Fueling America’s passion for gardens, The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program annually celebrates the country’s most exciting, creative, and innovative private gardens. Through this program and in partnership with garden owners, gardeners, communities, horticulturists, garden designers, and historians,  The Garden Conservancy works to preserve outstanding gardens across America, often historic or under threat.  The Landcraft Garden Foundation is proud to be a supporting garden in their mission to educate, inspire and preserve America’s Garden Heritage.

The Garden Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in New York State.  It was founded in 1989 by renowned plantsman Frank Cabot after his visit to Ruth Bancroft’s dry garden in Walnut Creek, CA. He recognized that there was an opportunity to create an organization to help preserve such exceptional gardens for future generations. The Garden Conservancy’s preservation and education programs have grown significantly over the years. Since 1989, the Conservancy has helped over 100 outstanding American gardens survive and prosper. Every year since 1995, our signature garden-visiting program, Open Days, has been opening the gates to hundreds of private gardens across the country, allowing thousands of visitors to explore beautiful spaces not normally open to the public.

AGE: All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WEATHER: Rain or shine.

SPECIAL NOTES: Please dress appropriately for events and workshops held outdoors: comfortable shoes and socks, wide brimmed hats, sunscreen, insect repellant and water are recommended. To be a source of healthy insects for our birds and other insect-feeding wildlife, we do not spray the gardens to manage ticks. Please take appropriate caution.

REGISTRATION: Required. Ticket Sales Pending. Pre-purchase tickets online at The Garden Conservancy Open Days or upon arrival.

DESCRIPTION: Mix sunshine, chickens, puppets, and a garden full of wonder and get a fun-filled Friday for the family. Landcraft Garden Foundation is thrilled to welcome the not-for-profit travelling puppet truck Goat on a Boat to its vegetable garden where founder Liz Joyce and troupe will perform her award winning The Doubtful Sprout. Explore soil science and plant growth in an entirely novel and entertaining way. Come early and stroll the garden in all its summer vibrancy.

A Couple of Puppets is actually a lot of puppets and a bunch of wonderful puppet shows. The company was created in 1990 by Liz Joyce. Since then, over 25 shows for children and their families have been brought to life. Themes such as growing things, saving the environment, along with classic fairy tales with a twist have been added to the long list of puppet shows. Shows are performed live with music and hand-crafted puppets. Every show is portable.

Liz Joyce is an accomplished puppeteer who writes, creates and performs a growing repertoire of works for young audiences and their adults. Liz believes that puppetry is the gateway to theater and that this art form breathes beauty and life into storytelling.

AGE: For Families

WEATHER: Fair weather only. If raining, performance, and activities will be cancelled with no rain date to follow. To confirm cancellation due to weather please call (631) 298-7216.

SPECIAL NOTES: Please bring a blanket or foldable chair. Lawn space available. Please dress appropriately for events and workshops held outdoors: comfortable shoes and socks, wide brimmed hats, sunscreen, insect repellant and water are recommended. To be a source of healthy insects for our birds and other insect-feeding wildlife, we do not spray the gardens to manage ticks. Please take appropriate caution.

REGISTRATION: Required. Ticket Sales Pending. Buy Now.

REFUND POLICY:  Refunds must be requested at least 7 days before event by e-mailing info@landcraftgardenfoundation.org . Landcraft Garden Foundation Credit will be given for the full ticket price, minus $10 Eventbrite processing fee. Credit must be used within 1 year of event, and can be applied to future workshops, events, garden admission or gift shop purchases.