Glamorous Hats, Croquet, and May Baskets

It’s a weekend for wearing a hat. If you are a fan of William and Kate, you’ll be awake and seated in front of your TV at 6:00 a.m. in time to watch the royal wedding and if you don’t want to miss any of the festivities, you’ll have turned on your TV at 3:30 a.m., or at the very least set the recording button to watch it all later. A number of folks around town are planning pajama parties complete with hats, to feel at one with the royal family.
The Four Rivers Garden Club is picking up on the theme by having a contest judging the “Best Head Attire” during their Friday annual Plant Sale on April 29th, 8:30am – 2:00pm, next to Market House at City Dock in Annapolis. They’ll be selling native plants and perennials (many from members’ private gardens) as well as cut flowers, herbs, and May Day Baskets. There will also be available, Master Gardener consultations, fresh baked sweets and breads plus tag sale items for the home and garden.
Judging of the Best Head Attire will take place at 12:30 p.m.
All proceeds from the sale support Four Rivers Garden Club community projects.
Saturday, if you’ve already created a hat you’ll be ready to attend the 29th annual croquet match between St. John’s College and the U.S. Naval Academy held on the grounds of the St. John’s campus. Dress in your spring finery, pack a picnic basket, and bring a blanket or folding chairs. In addition to the entertainment of watching the croquet match itself, there will be entertainment provided by the St. John’s Freshman Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy Trident Brass Band. The match begins at 1:00 p.m, but of course you’ll want to arrive earlier to grab a good spot.
Perhaps you purchased some flowers at the Friday garden sale or you have some beautiful flowers growing in your own garden, but Saturday evening is the time to start constructing your May Basket. The May Basket contest is judged Sunday morning in the Annapolis historic district by the Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and noon. I don’t live within the historic district boundaries but I still enjoy making and hanging up a May Basket to celebrate the season. (Look back to previous blog entries for more about May Baskets.) All day long, it is excellent fun to stroll the streets and admire May Baskets. I particularly like seeing the baskets that children create as well as the clever baskets made by some of the local merchants promoting their businesses. The weather should be great, so start planning your weekend.