Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group
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Pop-Up Event: Federal Twist with James Golden
Wednesday, November 02, 2022, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
Category: Pop-Up Events

Private Garden Visit – Federal Twist with James Golden

This Event is Full. Join us for a a guided tour of the garden at Federal Twist in Stockton, NJ (https://federaltwist.com/) with garden owner and designer, James Golden. His recent book The View from Federal Twist: A New Way of Thinking About Gardens, Nature and Ourselves describes the journey of learning to work with, not against, nature and the existing ecology.

The garden is on a challenging site: the soil is heavy clay, poorly drained and therefore quick death for any plants not naturally suited to it. Undaunted, fifteen years ago James Golden, nearing retirement from his job as a writer in the corporate world, made a decision to follow a long-buried urge toward the natural world and chose this place to make his first serious garden. Part experimental horticulturist and part philosopher, in his book he describes how he listened to the site, made a conscious decision not to improve the land, planted large, competitive plants into rough grass, and watched and waited as sustainable plant communities evolved. 

James Golden presented a virtual program for the Hardy Plant Society in May.  This tour offers members the opportunity to view the garden and meet its creator.

Gather at 1:00 PM on the gravel terrace outside the house for a brief introduction by James Golden, then visitors can circulate through the garden. James will be available to talk to individuals and small groups in the garden. There is no restroom available onsite.

This event is full.

HPS/MAG COVID-19 PRACTICES AND POLICIES: All HPS/MAG In-Person Events shall be subject to all COVID-related requirements imposed by any state, local and/or federal agency.  Guests and invitees should apprise themselves of any such requirements prior to attendance.  All HPS/MAG In-Person Events shall also be subject to the COVID-related requirements, if any, of the garden host.  All attendees must bring a mask for every In-Person Event, in case it is required. 

Non-vaccinated attendees at events must sign a COVID waiver. Click here for the waiver. Please bring it with you to the event.


Contact: Nora Sirbaugh, [email protected]