The Thistle Shop at Cranbrook House and Gardens invites the public to an evening summer celebration on Friday, August 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitors will enjoy a peaceful stroll through Cranbrook Gardens at dusk; a perfect time for touring the greenhouse, marveling over the Sunken Garden and its diamond pattern planting, and appreciating the made-in Michigan offerings of the Thistle Shop.
Thanks to the hard-work and dedication of volunteers, the doors to the Thistle Shop have been opened for its first full season of operation. What once stood as an outdoor art studio, now is the prized home to an assortment of items mostly created right here in Michigan. Guests to the Thistle Shop can browse through captivating artwork, useful gardening products, and plenty of Cranbrook memorabilia from mugs and apparel to the famous Cranbrook Cookbook. Making a purchase at the Thistle Shop allows visitors to take away a piece of the Cranbrook House and Gardens experience, supporting Michigan organizations at the same time! The Thistle Shop stands proudly on the east side of Cranbrook House in the Herb Garden, and is open for the season Thursday, Friday and Sunday during Cranbrook House tours from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cranbrook Gardens boasts an astounding 40 acres of brilliant gardens, fountains and sculptures surrounding Cranbrook House. Located in between the Thistle Shop and greenhouse is the iconic Sunken Garden. An assortment of radiant colors and its unique design combined with an outline of perennials makes the Sunken Garden incredibly mesmerizing; especially when viewed over a glass of wine at sunset.
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Taking a few steps through the Sunken Garden leads to the recently renovated greenhouse. The tropical room of the greenhouse features a fountain complimented with a statue of Perseus. Demonstration gardens offering ideas for visitors include cactus and succulent, fern, bromeliad, wildflower and orchid habitats. The greenhouse (open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) will be open for the duration of the gathering.
‘Art, Diamonds, and Orchids at Twilight’ admission is $20 each per person, and includes wine and hor d’oeuvres, and access to the Thistle Shop, Sunken Garden, and greenhouse. Tickets may be purchased online at http://housegardens.cranbrook.edu/calendar/arts-diamonds-and-orchids-twilight, by phone at 248 645.3149, by email at gardens@cranbrook.edu or in person at the Cranbrook Auxiliary office. Visitors 21 and older are welcome.
