Historical Gardens Lecture

Saturday, June 28th, 2:30-4 pm

Join Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties for a journey into 19th-century gardens. Presenters Francine Melodia, Devon Russ, and Barbara Schobel will highlight heirloom flowers and herbs and how they’ve evolved into today’s gardens.

Enjoy a slideshow and discussion covering historic garden design, aromatherapy, and medicinal uses of herbs and spices. Learn how past gardens served daily life and carried cultural and historical significance as working gardens.

• Gain insight into regional historic gardens and receive a self-tour map to explore them on your own.
• Tour the museum and grounds, including the restored kitchen garden and a nearly 200-year-old ginkgo tree brought from Korea by Zadock Pratt.
• Sip herbal teas, enjoy light refreshments, and take home a seed packet courtesy of the Mountain Top Seed Collective.
• Attendance is free, donations are encouraged.

The Zadock Pratt Museum celebrates its full reopening in 2025, including restored grounds, the second floor, and the newly renovated carriage house—marking a major milestone after years of recovery from Hurricane Irene. This season features exciting programs that honor the history of Prattsville and its founder, Zadock Pratt.

The Historical Gardens Lecture is made possible by support from Peggy Young of Young’s Ace Hardware, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, Master Gardener Volunteers Francine Melodia, Devon Russ, and Barbara Schobel, and Jonathan Gross of the Mountaintop Seed Collective.