Thanks from Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage

Dear Bay Weekly:
    The Calvert Garden Club is grateful for the cover article about the 2011 Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage at Scientists’ Cliffs that appeared in your April 28 edition. For the first time in the 74-year history of the Pilgrimage, houses and gardens in Scientists’ Cliffs were featured on this tour.
    Margaret Tearman’s focus on the history of Scientists’ Cliffs was enhanced by her interviews with homeowners and photos, all of which captured the unique qualities of this community.
    Many people mentioned to us that they had read the article and were looking forward to the tour. We believe your article contributed to the increase in attendance we experienced — approximately 52 percent — over our previous tour in 2008.
    The proceeds from this tour benefit the American Chestnut Land Trust, which is dedicated to preserving Parkers Creek, the most pristine, undeveloped watershed remaining on the Western Shore of Chesapeake Bay.
    On behalf of the Calvert Garden club, we wish to convey our appreciation for the wonderful coverage you gave the tour.

–Susan Cole, chair: Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage;  Denise Moroney, president: Calvert Garden Club