To Do in RI: Linden Place Whiskey Tasting (TODAY) Meet Mount Vernon’s Horticultural Director

Anticipation Grows as Mount Vernon’s Horticultural Director’s Visit to Linden Place Approaches

Linden Place is offering the public two opportunities to meet J. Dean Norton, the longtime Horticultural Director of Mount Vernon, who is also on the advisory committee charged with preserving the current White House gardens. On Monday, June 3 at 7:30 pm there will be a Whiskey Tasting event featuring fine whiskeys from George Washington’s Distillery® and Gristmill and O’Brien & Brough of Bristol. The next day on Tuesday, June 4 at 7 pm, Norton will give a talk entitled “Landscape Design for Historic Properties” in the Linden Place ballroom.

“We are honored to bring this noted horticulturalist from one of the country’s most famous and historic estates to Bristol’s own beloved mansion,” said Cara Massey, Linden Place’s executive director.

Employed at Mount Vernon for more than 50 years, J. Dean Norton has devoted his career to researching 18^th-century gardens and gardening practices. Nationally and internationally renowned for his work restoring the historic gardens and magnificent landscape at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, he is one of the country’s foremost horticulturalists. He is also known for his engaging, informative and entertaining presentations, which bring history to life through fascinating personal stories.

One of the lesser-known facts about Mount Vernon is that George Washington owned one of the largest distilleries in the country at the time. In 1799 alone, it produced almost 11,000 gallons of the revered spirits. That tradition continues today as a faithfully reconstructed distillery produces small batches of whiskey for those with discerning tastes, as well as those who attend Linden Place’s whiskey tasting event.

Tickets for the June 3 Whiskey Tasting are $40 ($35 to LP members). The next day’s lecture is $20 ($15 to LP members). Attendance is limited, so all those interested are urged to act promptly. For more information about these events, or to reserve your spot, call (401) 253-0390 or visit www.lindenplace.org.