ALBION – An annual garden tour to benefit the Cobblestone Society has become a highlight of the summer season for many in Orleans County.
This year’s event took place Thursday afternoon and evening in the opulent gardens of Jeanette Riley and her family on Riley Place, off Moore Street in Albion near the bank of the Erie Canal.
Terry Wilbert of Albion meanders along a path in Jeanette Riley’s garden. His wife Kae, a bassoonist, was preparing for the performance of the quintet E-Yah-Pah-Hah.
Shirley Bright-Neeper of Medina and Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville, both members of the Cobblestone Society, led the annual event. Bright-Neeper praised the volunteers who helped, and the band, which she said was “absolutely wonderful.”
Showers were forecast, but held off for the event, which attracted more than 100 guests, exceeding expectations.
“This is our fifth year for the garden tour and it is a record one,” said Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum director, who was all smiles as he directed traffic by the Riley’s driveway.
Joyce Potote of Holley chatted with Yuko and Chris Wilkins from Tokyo, who are on furlough in Albion as missionaries with the Free Methodist denomiantion. They marveled at Riley’s gardens, Potote saying she had visited them before with her garden club.
Mary Lonnen of Lyndonville and Sandy Fenton of Medina strolled the winding paths, admiring plants and statuary and stopping to take pictures along the way.
“As a fellow gardener, I just love it here,” Lonnen said. “Jeanette has so many original ideas. We all appreciate what she’s done here.”
“It’s wonderful they are sharing their wealth and imagination with us,” Fenton said.
There was plenty of comfortable seating throughout the garden, with many niches, alcoves and secluded arbors in which to relax. A small barn was converted into a kitchen area where elaborate snacks were supplied for guests, most all made by Chizick. Near the orchestra, Georgia Thomas served up sweet treats and iced tea. Another shaded area provided space for Mark Bower and Chris Sartwell to serve a selection of wine to guests.
As parking near the garden was limited, organizers arranged for a shuttle which transported guests back and forth from the former St. Mary’s Church a short distance away on Brown Street.
Riley, who was seated on a garden bench with her sister Joyce, greeted guests and answered questions, while sometimes posing for a picture. She said she was thrilled to be able to share what she has accomplished there with so many people.