A New Non-Profit Joins the Ranks: Introducing the Sanford Cultural Guild

BY SARAH CLORE

Beds of brightly colored annuals, new buds on rose bushes, and butterflies puttering around pollinator gardens are all early signs that spring is beginning to bloom in Sanford. Visitors will soon have the opportunity to meander the brick-lined streets of the Historic District and into residents' private gardens at the Sanford Historic Garden Tour. The May 6 event will feature an artisan vendor market, local gardening and wildlife educators, plein air artists, and a tea lunch. It is the inaugural event of the newly formed nonprofit, the Sanford Cultural Guild.

The Garden Tour is familiar to many residents of Sanford, who remember when it was introduced, some 20 years ago, by native Sanford resident, Sarah Miller. Robin Theisen remembers the excitement around the tour and has been dreaming up its return for years. Garden tours are featured in many well-known historic residential districts, showcasing numerous design styles, and providing inspiration for sustainable landscapes that often incorporate native plants. But even if you’re not a gardener, a stroll in gorgeous outdoor spaces is just good for the soul. Alongside Caroline Garcia and Sarah Clore, the trio has led the tour, hosted by the Sanford Historic Trust, for the past 2 years. The project always had grand plans to root itself in community beautification projects, hence its realignment with their new non-profit.

The ladies of the Sanford Cultural Guild hope to lead projects that celebrate the cultural significance of Sanford’s natural beauty, including installing pollinator gardens, leading alleyway-beautification efforts, highlighting native plants, and providing arborist support for historic trees. By far one of their biggest goals is to begin funding a botanical garden addition to the Sanford Museum, where Henry

Sanford’s agricultural contributions will have the opportunity to come to life.

The Garden Tour is just the beginning of The Sanford Cultural Guild’s story, and more exciting events are in the works. To learn more about their nonprofit and the tour, check out their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Tickets to the tour are $15 and are available for purchase through Eventbrite and on the day of the event at Bettye D. Smith Cultural Arts Center. n