MSV in Bloom this Weekend!

Signature Blooms On View in the Glen Burnie Gardens and a
Special Show & Sale on Saturday & Sunday Unveil New Garden-Inspired Creations

Winchester, VA 04/14/11…Along with celebrating the beginning of Historic Garden Week in Virginia this weekend, garden enthusiasts will want to visit the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) this Saturday and Sunday to see the Museum’s signature crab apple trees in bloom and enjoy a special show and sale of garden-inspired creations by artist Neena Jhaveri.

The flowering crab apple tress that form two of the most majestic spaces in the Museum’s Glen Burnie Gardens—the Grand Allée and the Pleached Allée—are now in bloom. Located behind the Glen Burnie Historic House, the Grand Allée is comprised of two rows of crab apple trees that stretch from the historic house to the family cemetery. The most photographed space in the gardens, the Pleached Allée is a visitor favorite throughout the year. “Pleach” is a French word that means “to weave.” The Pleached Allée is made of crabapple trees that are woven together to form a unique living hallway that is especially spectacular in the spring when it is in bloom. According to MSV Gardens and Grounds Manager Mary Stickley, the crab apple flowers will only last a few days; therefore, this Saturday and Sunday will likely be the only opportunity for visitors to see the trees in full bloom.

The Museum will celebrate the beginning of Historic Garden Week in Virginia with a special show and sale of garden-inspired creations made by Shenandoah Valley artist Neena Jhaveri. A Frederick County resident, Neena Jhaveri has created customized pottery for the Museum Store since its 2005 opening. The artist’s pieces for the MSV are created using pressed flowers, herbs, and greenery from the Museum’s own Glen Burnie Gardens. According to Museum Store Manager Bonnie Barr, Jhaveri’s garden pottery is a perennial Museum Store best-seller; many customers collect the artist’s one-of-a-kind pieces and eagerly anticipate her newest creations.

Along with featuring the artist’s popular customized Museum pottery, the show will unveil Neena Jhaveri’s newest garden-themed works, including paintings, purses, scarves, table linens, clocks, jewelry, clothing, sandals, and note cards. On both days throughout the show the artist will be at the Museum to discuss her work. In addition, the Winchester Celtic Circle band will perform from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Museum admission is never required to visit the Museum Store, including during this special event.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia begins Saturday, April 16, and runs through Saturday, April 23. The store will continue its special display of Jhaveri’s garden-inspired creations throughout Historic Garden Week; those interested in speaking with Neena Jhaveri should note that the artist will be in the Museum Store only on April 16 and 17.

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley complex—which includes the Museum, the Glen Burnie Historic House, and six acres of gardens—is located at 901 Amherst Street in Winchester, Virginia. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Garden admission is free to MSV Members and children aged 6 and under. The fee for all others is $6 or $5 for seniors or youth. Details about additional MSV events and admission fees are available online at www.ShenandoahMuseum.org or by calling the MSV at 540-662-1473, ext. 235. –END–

Julie B. Armel
540-662-1473 ext. 225
armel@shenandoahmuseum.org