What better way to start the day after the national election than by talking about something else! And looking at the beautiful photographs taken by the two great English garden photographers, Jerry Harpur and Andrew Lawson. I came to New Canaan in Connecticut to give another book talk to a wonderful joint meeting of both the New Canaan and Darien Garden Clubs. The very large turn out and warm welcome suggested that everyone there was eager to move on to a topic other than politics. The meeting was held in the handsome Waveny House, once the estate of the Lapham family but donated to the town and a wonderful community asset and site of event. This joint meeting began with the two presidents, Jane Gamber, of New Canaan and Debbie Murray of Darien, shown together here. 
Such an elegant venue. And before the talk, there was such an impressive floral arranging competition — here are only a few being collected afterwards but truly impressive and professional submissions. There were also impressive plants in pots submitted for judging. And a terrific, enthusiastic audience for my talk. 
Afterwards, my friend, Diane Beck, who invited me to speak and is c-chair of program with Catherine Sturgess for the New Canaan Garden Club welcomed me with Jane Gamber who had already heard my talk in Madison this past summer. Heroic of Jane to hear me twice! Afterwards, Jane and Diane hosted me to a delightful lunch in town at the Elm with Ellen Zumbach. head of membership. It was a lovely way to end my visit to a wonderful group of enthusiastic gardeners.
