The gardens at the Florence Griswold Museum are worthy of celebration, combining nature, beauty, history and art in a picturesque setting. The fourth annual GardenFest event runs from June 1-10 and will offer not only a glimpse into the recreated historical gardens, but family activities, events and demonstrations.

Visitors can tour the grounds inhabited by artists years ago, from the house to the gardens to the views that inspired works of art. The gardens were restored to their appearance in 1910, the days of Miss Florence’s boardinghouse and include hollyhock, iris, foxglove, heliotrope, phlox, cranesbill and day lilies.

This year, enjoy a new treat: Local artist Renée Wilson’s Pleasure Gardens: A Miniature Maharaja Palace based on palaces in India, including street scenes, pavilions and an elephant stable. The exhibit is 8 feet by 5 feet and took the artist over a decade to finish.

Other activities to note include local potter Guy Wolff on June 6, who will demonstrate the creation of garden planters with 18th and 19th century designs; Blooms with a View: A Display of Art & Flower June 8-10, where floral artists display their interpretations of works of art in the …isms: Unlocking Art’s Mysteries exhibit; a plant sale; painting supplies for guests to create their own works of art on Sundays; and interactive storytelling and other fun for children.

Also beginning June 1, visit Café Flo Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and eat on the veranda or overlooking the river. Getting back to nature is easy out here.

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