Amy Krzanik reports from Stockbridge. Long considered to possess one of the most astounding views in the Berkshires — or, some would argue, in the world — Naumkeag has undergone a revitalization of its gardens and grounds during the last three years that supporters have been lucky enough to witness stage by stage. This summer’s afternoon garden party fundraiser, held on Saturday, July 23, featured honorary co-chairs Jill Hornor and Yo-Yo Ma, who cut the ribbon and welcomed guests into the newly renovated Chinese Temple Garden. Managed by the Trustees of Reservations, the Gilded Age cottage once owned by the Choate family features the most well known of the 700 gardens designed by landscape architect Fletcher Steele during his lifetime. To celebrate the Chinese Garden’s 60th birthday (and the Trustees’ 125th), more than 300 guests enjoyed Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres served by Mezze Catering & Events, a Thai basil lemonade signature cocktail, live music by the Limbshakers Jazz Band, and traditional Chinese performances and calligraphy. Naumkeag is open for house and garden tours, workshops, yoga, live music and more through late fall, so you can experience the landscape transformations for yourself. [Above, guests exit the Chinese Temple Garden through the Moon Door.]
Gala co-chair Hilary Somers Deely with honorary co-chairs Yo-Yo Ma and Jill Hornor; Trustees stewardship manager Jake Chase and Rebecca Neher.
Severn Goodwin and Debbie Schehr; board member Nathan Hayward with Bonita Wilson and Mark Wilson of The Trustees.
The dragon winds its way from the main tent to the Evergreen Garden and into the Chinese Temple Garden.
Cindy Brockway of the Trustees with John Gibson and Andrea Selley of the National Trust; Matthew King and Deirdre Kelly.
Pat and Philip Kennedy-Grant of Kennedy-Grant Architecture; Guests enjoy the gardens prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Dr. Claudia Cooke, Christina Strong and Benjamin Strong; Lauren LeBlanc and board member Paul LeBlanc.
Trustees president and CEO Barbara Erickson and board chair David Croll hold the ribbon as Yo-Yo Ma does the honors.
Robert and Kathleen Shure of Skylight Studios, whose work can be seen throughout the Chinese Garden as well as in the reproduction pillars in the Afternoon Garden; Santhea Ogden with Celia Kittredge, gala co-chair and Choate family descendant.
Dana and Joe Robbat, board members of Friends of Modern Architecture in Lincoln, Mass.; Jonathan Stone and Tom Flanigan, who consider Naumkeag to be one of their favorite places in the world, see it as a good investment, and have been supporting it for 30 years.
Traditional Chinese dances were performed every half hour for the guests.
Two Asian-inspired dishes that were on the party menu.
Goldfish used as centerpieces.