Spring Garden Gala Wild about Flowers Auction

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Live Auction

1. Trio of Redbuds - The straight species of our native redbud tree, Cercis canadensis features abundant delicate pink pea-like flowers that cover the branches in late April and May. This small to medium-size tree makes a fine specimen as a small garden tree, especially when complemented by both the white redbud, Cercis canadensis 'Alba', which is an unusual variation on a long-time favorite native with its delicate white pea-flower blossoms that add a touch of elegance to your home landscape, and the weeping redbud, Cercis Canadensis 'Covey' Lavender Twist with its bright spring flowers and unique form. All three are sure to add interest as focal points in any fine garden. Special thanks to Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve.
2. Three nights at the Ship's Inn - Generously offered for the fourth year is a three night stay for two at the incomparable Ship's Inn on beautiful Nantucket! Relax and unwind in one of the Inn's beautifully decorated guest rooms with private bath. Enjoy full continental breakfast and afternoon tea each day. Your visit also includes one dinner for two at the Inn's acclaimed restaurant. Alcohol and gratuity not included. Available: Mid June- October 2010, excluding major holidays. Special thanks to Ellie & Mark Gottwald, owners.
3. New Hope/Ivyland Train Party - Enjoy a two-hour round trip from New Hope to Buckingham. Available in the late afternoon after regular hours of the New Hope Ivyland Railroad. Create your own celebration for a child's birthday, an anniversary, engagement party, cocktails with friends…the choice is yours. Special thanks to Paul Harland and John Hover.
4. Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres and Dinner for 10 - Start with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the Henriques's lovely home in Brownsburg Village, followed by dinner at the Greenwood's newly-renovated farmhouse just a few doors away. Special thanks to Sally and Richard Henriques and Christina and Jim Greenwood.
5. A Day in the District - Join Congressman Patrick Murphy in Washington, DC, and explore our nation's political power town. Enjoy lunch with the Congressman in the Members' Dining Room, and a photo on the steps of the Capitol, or passes to view the House and Senate floor in action. Congressional Tours of the Supreme Court or the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are also possibilities. All sorts of opportunities await you, depending on your interests. The Congressman can make lots of wonderful things happen during your visit. Special thanks to Congressman Patrick Murphy.
6. Old-fashioned Cider Pressing and Dinner Party for Ten - Enjoy an old-fashioned cider pressing experience followed by a tasty dinner in the Tavern Room at the lovely Solebury home of Bill and Jane MacDowell. Special thanks to Bill and Jane MacDowell.
7. Garden Party - Celebrate the warm weather season with an early evening party for up to 20 people in the beautiful gardens of Trey Wilson's Fleecydale Road home - one of the prettiest places in Bucks County. Set along the banks of the creek just outside quaint Carversville, this former mill is now an exquisite home with enchanting gardens. This auction item includes hors d'oeuvres for 20. Beverages are not included. Limited to summer and early fall. Special thanks to Trey Wilson and friends of BHWP.
8. Backyard Makeover - imagine your backyard with a half-day consultation provided by Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve Executive Director Miles Arnott and Nursery Manager Bob Mahler. Miles and Bob will lend their expertise to provide plant identification, offer planting suggestions and explore design ideas to turn your property into a natural wonder. Special thanks to Miles Arnott and Bob Mahler
9. Bucks County Riverboat Cruise on the Delaware River catered by DiSh Catering - Get ready to party during your private cruise on the scenic Delaware River with up to 30 guests. You'll depart from Upper Black Eddy heading upriver, with the option to experience an unforgettable sunset on one of the most scenic stretches of this magnificent river. You and your guests will enjoy dinner prepared by Michele Pulaski and DiSh Catering of Frenchtown, NJ. You are welcome to bring along your own selection of beverages for the cruise. The Riverboat is fully-equipped with a wet bar, state-of-the-art sound system that includes Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/MP3 and CD capability, an open-air bow deck, men's and ladies' restrooms, as well as heating and air-conditioning. Your family and friends will be glad you bid on this wonderful package. The cruise, which takes up to 3 hours, is available Monday-Thursday, spring or summer 2010, on a mutually agreed upon date and time. Special thanks to The Keller Family and Michele Pulaski.
10.   Painting by Bucks County Artist Jan Lipes - 8" x 12" Oil on Board. Special thanks to Jan Lipes.
11.   Learn from the Expert - Cooking class for 8 with Max Hansen. Special thanks to Max Hansen Caterer.
12.   Raise you paddle for our appeal - Special project to benefit the Preserve.

Silent Auction

1. Vintage Barn Wood Table - created from local, reclaimed wood and hand-crafted by Spencer Saunders of Barnology, Inc. Special thanks to Spencer Saunders
2. Tickets for "Concert under the Star - Take your party of 20 to the Riverside Symphonia's fabled "Concert Under the Stars" in Tinicum Park, Erwinna on July 4. For your convenience, four VIP parking passes are included so you will be able to easily transport your chairs, cooler and picnic hamper. Special thanks to the Riverside Symphonia.
3. Vermont Get-Away - Enjoy a one-week stay at a beautifully-restored Vermont farmhouse, beautifully situated with stunning views of the pristine Mad River Valley! Located approximately six hours by car from New Hope, and just 10 minutes from Sugarbush Mountain. Sleeps 10-12. Close to hiking, cross country skiing. Arrangements to be mutually agreeable with owners. Special thanks to Richard and Sally Henriques.
4. A week on Nantucket- Spend an Indian Summer week (Saturday, September 25 – Saturday, October 2) at beautiful Thistle Downe, in the Nashaquisset neighborhood, just minutes from Main Street and a short bike ride to Sunset Beach. The house sleeps up to nine, with three queen bed rooms, one room with twin beds, and a loft with a queen sleep-sofa. There are 3 ½ baths, a fully-equipped cook's kitchen, internet, cable, fireplace, laundry facilities, outdoor shower and gas grill. Tennis courts and pool are also available (there is a $125 fee). Guests are responsible for the $390 linens and cleaning fee. Special thanks to Laura Rizzio and Jim Hamilton.
5. Pair of Quilted Landscape Wall Hangings – “Mountain View" and "Sunset" are each 26" x 18." Beautifully machine appliquéd quilts made by Hannelore McKenna. Special thanks to Hannelore McKenna.
6. A vision in purple – “Stars Everywhere" is a 62" x 62" machine pieced and quilted piece created by Hannelore McKenna. Special thanks to Hannelore McKenna.
7. Captivating Cape May - a lovely weekend getaway can be yours in Cape May, NJ. Located in the historic district of Cape May, the Maskell Ware house was built circa 1860. It features four bedrooms, cozy nooks and a welcoming front porch that will assure your comfort. Timing will be mid to late fall 2008 or early spring. Other dates may be available; call to schedule your two-day stay. You can check out this lovely location on the web at www.capemaytimes.com/rentals/maskellwarehouse. Special thanks to Tom and Aggie Naughton.
8. Cheers…Mini wine refrigerator stocked with premium wines donated by the Gala Committee. Special thanks to Sally Henriques and the Gala Committee.
9. One flat of the very beautiful and rare Oconee Bells, Shortia galacifolia. Special thanks to Dave Benner.
10.   Enjoy a $175 gift certificate for ready-made or custom-made apparel created from artisanal textiles - Laura Womack travels to Asia for hand-woven, hand-decorated traditional fabrics. She offers refined batiks from the renowned ateliers of Java; silk brocades from Benares, India's holiest city on the Ganges River; buttery soft old stock hemp from the hilltribes of Thailand; as well as Thailand's refined ikats, worn by the Queen. New this spring is the Gold Collection, named for the king of silks. “Muga silk," from a unique species of worm, is naturally-colored antique gold. The Gold Collection consists of designs made from muga silk and muga silk spun or woven with other fibers to create a wide variety of simple, elegant cloths. These delicate weaves are perfect for summer right through to winter. (Limit one year for gift certificate.) Special thanks to Laura Womack of International Dilettante.
11.   Dine in Style - Private catered dinner for 8-10 guest with either Chef Alyson Daggert or Michele Pulaski with a service staff from DiSH Catering, Your menu will be developed directly with you to suit the season, event style and market fresh offerings. Rental needs, liquor and gratuity are not included in this package. Special thanks to DiSh Catering.
12.   Springtime Spectacular - add a touch of elegance to your home landscape and enjoy a profusion of white blossoms every spring for years to come. Our native American plum tree is ideally suited for our region's soil type and climate. Plant this native beauty and watch it perform! Special thanks to Paul W. Steinbeiser Inc. Landscape Design & Construction.
13.   Christmas Quilt - hand-crafted by Pam Newitt. Special thanks to Pam Newitt.
14.   Fruit of the Gods -- An American persimmon is the edible fruit of the tree of the genus Diospyros virginiana in the ebony wood family. The word Diospyros means "the fruit of the gods" in ancient Greek. The persimmon, or custard apple, figures prominently in American culinary tradition -- it can be used in cookies, cakes, puddings, salads, and curries. For those interested in restoration, persimmons grow swiftly and colonize off their root systems. This makes them ideal for helping recover habitat, especially when planted for erosion control along flooding riverbanks. Special thanks to Paul W. Steinbeiser Inc. Landscape Design & Construction
15.   Pair of Pawpaws - Hard to find in the retail nursery trade, the beautiful native Pawpaw tree will add some flavor to your own landscape. This unusual understory native tree features fragrant purple flowers that grow out of fuzzy brown buds during April and May. The mature fruits are 2- to 5-inch-long edible treats that taste a bit like bananas. Two specimens are provided to insure cross-pollination and fruit set. Special thanks to Paul W. Steinbeiser Inc. Landscape Design & Construction
16.   Custom Landscape Design from Paul Steinbeiser - Create your own ecologically sustainable master plan for your home landscape under the guidance of Paul Steinbieser. Your custom design will meet your needs and delight your senses. Your plan will encompass both existing paths and proposed new patios, suggested native plant materials selected to match your soil and light conditions, and planting schemes to benefit birds and butterflies while enhancing the historic nature of your property. Miles to provide write up. Special thanks to Paul W. Steinbeiser Inc. Landscape Design & Construction.
17.   Enjoy a private tour of Dave Benner's Garden for 10 people - This exquisite private shade garden is entered on the Bucks County Register of Significant Natural Areas. Owners David and Sue Benner were honored by the Bucks County Conservancy for their commitment towards conserving and protecting our natural heritage. Tours can be scheduled for the first three weeks in May 2010. Special thanks to Dave Benner.
18.   Garden tour of Dave Benner's garden for ten in May with ten boxed lunches provided by The Sneaky Caterer. Special thanks to Vickie Roland and Dave Benner.
19.   Basket of assorted Microbrews from Tina Greenwood. Special thanks to Christina Greenwood.
20.   Collection of Eight books by Martha Stewart - including one signed by the author, and a monogrammed umbrella in a canvas bag. Special thanks to Orlando Reece Sr. Vice President, Martha Stewart Inc.
21.   Buche de Noel - This special holiday dessert is made of sponge cake, iced with mocha butter cream, then rolled and cut to resemble a log, then covered with chocolate butter cream. Jane McNeill uses hand-made meringue mushrooms that are dusted with cocoa powder, and real holly in the final decoration. This beautiful dessert is perfect for your holiday dinner table, or would make a great, edible center piece. It will come to you frozen, and takes a day or so in the fridge to defrost. Special thanks to Jane McNeill.
22.   Show off your car this spring after it gets a full detail at the Thompson Detail Center in Doylestown. Special thanks to the Thompson Family.
23.   Gift Certificate to the Black Bass - Dine at the landmark Black Bass Hotel on the banks of the Delaware River in picturesque Lumberville, PA. Special thanks to the Thompson Family.
24.   Hand-painted porcelain leaf-shaped plate by Anne Marie Murray. Special thanks to Anne Marie Murray.
25.   Woodland Wonder - A perfect arrangement of native spring wildflowers for that wooded or partly shady spot in your garden. Artistically arranged by Miles Arnott, the Preserve's Executive Director, this collection of native classics includes Virginia bluebells, fringed bleeding heart, fragrant phlox, native azaleas and foamflower, among others. Special thanks to Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
26.   Private tour of Fordhook Farm - Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Fordhook Farm in Doylestown, was the first experimental seed farm of the Burpee Seed Company, and where hundreds of varieties of vegetables and flowers have been developed. Horticulturist Dave Smicker will lead you and 14 guests on a private tour of the 60 acre property, with its 6 acres of trial fields, site gardens and display gardens, including meadows, woodlands and an expansive kitchen garden. Available from June 15 through September 30, on a mutually-convenient date. Special thanks to the W.Atlee Burpee Co.
27.   Sweet Serviceberry – Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful native trees, the serviceberry Amelanchier rings in the spring with a profusion of showy white flowers. During the summer this exceptional tree will begin to grow little green berries which change to red and then to juicy purple as they ripen. Harvest them yourself and use them in baked goods or can them into jams and jellies, or leave them on the tree as special treats for migrating songbirds! Special thanks to Paul W. Steinbeiser Inc. Landscape Design & Construction
28.   Rugged Red Cedars – The very adaptable conifers Juniperus virginiana are drought-tolerant and almost care-free. They have a pleasing cone to pyramidal shape when young to mature, and a majestic look when old. They are perfect for framing garden entranceways and as an accent to architectural features. The fleshy bluish seed cones are deliciously fragrant and are a favorite of cedar waxwings and other migrating birds. Special thanks to Paul W. Steinbeiser Inc. Landscape Design & Construction.