Glastonbury Partners in Planting has worked with the Historical Society of Glastonbury on many
occasions. The first joint effort in 2007 was a walking tour in South Glastonbury to visit historic
homes and some of our member’s gardens. Proceeds from the event supported the Society.
Since then, GPIP has partnered on many projects at the Welles-Shipman-Ward House on Main
Street in South Glastonbury, which is managed by the Society.
The first GPIP project, completed in 2012, created a border of trees and shrubs to screen the
neighboring property from the newly reconstructed tobacco shed. All the plantings were native
species, many of which would have been familiar to the home’s early residents. These included
witch hazel, used as an astringent; bayberry, used for making candles; and blueberry and
shadblow, used for drying and cooking.
In 2013, GPIP planted a small demonstration plot of tobacco plants near the new tobacco shed.
The plants, generously donated by local tobacco farmers Ken and Howard Horton, helped
educate both children and adults about the history and process of tobacco farming. Throughout
the summer, founding members Nancy and Bob Shipman and Della and Roger Winans tended
the crop. On Farm Day in September, the plants were harvested, cut, and left in the sun to wilt
slightly so the leaves wouldn’t tear during stringing. They were then tied six to a lath and hung
to dry in the recently completed tobacco shed.
In 2015, GPIP, under the leadership of then Project Chair, Karen Rottner, the garden was
expanded to include the “Three Sisters” – corn, beans, and squash along with a variety of
heirloom vegetables and flowers for drying. The selection emphasized root crops, ideal for
winter storage such as potatoes, beets, carrots, and onions, providing a glimpse into what the
early Welles and Shipman families might have prepared for dinner. The expanded garden was
designed to engage and educate children each spring in planting, caring for the garden
throughout the summer, and harvesting in the fall.
The garden continues to be an important part of the Historical Society’s mission to help educate
visitors about Glastonbury history which includes a local history program where the
Glastonbury fifth graders visit the WSW every October as part of their education. The house,
colonial garden and grounds are part of their tour. GPIP also encourages visitors who attend
several public events including Militia Day in the Spring and Harvest Day in September to
participate in the planting and harvesting of the garden.
