Together we can help make Glastonbury a more beautiful, greener place to live.
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Historical Society
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Partnering with the Historical Society |
Glastonbury Partners in Planting has worked with the
Glastonbury Historical Society on many occasions. The first
was a walking tour in South Glastonbury to visit historic
homes and some of our member’s gardens. The funds generated
supported the Society.
There have been three joint projects specifically at the
Welles-Shipman-Ward House on Main Street in South
Glastonbury which is run by the Society.
The first GPIP project in 2012 established a border of trees
and shrubs to screen the closest neighbor from the newly
reconstructed tobacco shed. Native plants were chosen for
the planting, many of which would have been used by the
early occupants of the house. These include witch hazel, an
astringent; bayberry for candles; and blueberries and
shadblow for drying and cooking.
Since 2013 GPIP has planted a small demonstration plot of
tobacco plants near the new tobacco shed. The plants,
donated by Ken and Howard Horton, show children and adults
what tobacco farming is all about. These are tended through
the summer and harvested on Farm Day in September. The
plants are cut, left in the sun awhile to wilt so that the
leaves don’t tear when they are strung, six-to-a-lath, and
are hung to dry in the recently-opened tobacco shed
In 2015 GPIP enlarged the growing area to include a
selection of heirloom vegetables. Varieties chosen show
examples of what the early Welles and Shipman families may
have had for dinner. Project chair Karen Rottner planted the
corn, squash, potatoes, beets, carrots and onions. The plan
is to involve children in the planting each spring and for
young members of the Glastonbury Historical Society to tend
the garden.
- Chairperson: Karen Rottner |
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