Saturday, January 30, 2010

CALLANWOLDE & FREDERICK LAW OLMSTEAD

Circa 1920, a dowager survives demolition, 1971, in a neighborhood Olmstead designed. Ceiling of trees outside, ceilings inside, below. Proof, again, of what survives landscape design: TREES & MEADOW. Please, dahlings, you must begin your garden with TREES & MEADOW.



I lectured at Callanwolde, (Dekalb Federation of Garden Clubs was host), this week. All original, below.


I realized I was taking Callanwolde for granted. I've lectured & attended many events here thru the decades.


The courtyard was enclosed, above. A little fetish of mine, enjoying the styling of refreshments garden clubs provide. Charm straight from the heart.


Front terrace, above.
Hand-painted silk panels in the dining room, above.

Hand carved front door, above.
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Garden clubs weave a tapestry of nurturing around their communities. Most members don't realize the potency of their actions.
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Many Garden Club meetings I've sat thru, waiting to speak. Learning who has died, been sick, had a baby, moved out/in, crime issues, new fundraising plans to benefit xyz, holiday plans & more.
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Garden Clubs are the last bastion of civility in our neighborhoods.
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If I were to get a Phd in horticulture, Garden Clubs & Society, would be my topic. That's my soap box & I'm staying on it!
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Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
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Took the pics this week at Callanwolde.

4 comments:

The House That A-M Built said...

Oh do it. Do the PhD. What a wonderful topic! ... and yes, from those photos, I think you might have taken it all for granted when you were lecturing there! It's beautiful. A-M xx

Anonymous said...

As someone who just now discovered your blog, and a garden club member myself here in Illinois, thank you, thank you, thank you for this lovely post. Callanwolde looks wonderful and it is easy to take such places for granted. We all do it. I don't blame you for enjoying refreshments - most gardeners are also good cooks. I look forward to someday visiting, and, in the meantime, will continue to garden and spend time in service with my own wonderful garden club.

Terry said...

The Garden club were a big deal for my mom. The meetings was a major social occasions often including lunch in gloves.

I'm so glad you were at Callanwolde. That's just a mile from our place. Next time you are in the neighborhood we should go garden stalking.

debra @ 5th and state said...

what a lovely story tara that i became lost in.....went to the website, savored the history, wondered why i never knew of this place?
when i get back to atlanta have a new spot to investigate, thank you
xo
debra
ps. ditto on garden clubs!