THE 19th ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY … or shouldn’t we say THE 19th PERENNIAL GARDEN PARTY since the Garden Party returns each year as a project of the Perennial Garden Club of Washington to benefit Woodrow Wilson House?

A quick afternoon shower brought the heat and pollen count down, but did not dampen spirits at The Garden Party. The Garden was in full bloom at Woodrow Wilson House thanks to the dedicated and diligent Perennial “garden angels” who plucked and planted days before the May 16th event.

This year’s Garden Party Co-chairs were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Salomon (Sarah) and Mr. and Mrs. William G. Hendren (Lelia) with a Junior Committee co-chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Cook (Missy) and Mr. and Mrs. Francis C. deWolf III (Nathalie).

The Garden Party has become a much anticipated Rite of Spring, especially the Hat Contest! Competition was lively and the winners sported live flowers, family heirlooms, painted landscapes, pith helmets, architectural masterpieces and for the “show stopper” freshly shorn wool from the family sheep. The sheep, of course, were inspired by President Wilson’s flock at the White House that kept the lawns nibbled while the gardeners were off to war. This year’s entertaining invitation illustrated by Glenn Foden took some creative license and was a big hit (and more of his illustrations can be found in the Wilson House Museum Shop in “Politics and Pot Roast: An Unofficial, Unauthorized and Completely Unclassified Cookbook” by Sarah Hood Salomon). Guests received lovely notecard sets as Garden Party favors.

New York Graphic Society signed posters of contemporary botanicals by artist Meg Page were fabulous prizes for the best Spring Hats. Generous donors contributed jewelry, services, wine, accommodations and artwork to the silent auction (previewed on-line) that brought in $6715.

In the Drawing Room, the Landon School Honors String Ensemble performed. A Proper Topper boutique helped the hat challenged with a percentage of sales to Wilson House. Of course, the perfect evening was highlighted by cocktails and ultimate hors d’oeuvres by Occasions Caterers.

Woodrow Wilson House, Washington’s only presidential museum, is a National Historic Landmark, a self-sustaining property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation [a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization], and a model historic house with authentic collections interpreting the ideals and legacy of Wilson’s “Washington Years.”

Special thanks go to the Benefactors, Patrons and Junior Patrons whose generosity helped to raise more than $46,000 for the educational and outreach programs at Wilson House. We are grateful for the gifts from Donors who were unable to attend, too. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW AND PLAN TO JOIN THE LANDMARK 20TH “PERENNIAL” GARDEN PARTY NEXT MAY. It is always the Wednesday before or after Mother’s Day (another celebration designated by President Wilson). It is TBD right now, but will be confirmed soon!

Thanks again!