people as possible. We want the public to feel welcome."

Tours will be given on Wednesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and Sundays, Dec. 5, 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservation are required.  A small donation to the nonprofit Drumthwacket foundation is requested.  Get information at the group's website