Shakespeare in Bloom June 11

Last Wednesday I took a walk to the Shakespeare Garden in Cedar Brook Park and found the ladies of the Plainfield Garden Club deep into a business meeting in this perfect setting. For this annual outdoor gathering, the ladies wear flower-decked hats and enjoy lunch al fresco.

My mission was to get some photos to remind folks that the Shakespeare in Bloom event will take place on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Last year's planned event unfortunately clashed with a concert in the park, but this year the concert took place June 4.

Plainfield Garden Club members will welcome visitors and explain the lore of various plants as mentioned in the works of Shakespeare. This garden is one of several similarly-themed ones around the world.

In medieval times, the dewdrops on Lady's Mantle (above) were collected and used as a facial lotion. Many of the other plants in the Shakespeare Garden have beneficial uses.

Click here to learn more about the garden's design.

This pretty flower has the unusual name of Catchfly.

Peonies were beginning to pass their peak of blooming, but roses and other favorites should be at their best.

A new bed of daffodils bloomed a few weeks ago and grasses are now dominant near this marker.

Be sure to stop by with friends, family and guests to see this very special part of Plainfield and to thank the members of the Plainfield Garden Club for maintaining it throughout spring, summer and fall. It is a gift and a treasure for all of us.

To learn more about the club and its work, click here.

--Bernice