A Garden Walk and High Tea

Yesterday afternoon my girlfriend, Lori, and I headed 40 miles northwest of our homes to attend a garden walk and high tea in White Lake, MI.  It was a beautiful afternoon - 65 degrees, and not a cloud in the sky.  Perfect for walking a garden!   Below are half of the ladies who attended the 4:00 p.m. event.

Our hostess, Susie [pictured below], formerly owned a nursery and gardening center with her husband, and their love of gardening is evident.

We began at the pool room where hors d'oeuvres were served.

The eating area was at the far end of the pool on the other side of the half wall.

A fabulous orange crush punch, bar-b-qued bacon wrapped shrimp, and tomato-garlic bruschetta were served.

Lori and me, wearing the fascinators we made last Friday at the workshop.  See close up here by scrolling to the end.   Our intent was to coordinate with our outfits for this event.

Jennifer was in attendance along with another one of her table purse hooks.  She said she owns several.

Queen Elizabeth doesn't have anything over on her!  ;-)

Linda [wearing the yellow fascinator] was the founder and former president of the tea club which many of these ladies belong to.  I was a member in 2002-03.

Now for the garden tour...

Doesn't this look like a beautiful English garden?

I was reminded of the phrase, "You are closer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth." Susie has many angel statues in her gardens, so it was, indeed, heavenly!

Me in the garden, wearing a faux rose! ;-)

The high tea was held in this beautiful glass sun porch overlooking the gardens.

Entrance to sun porch.

High tea began a slice of Anise Bread, with exquisite Butter Roses.

Followed by chilled Strawberry Soup.  Notice the beautiful garden-themed tablecloths which Susie made.

The main entree was Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Potatoes, Squash, Purple Cabbage and homemade Applesauce, served buffet style.  Everything tasted as good as it looks!  The freshly brewed loose-leaf tea was Orange Vanilla Creme.

Dessert was chilled Peaches and Blueberries.  Yum!  I switched to Apple Cinnamon Decaf tea for this course so I'd be able to sleep last night.

Susie made the Sour Cream Twist Pastries.  Actually everything was homemade by Susie. What did she charge for this delightful and magical evening?  Just $18 per person!  

Ladies enjoying the high tea.  Some wearing hats and fascinators...

...and some not.

Beautiful leaded glass peacock in the sun porch.

Thanks for a lovely afternoon/evening, Susie.  Everything was superb!