Saturday, May 6, 2006, 9am-3pm
The Fells Garden Symposium: Inspired Garden Design
Members $55, non-members $65, includes lunch and free future Admission pass to The Fells.
Welcome spring at The Fells Garden Symposium. Cultivate your plans for this growing season by studying garden design with landscape and garden experts Lucinda Brockway, Anne Masury, and George Pellettieri. Spend the day with other garden enthusiasts exploring hardscape, how to adapt elements of period landscape, and the vast opportunities to reinvent the old and make it new once again.
Meet at Newbury Town Hall, Route 103, Newbury, New Hampshire. Limit 125; advance registration and payment required.

Thursday, May 18 6:30-9pm-The Fells Gatehouse
Sunday, May 21 9am-1:30pm-NEWFS Plainfield Sanctuary
Saturday, June 3 9am-1:30pm-location TBA
Wildflowers of New England Course
Fells or NEWFS members $120, non-members $150
Co-sponsored by the New England Wild Flower Society
This series is a core course requirement for New England Wild Flower Society Certificate in Native Plant Studies. Join NEWFS instructor Chris Mattrick for a three part introductory course in wildflower identification. The first part is a classroom session and will guide students in the basics of wildflower identification, plant anatomy, and the use of Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. The next two parts are field excursions and meet at the trip site. Attendance to all three parts is required to receive credit for the course.
Limit 16; advance registration and payment required.

Saturday, May 24, 4:30-5:30pm
Guided Tour at Edgewater Farm Greenhouses-Plainfield, NH
Members and non-members, free
Join Ann Loeffler, Fells Nursery Manager, for a walk-through of the perennial greenhouses at Edgewater Farm. She will highlight the new hot offerings, as well as old standards that pass the test of time in our tough New England conditions. Visitors may shop after the tour until 6pm. (Edgewater Farm closes at 5:30, but is kindly extending their hours until 6pm for this class.)
Meet at Edgewater Farm greenhouses located at 99 River Road (off Route 12A), Plainfield, New Hampshire. Limit 20; advance registration appreciated. For reservations, call Edgewater Farm, 603/298-8391.

Friday, May 26, 5-8pm
In Serene Light by John Taylor: Opening Reception
The Fells Exhibit Gallery
Members and non-members, free
On Friday art season at The Fells commences with an opening reception for this stunning exhibit of new landscape oil paintings by John Taylor. This local artist paints en plein air across the United States, Europe, and Asia, in addition to still life work at his Wilmot home studio. His pen and ink drawings can be seen in his book A Shelter Sketchbook. Light refreshments and a 6pm Gallery Talk by the artist. The exhibit continues weekends, 10am-5pm, through June 25.

Saturday, May 27
The Fells Main House opens for the season
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm, through June 21 when summer hours commence
Members free, non-members $6
The Fells, the summer home of statesman and Secretary of State, John Hay, was constructed in the early 1890's and is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places. The Colonial Revival building reflects the style of prevailing summerhouses of the time, and was home to three generations of Hay family. Take a tour and learn about the Hays and get a glimpse into life on a New Hampshire summer estate. Tour the expansive gardens and go for an easy hike on the John Hay Ecology Trail.

Thursday, June 8, 9:30-11:30am
Trail-walk Series: Wildflowers of The Fells
Members free, non-members $5 (cost includes site admission)
Trail guide Lynn Johnson leads an early summer hike to explore wildflowers of The Fells. Cameras and field guides welcome. Sturdy shoes and bug spray recommended.
Meet at The Fells Gatehouse kiosk. Limit 20; advance registration and payment required.

Saturday, June 10, 1-3pm
Trail-walk Series: Staying Found-Hiker Safety
Donation: $5 per family
Join New England K-9 Search and Rescue's Nancy Lyon and Fells' trail steward and Girl Scout leader, Liz Tentarelli, on the trails of the John Hay Forestry and Wildlife Management Area to learn about hiking safety and what to do if you or a loved one becomes "unfound" while hiking this summer. Watch as rescue dogs leap into action in an exciting demonstration and come away with valuable survival skills. A guided 45-minute family walk will follow the demonstration. Sturdy shoes and bug spray recommended.
Meet by The Fells kiosk. Limit 35; advance registration and payment required.

Saturday, June 10, 9am-noon
Members Only Plant Sale
Bring your membership card and receive a 10% discount on plants especially selected from The Fells Nursery. Have a question? Get expert advice from The Fells' own horticultural staff on proper plant selection for your site.
In the courtyard at The Fells Gatehouse.

Tuesday, June 13, 3:30-5:30pm
Maintaining and Upgrading the Rock Garden
Members $12, non-members $20 (cost includes site admission)
Learn to create, maintain and upgrade a rock garden with Jeff Good, Fells Landscape Manager. Topics discussed in this intermediate/advanced gardening program will include site selection and preparation, plant choice, and year-round maintenance.
Meet at the Rock Garden behind the Main House. Limit 20; advance registration and payment required.

Saturday, June 17, 10:00am-2:00pm
Propagating from the Home Garden
Fells or NEWFS members $44, non-members $52 (Cost includes site admission)
Co-sponsored by the New England Wild Flower Society
Join New England Wild Flower Society instructor, Richard Stomberg, in the Fells nursery and learn how to propagate plants for your home garden. Using a hands-on approach, Stomberg will demonstrate the most effective ways to divide and propagate plants with different root systems. Participants will leave with samples to plant at home. Materials provided.
Meet at The Fells Nursery. Limit 16; advance registration and payment required.

Friday, June 30, 5:00-8:00pm
Around The Bend: Art, History, and Ecology along The Sugar River
Opening Night Gala-$100 per person, reservations required
Be among the first to view the Around the Bend Exhibit featuring new works of art by Lisa Jelleme-Miller and Jennifer Hansen. You will be mesmerized by the beauty of these paintings of the Sugar River, intermingled with historic photographs from the collection of Ron Garceau, and educational panels relating to the ecological and economic issues of the Sugar River Region. Enjoy cocktails and a gallery talk by the artists before being seated for a elegant evening meal.
Exhibit in The Fells Gallery.

Wednesdays-Sundays, June 30 through September 3, 10am-5pm
Saturdays-Sundays, September 4 through October 9, 10am-5pm
Around the Bend: Art, History, and Ecology along the Sugar River-Show
Members free, non-members $6 (cost includes site admission)
Art, History, and Ecology along the Sugar River: a multi-media exhibit featuring the paintings of New Hampshire artists, Lisa Jelleme-Miller & Jennifer Hansen; historic photographs from the collection of Ron Garceau; and educational panels relating to ecological/economic issues in the Sugar River region.
Exhibit in The Fells Gallery.

June 21- Labor Day
The Fells Main House opens Wednesdays-Sundays and Monday Holidays-10am-5pm
Members Free, non-members $6
The Fells, the summer home of statesman and Secretary of State, John Hay, was constructed in the early 1890's and is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places. The Colonial Revival building reflects the style of prevailing summerhouses of the time, and was home to three generations of Hay family. Take a tour and learn about the Hays and get a glimpse into life on a New Hampshire summer estate. Tour the expansive gardens and go for an easy hike on the John Hay Ecology Trail.

Wednesday, July 5, 10-11:30am
Around the Bend Lecture Series: Early Years of the Sugar River: Formation and Fish Populations
Members free, non-members $6 (cost includes site admission)
Sponsored by The New Hampshire Humanities Council
Join local author and historian, Jack Noon, in a riveting discussion of the Sugar River in its early years. Learn how the river formed and fish populations emerged and later vanished, an effect of both man-made and ecological events. Historical perspectives offered relate the consequences of past priorities, and may suggest courses for future action. Be sure to tour the Around the Bend Exhibit in the Gallery featuring historic photographs, educational panels, and original art of the Sugar River.
Meet at The Fells Main House. Limit 25; advance registration and payment required.

Sunday, July 9
Brunch and Music in the Garden at The Fells
Seatings at 10:30am and 1pm
$50 per person includes admission to The Fells Exhibit Gallery
Enjoy a delightful brunch buffet, overlooking The Fells¢â¡Á lovingly restored gardens, while serenaded by tasteful live music. Tour the Gallery featuring the Around the Bend Exhibit which includes the paintings of New Hampshire artists, Lisa Jelleme-Miller & Jennifer Hansen; historic photographs from the collection of Ron Garceau; and educational panels relating to ecological/economic issues in the Sugar River region.
The Fells Exhibit Gallery.

Tuesday, July 11, 6:30-9:00pm
Alternatives to Invasive Plants
Fells or NEWFS members $30, non-members $36
Co-sponsored by the New England Wild Flower Society.
New England Wild Flower Society instructor, Chris Mattrick, discusses how varieties of native plants can be used to replace invasive species introduced in the home garden. This program is invaluable for all ecologically and environmentally conscious home gardeners.
Meet at The Fells Gatehouse. Limit 20; advance registration and payment required.

Saturday and Sunday, July 15-16, 10am-4pm
Artists Weekend at The Fells
Members free, non-members $6 (cost includes site admission and a return admission pass for Sunday's reception)
Juried New England artists paint en plein air in the beautiful Fells gardens. Stroll the grounds, watch the artists paint, or ask them about their techniques and inspiration. Free demonstrations and classes, and a children's art table available throughout the weekend. Celtic musicians, Reaganta, perform Saturday from 1-3pm. Concludes on Sunday with a Wet Paint Sale, prize drawing, and reception with the artists from 3-4:30pm.
The Fells Grounds and Gardens.

Wednesday, July 19, 3-4:30pm
Around the Bend Lecture Series: Historical Views along the Sugar River
Members free, non-members $6 (cost includes site admission)
Join Ron Garceau, publisher of SooNipi Magazine and current President of the Sunapee Historical Society, for a slideshow presentation of the Sugar River as it winds its way through several small New Hampshire towns. Ron shares his vast knowledge and incredible collection of slides and photographs to bring you this fascinating historical view of the region surrounding the Sugar River. Come early and be sure to tour the Around the Bend Exhibit in the Gallery featuring historic photographs, educational panels, and original art of the Sugar River.
Meet at The Fells Main House. Limit 25; advance registration and payment required.

The Fells Historic Cruise on Lake Sunapee
$40 per person
Hearty hors d'oeuvres and cash bar aboard the MV MT. Sunapee II set the scene for this popular private tour around Lake Sunapee. Enjoy a narration of the lake's history tailored especially for this year's excursion. This annual event is always a sell-out, so don't delay in making your reservation.
Limit 60; advance reservations and payment required. Meet at Sunapee Harbor Boat Launch.

Saturday, July 29, 10am-4pm
The Fells Garden Tour
Town and Country: A Tour of New London Area Gardens
$20 in advance, $25 day of the tour
Visit eight extraordinary gardens in mid- summer bloom. Begin your self-guided tour at the New London Inn, New London, NH, and finish at The Fells in Newbury for light refreshments. You'll be inspired by this year's selection of gardens which feature both new and established plantings, a treasured secret garden, a woodland gazebo, and stunning views of Mount Sunapee and Pleasant Lake.

Wednesday, August 9, 10-11:30am
Around the Bend Lecture Series: All Aboard the Claremont to Concord Railroad
Members free, nonmembers $6 (cost includes site admission)
Join retired railroad engineer, conductor, and historian RB "Dick" Gassett for a journey through time on the Concord to Claremont Railroad. Visually meander past historic Lake Sunapee and the Newbury cut, a major engineering feat, and imagine what it may have been like for John and Clara Hay to see Newbury for the first time. Be sure to tour the Around the Bend Exhibit in the Gallery featuring historic photographs, educational panels, and original art of the Sugar River.
Meet at The Fells Main House. Limit 25; advance registration and payment required.

Saturday, August 19, 9am-noon
The Fells 15th Annual Plant Sale
Free Admission to the grounds; house tours, $2
Choose from an outstanding collection of perennials from The Fells' and other regional garden nurseries. Receive expert advice from The Fells' gardeners, and browse the specialty plants and garden paraphernalia of select vendors.
The Fells grounds and gardens.

Wednesday, August 23, 3-4:30pm
Around the Bend Lecture Series: Ecological History of Lake Sunapee: Source of the Sugar River
Members free, non-members $6 (cost includes site admission)
Glacial Lake Sunapee has a long and varied history as the re-directed source of the Sugar River. Join June Fichter, Executive Director, Lake Sunapee Protective Association, in this insightful program which offers an ecological historic viewpoint of Lake Sunapee, its watershed and environs, and its people from early settlers through modern day. Be sure to come early and tour the Around the Bend Exhibit in the Gallery featuring historic photographs, educational panels, and original art of the Sugar River.
Meet at The Fells Main House. Limit 25; advance registration and payment required.

Thursday, August 31, 4:30-6pm
Trail-walk Series: Interpreting Forest Landscape
Members free, non-members $6 (cost includes site admission)
Join The Fells' trail guides Tom Cooper and Lynne Johnson in reading the forested landscape. Learn simple identification techniques to age a forest and to discern what types of natural or human activity occurred and when they were prominent. Comfortable hiking shoes recommended.
Meet at The Fells Gatehouse kiosk. Limit 20; advance registration and payment required.