Date Set For Pequot Library's Southport Garden Stroll

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Pequot Library’s Southport Garden Stroll is set to return June 5–6, offering visitors a self-guided tour of eight private gardens in the historic coastal village. The event, which typically draws around 800 attendees, serves as a major fundraiser for the library.

The two-day event begins the evening of June 5 with a ticketed kickoff party featuring artist and author Frances Palmer. A ceramist and photographer whose work has been exhibited internationally, Palmer will speak at a private home in Southport.

On June 6, the event continues with a morning presentation at the library by Jennifer Brown, collection manager of the Glass Flowers at Harvard University. The presentation begins at 8:30 a.m. and includes light refreshments. The Glass Flowers collection, created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, consists of more than 4,000 glass models representing 780 plant species and is on permanent display at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

The garden tour begins at 10 a.m., with attendees invited to explore eight curated gardens throughout Southport Village at their own pace. One of the featured gardens is included in the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens. Local gardening enthusiasts will be on hand to highlight notable features.

In addition to the tours, the library’s Great Lawn will host a vendor village with local businesses, artisans, and food options. Coffee will be available from the Sound Coffee Cart from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., with lunch provided by BFF Grill Truck and Proof Pizza between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Other offerings include live music by the Merwin Mountain Band, a wine tent sponsored by Sturges Ridge of Fairfield, and a raffle supported through the sale of "bud bucks." Visitors are also encouraged to stop by the George Billis Gallery on Post Road, which will host a group art show from noon to 6 p.m.

The event is supported by On the Harbor Real Estate, which returns as the premier sponsor for the fifth consecutive year.
Grace Calderon, Pequot Library’s director of development, said the event is made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers. “We’re delighted to showcase the library and neighborhood,” she said. “We could never hold this beloved fundraiser without the help of dozens of community members, all of whom are devoted to this special place.”