Secrets from the Garden

Chandor Gardens Newsletter - November 2018

Wow, October just flew by, didn't it? We had massively successful events, all thanks to our fabulous vendors and to the public who came out in record numbers to support them. Seeing all our talented artists and artisans at the Autumn Art Walk was a joy and seeing the costumed kiddos at Goblins in the Gardens was nothing short of a treat!

The fall festivities continue this month with our first ever Face Off portrait challenge on Saturday, November 10th. Hosted by the Texas Chapter of the Portrait Society of America, this event includes seven fabulously talented artists who will have three hours to finish a portrait of one of seven live models. If you've ever wanted to watch a work of art being created from beginning to end you won't want to miss this incredible opportunity.

As November does have a few holidays, we wanted to let the public know that there are some dates to be mindful of. Monday, November 12th, we will be closed in honor of Veteran's Day. Additionally, we will be closed November 22 through November 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday. The rest of the month the gardens will be open as usual but the mansion will be closed for tours the 14th through the 30th while we decorate for the Christmas season.

Our annual Holiday Open House will take place on Saturday, December 8th, from 11a.m. to 7p.m. The mansion and gardens will be decorated to the hilt with trees and twinkling lights. Choirs and musicians will entertain throughout the day, refreshments will be served, and Santa will be here from 3 to 5p.m. for the kids.

We are so proud to, once again, be a part of the Parker County Heritage Society's Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes. For more information and photos of the tour locations, visit the Heritage Society's website at: www.parkercountyheritagesociety.com. Although our Holiday Open House is a free public event and you do not have to have tickets to the Candlelight Tour of Homes to attend, we strongly encourage you to participate in the tour and see all the rich history that Weatherford has to offer.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events and hope that you all have a safe and happy holiday season!

Keep up with us on Facebook and we’ll keep you posted there too.

See you in the Gardens,
The Chandor Gardens Staff

Autumn Art Walk was Amazing

Goblins in the Garden
was Spooktacular!

Face Off

Date: Saturday, November 10, 2018
Time: 9a.m. to 12:00 noon
Refreshments Served

Regular Admission to the Gardens ($5-Adults, Children 12 and under Free) will be charged but access to the Face Off event is free.

Join us as the Texas Chapter of the Portrait Society of America hosts a Face Off at the Gardens. Seven talented artists will have three hours to paint or draw one of seven live models. The event will take place in the Gardens if weather permits or in the Mansion in the event of inclement weather.

Holiday Open House

Date: Saturday, December 8, 2018
Time: 11a.m. to 7p.m.
Admission: Free

On Saturday, December 8th we will be hosting our Annual Holiday Open House.

Santa will be here from 3 to 5p.m. for the kids!

Visitors to the Gardens will be able to tour the gardens and mansion, decorated for the season, and listen to a variety of talented choirs, musicians and singers featuring music to put you in the Holiday spirit! Docents will be available throughout the venue to fill you in on the interesting history of this lovely National Register property. This popular event is held in conjunction with the Parker County Heritage Society's Candlelight Tour of Homes.

The Parker County Heritage Society presents its 37th Home Tour, Saturday, December 8th from 11a.m. to 7p.m. "We have several homes that have never been on tour before, as well as some old favorites who have new owners", said Emily Prowell, Co-Chair of this year's Candlelight Tour. One of the 10 properties featured this year is the Oliver Loving Home 1862-1866. He and his family lived here in Weatherford during his last cattle drive days.

Tickets for the Candlelight Tour of Homes are on sale at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, the Doss Heritage and Culture Center, and on-line at www.parkercountyheritagesociety.com. Proceeds from the tour benefit historic preservation projects in Parker County.

We are currently in the process of scheduling musicians, singers, etc. to perform the day of the event. If you, or someone you know, would like to be a part of this special day please give us a call at 817-613-1700 or email for further information.

Yoga Classes

Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:30 to 6:30 pm
Fee: Donation based
Led by: Loretta Benham

Instructor Loretta Benham offers yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Chandor Gardens. Loretta's mix of energetic sequences incorporated with stillness through breath work and meditation to quiet the mind will provide a healthy addition to any workout regimen.
 
Bring your mat and wear comfortable clothing. In inclement weather, classes will be held in the Great Room.

For more information call 817-597-1503 or 817-613-1700.

Plant of the Month

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
The American Beautyberry is in its prime right now, with its near-fluorescent magenta berries. This plant is a native shrub and is a great alternative to the rather invasive Nandina. The berries are edible, though they can cause an upset stomach in some people if eaten in large quantities. They are much better served as jam preserves or in wine for this reason. Scientific studies have backed up the old-time claim that the crushed-up leaves can be used as a mosquito repellent as well and scientists are working on synthesizing the Callicarpenal compound for this purpose! This species does well in sun to shade, making it a perfect plant for any landscape.

If you want to see our specimen, look no further than the East side of the garden next to the pergola that runs parallel to the farthest wall. Come see it soon before the birds and the squirrels eat all the beautiful berries!

Weddings

"Your happily ever after begins here."

Reserve your special day.

Dates are filling up fast for 2019 & 2020.

Contact us to schedule a tour.  817-613-1700 or

Gift Shop

Take the Gardens home with you. There are postcards, note cards, prints, and t-shirts sporting fabulous images of Chandor Gardens in our gift shop. We feature unique handmade items by a variety of local artisans specializing in textiles, stained and fused glass, jewelry, painting, photography and much more.

Parting Shots

The Parker County Master Gardeners have been hard at work preparing and rejuvenating the gardens for fall! They are a wonderful resource for Chandor Gardens, and we can't thank them enough for their efforts around the grounds. Alongside our talented staff, they have beautified the gardens. They maintain the PCMG Memorial Garden, and they do our annual color change-outs, help with maintenance throughout the grounds, and are instrumental in our general functioning as a garden. If you are interested in more information on the Parker County Master Gardeners, please call them at 817-598-6168!

Contact Information

Chandor Gardens
711 W Lee Avenue
Weatherford, TX 76086

Karen Nantz
Manager
Phone: 817-613-1700
Fax: 817-598-4354
email:

Steven Chamblee
Horticulturist
email:

Public Hours
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday, noon to 4:00 pm
Closed all City Observed Holidays

Admission
Adults: $5
Children 12 and under: Free
(Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Private Tours and Events
Available year-round by appointment.