Farmington Historic Plantation is proud to announce the presentation of the 2009 Anne Bruce Haldeman Award to noted writer, cultural critic and farmer Wendell Berry. The Henry County native is being recognized for his dedication to preserving America’s heritage and ecology. Berry will receive his award on June 12, at 6:30 pm, during Farmington’s annual “An Evening in the Garden” event. Besides the presentation to Berry, the evening will also include a catered dinner and a live and silent auction.
This year is special because the event will also showcase of Farmington’s newly restored Anne Bruce Haldeman-designed garden. Anne Bruce Haldeman (1903-1999) was a Louisville native and an acclaimed landscape architect and preservationist. Haldeman was a graduate of Bennett College in Millbrook, New York and the Cambridge School Architecture and Landscape Architecture, later a part of Harvard University. She was instrumental in the effort to acquire Farmington as a historic site and in the original restoration of its 19th century garden. The latest development of the garden expands on Haldeman’s design, led by Holly Smith, of Boone Gardiner.
It is fitting to honor Berry at the same time Farmington is featuring the Haldeman garden re-design. Berry and Haldeman represent the same philosophies of preservation of history and the environment that drive our historic sites. Particularly in these difficult economic times, the preservation and protection of our heritage and resources is crucial. “An Evening in the Garden” promises to be a celebration of both.
“An Evening in the Garden” will take place at Farmington Historic Plantation located at 3033 Bardstown Road. All proceeds from the live and silent auctions will go to Farmington Historic Plantation and its gardens.