Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-09-03
GANESTON PARK.
Wednesdays Brilliant Recep-
ton by Mrs. Gannett'
A Happy Afternoon Passed in a Floral
Paradise.
some of the Features of the Beautiful
Lawns and Gardens.

Ganeston Park, the beautiful home
OF Mr.. and Mrs. w. H. Gannett on
western avenue, was the scene, yes
terday afternoon, of the largest and
most important social affair of the
summer season in Augusta. And not
only because of size and brilliancy was
1t a notable event, but it was equally
dellghtful and successful in every re-
spect. The hospitality of Representa-
i've and Mrs. Gannett is far famed,
ana on several occasions during last
winters Legislative season, their
spacious residence was opened for the
entertainment of their friends.
Inc reception and luncheon of yester-
DAY afternoon, given by Mrs. Gannett,
was IN honor of the return of the ladies
of the Legislature; and they, to the
number of nearly 100, with invited
guests from Augusta, accepted with
pleasure the invitation SO graciously
extended. The hour was 1.30, and from
that time until we'll into the afternoon,
the guests came and went, filing the
house with Il brilliant and merry party,
and thronSing over the lawns and the
gardens.
The feature of the afternoon was the
singing of Mrs. Frank L. Sealy of New
York, which was much appreciated
and enjoyed by all present. Mrs.
Sealy was accompanied by her husband
who is a Well-known church organst of
New York. Dainty refreshments We're
served by II. d. Cook, a Boston caterer.
Mrs. Gannett was assisted in receiving
by Mrs. Sealy of New York, Mrs. Gardner
of Patten, who with Senator Gardner
have been guests of Mr.. and Mrs. Gan
nett, this week, and Miss Cannett. Mrs.
John r. Hill and her guest, Mrs. Ray of
St Louis, Were among those present. The
guests from out of town included Mrs.
Wing of Auburn, Mrs. Goodwin of
Skowhegan. Mrs Clark of Bar Harbor,
Mrs. Pettingill of Rumford Falls, Mrs
Sargent of Brewer, Mrs. Little of Lewis
ton, Mrs. Morrison of Bar Harbor, Mrs.
Littlefield of Rockland, Mrs. Norton of
Gardiner, Mrs. Dunbar of Damariscotta,
and many others.
One thing in particular, which will
make the afternoon Il memorable one
for all present, was the opportunity to
examine and enjoy the beautiful lawns
and the gardens which surround the
home of Mr.. and Mrs. Gannett. 1t
was only five years ago that this spot
was bare of egetatiOn-merely a
pleasant hilltop commanding Il mag
nificent view, and with green fields
sloping to the south and the east. Since
MI. Gannett has erected his house, the
grounds around it have been beautified
by hundreds of trees and thousands of
shrubs with many flower beds and gar
dens setting off the spacious lawns.
These flowers, under the constant care
of Joseph FrOberger. a landscape artist
of much taste and skill, have attained
unusual luXurance this summer and
no person passing on the electrics has
failed to admire them, and envy those
who could live amid such surround
ings. There are no private grounds in
the State more lavishly and artistically
beautified with flowers than are the
lawns of Ganeston Park.
Perhaps the most noticeable feature
of the lawn is the great floral carpet on
the Western avenue side. II is in the
shape of a double diamond with round
ed corners about 10 by Is feet, raised
somewhat from the ground, and sur
mounted by great green globe. In
this carpet there are over 5000 in
dividual plants of 10 varieties, and the
color scheme of the intricate pattern is
most artistic. Back of it, and border
ing the house, is a long bed of rhodo-
dendrons, azaleas, and lilies, with a
wealth of Woodbinc spreading over the
walls. The corners of the two drive
ways leading into the grounds are
banked high with masses of flowers of
many varieties. with shrubs for a back
ground. Along the right side of the
main driveway are beds arranged in
festoon fashion. On the left of the
main driveway, is a beautiful hedge,
formed mainly by hyderangeas and
Japanese roses. In front of the house,
at the base Of the two great bay Win
dows, on either side of the main en-
trance, are beautiful beds of panses
with crimson rambler roses for q back
ground.
The feature of the front, or east
lawn. is a great anchor about Is feet
long with fiukes of equal length This
is formed of red and green agegeranda
with a cluster of geraniums at the base
On the south lawn are large circular
beds of geraniums, verbenas and pc
tunias There is similar bed on the
west lawn of gladiolas and bamboo
grass. On each of the lawns are sew
eral particularly effective little beds of
xeraniums, daisies, pansies, and other
flowers around the bases of trees.
The feature of the south lawn, which
all of the visitors much admired, was
the great garden of old-fashioned flow
ers. There are long walks lined with
hollyhocks, phlox, iris. asters. poppies,
snapdragon, dahlias, marigold, golden
glow, roses, and many other old-time
flowers loved by everybody. The
walks have pretty borders of pinks
Near this spot is the rose house, but it
is a little late now for the many va
rieties here to be seen in their glory.
A large rockery full of petunias forms
the border between the lawn on this
side of the greenhouse. Within the
greenhouse, in the cold season, are
propagated the plants used to beautify
the lawns; and its three large apart
ments, the palm house, the rose house
and the violet room, are kept at three
different temperatures, as is necessary
for the growth and the deVelOpnlent Of