On August 4th, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy teamed up with the West Virginia Botanic Garden to host a Garden Party at the Walnut Farm. A beautiful summer day in a beautiful rural setting hosted this great event. Attendees were asked to bring a "garden item" to be sold or auctioned. Nearly 200 folks showed up with their items to donate. Some items were included in the plant and produce sale area, while others were displayed on the "silent auction" tables. Even more items were live auctioned by auctioneer and plantsman John Jett. It was amazing to see the creativity in the variety of items donated. Produce such as peaches, squash and peppers; garden plants from herbs and perennials, to trees and shrubs; cut flowers, bird feeders, houses and books; artwork from painting, to sculpture and photographs; tools, pots baskets, and some home made wine from Bill Thorne. But the hottest items proved to be home made pies. One of the most beautiful apple pies ever created was donated by Janet Paladino and sold at live auction to Mark Sullivan for $32. A mixed berry pie from Mary Wimmer's garden and kitchen received the most bids at silent auction and went to Strat Douglas for $27. Lots of food to eat, home-made lemonade and locally brewed beer kept everyone satisfied and refreshed. The afternoon event turned out to be a huge success and benefitted the 2 organizations tremendously. Thanks to all the folks who came and brought or bought items, and also to the many people who sent in donations.

Some Highlands Conservancy folks might be wondering; Who and What is the West Virginia Botanic Garden? There are some obvious connections. The Botanic Garden is a non-profit organization started by a group of serious horticulturists and arborists in the Morgantown area. Among these folks are some long-time Highlands Conservancy members. George Longenecker, landscape architect professor at WVU is a founding member, and is credited with naming the Highlands Conservancy under a tent one rainy day on Spruce Knob back in the mid 1960s sometime. George is the current President and executive director of the Botanic Garden.

It was the vision of this organization to have a place, a garden, where horticultural collections would be located. Their brochure says "Imagine beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking a shining pond. Trails meander through a sunny flower-filled meadow and shady woodlands. People laugh and talk as they explore a new resource in our community." Their mission statement reads: "The West Virginia Botanic Garden, in harmony with nature, seeks to enhance the quality of life through public enjoyment and education involving inspirational landscapes and displays of a rich variety of ornamental plants appropriate to the region."

Ironically it was with the help of the Highlands Conservancy, that this place was provided to the Botanic Garden. The Place is the Tibbs Run Reservoir site, owned by the City of Morgantown. The area surrounding the reservoir has been protected for over 100 years as the former water source for the city. Plans by the Morgantown Utility Board to log and strip mine the spectacular old growth forest were met with outrage. Conservancy members Jason Huber, Rick Landenberger, Billy Jo Peyton and Dave Saville led a 2 year long battle with City officials to prevent this destruction. It was when the Botanic Garden stepped in and offered to lease the land from the city, that clear-cutting plans were stopped. So what was once threatened with destruction, is now preserved and open to and enjoyed by the public. For more information contact George Longenecker at;