The home and nursery of our Connecticut Director, John O'Brien, is located in Granby, CT, a small town in the Hartford area. We are grateful for the invitation to hold our fourth annual picnic at his home. In John's own words: "Pam and I are excited to be hosting Tri-State's 4th annual picnic and tailgate sale. We've had fun the past three years creating a farm and garden around our new home. The hosta garden is home to over 800 varieties; 400 of those were transplanted from my old house, while the rest are new acquisitions since we moved here in 1999. Also in the shade gardens are many types of pulmonarias, arisaemas, asarums, epimediums, geraniums, and other "shady" characters. The sunny gardens boast many dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, daylilies, and other plants that enjoy a good blast of hot summer sun.There is plenty to see on our 11 acres so we all hope that you can join us on the 3rd of August."

Any member is permitted to sell plants in tailgate fashion, giving 15% of sales to Tri-State. So come join the fun, rain or shine, cause John will have a tent set up for us.

Depending upon whether you are coming from NJ, NY, or other points in CT, take 84E or 95N to Interstate 91 North or South. Take Exit # 40, Route 20 West toward Granby. After 3 miles on Airport Connector, look for the Exit for Route 20 "Granby/East Granby". After 3 miles, Route 20 narrows from 4 lanes to 2 lanes in East Granby Center. In 4 more miles, Route 20 reaches the junction with Routes 10/202 in Granby Center. Continue to go straight. In 300 yards, bear Right at first light onto Route 189 North. In 1 ½ miles, you will see a dairy farm on the right, the next Right is Wells Road. # 40 Wells Road will be ½ mile on the right. If you need further directions call John on (860) 635-0163.

Since some of you are coming from a distance you might enjoy staying overnight. Try the Granby Motel (860) 653-2553 or the Ironhorse Inn (860) 658-2216.

Amy S. Cichocki
Created: May 25, 2002