Summer Soirées Cocktail Series
In addition to an evening of elegance and philanthropy, guests will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to our Summer Soirées Cocktail Series, a series of enchanting local garden parties throughout the summer. Imagine strolling through picturesque gardens, sipping on refreshing beverages, and savoring delightful treats in the company of friends and neighbors. With each ticket purchased, you not only gain access to these memorable gatherings but also contribute to the Sheffield Historical Society's vital work in preserving our community's rich heritage and fostering educational initiatives for local youth. Embrace the spirit of the season and secure your tickets to these coveted garden parties during the gala. Don't miss your chance to make lasting memories amidst the beauty of our local landscapes!
Tickets are transferrable! If for some reason you can't make it to an event, you can share the ticket with a friend! Cocktail Party dates: Friday, July 25th - 5-7pm Friday, August 15th - 5-7pm Friday, September 19th - 5-7pm |
Descriptions of our three lovely gardens...
The Gardens of Susan Rothchild and Don Freedman on Barnum Street
Susan and Don have been gardening on their two plus acre spot for the past forty years. The
first garden you see is the “Rabbit Garden”, so named for the wooden rabbit in its midst. Under
a crabapple tree is a Primrose garden. Walking up the stairs towards the house reveals the first
view of the pond and waterfall feature. A series of stone steps and landings lead down to the
patio and pond, home of goldfish, frogs and a shy turtle. A variety of perennials and shrubs
flank the stone steps and the patio fronts a mixed border of perennials, shrubs and trees.
Leslie Svilokos’s garden on Park Lane
Though not as well known as the others, this garden is highlighted by mature plants and a
beautiful fountain and fabulous dahlias, which should be in bloom in September. A climbing
hydrangea is highlighted on a magnificent ancient tree and the gardens offer a cooling influence
as you walk among the lush and inviting forms
Bob Mercurio and Joe Kolodziej’s garden on Bow Wow Road
On Bow Wow Road the gardens of Bob Mercurio and Joe Kolodziej are welcoming and magnificent
in design and expanse. The history of this garden is just as fascinating as the view. Bob purchased the
property in 1983 and the gardens began in 1985 when a good friend helped him create a garden of
larger expanse. Joe took over in 1996 and in 2016, Jeff Steele provided a major redesign. You will enter
the garden by passing a magnificent Linden tree before stepping into a patio surrounded by a wall
created by Monterey Masonry’s Mark Mandel, the creator of Guido’s front wall. The plantings are rich
and abundant with a collection of both the traditional and unusual in perennials, annuals, and container
gardening. Joe has also added two large vegetable beds following the Hugelkultur technique.
The Gardens of Susan Rothchild and Don Freedman on Barnum Street
Susan and Don have been gardening on their two plus acre spot for the past forty years. The
first garden you see is the “Rabbit Garden”, so named for the wooden rabbit in its midst. Under
a crabapple tree is a Primrose garden. Walking up the stairs towards the house reveals the first
view of the pond and waterfall feature. A series of stone steps and landings lead down to the
patio and pond, home of goldfish, frogs and a shy turtle. A variety of perennials and shrubs
flank the stone steps and the patio fronts a mixed border of perennials, shrubs and trees.
Leslie Svilokos’s garden on Park Lane
Though not as well known as the others, this garden is highlighted by mature plants and a
beautiful fountain and fabulous dahlias, which should be in bloom in September. A climbing
hydrangea is highlighted on a magnificent ancient tree and the gardens offer a cooling influence
as you walk among the lush and inviting forms
Bob Mercurio and Joe Kolodziej’s garden on Bow Wow Road
On Bow Wow Road the gardens of Bob Mercurio and Joe Kolodziej are welcoming and magnificent
in design and expanse. The history of this garden is just as fascinating as the view. Bob purchased the
property in 1983 and the gardens began in 1985 when a good friend helped him create a garden of
larger expanse. Joe took over in 1996 and in 2016, Jeff Steele provided a major redesign. You will enter
the garden by passing a magnificent Linden tree before stepping into a patio surrounded by a wall
created by Monterey Masonry’s Mark Mandel, the creator of Guido’s front wall. The plantings are rich
and abundant with a collection of both the traditional and unusual in perennials, annuals, and container
gardening. Joe has also added two large vegetable beds following the Hugelkultur technique.