The Garden at Clifton Forge School of the Arts
In 2011, using funds donated by Blakeslee Nettleton Chase, the destination garden of the Clifton Forge School of the Arts began with creation of a single bed located at the front of the property between the two buildings of the campus of the School of the Arts. Subsequently, through the vision of the School’s founders and members of their Board of Directors, a plan to develop the full garden came to fruition with a grant from the Alleghany Foundation.
The Village Nursery of Fishersville was contracted in 2014 to design this garden and plant over one hundred trees and shrubs, many of which are unusual or rare. Continuing support from the Alleghany Foundation has allowed the garden to remain a work in progress. Numerous additions of plants and artistic features have been made since the original landscape work. Most plants in the garden are labeled.
The garden is a draw for en plein air painters, photographers and the public at large from dawn to dusk throughout the year.* Any suggestion for garden improvement will be appreciated and carefully considered by the Garden Committee. The garden is tended by dedicated volunteers; contact the School if you are a seasoned gardener who would like to gift us with some of your time. The School of the Arts will also field inquiries concerning your donations of plants, art, and benches as memorials. Unspecified monetary donations are welcome and will be used to purchase tools, garden supplies, and additional plants. Scroll to the bottom of this page for easy online donation.
*Painters and photographers are encouraged to call the School of the Arts in advance of their visit to make sure the garden is available.
The Village Nursery of Fishersville was contracted in 2014 to design this garden and plant over one hundred trees and shrubs, many of which are unusual or rare. Continuing support from the Alleghany Foundation has allowed the garden to remain a work in progress. Numerous additions of plants and artistic features have been made since the original landscape work. Most plants in the garden are labeled.
The garden is a draw for en plein air painters, photographers and the public at large from dawn to dusk throughout the year.* Any suggestion for garden improvement will be appreciated and carefully considered by the Garden Committee. The garden is tended by dedicated volunteers; contact the School if you are a seasoned gardener who would like to gift us with some of your time. The School of the Arts will also field inquiries concerning your donations of plants, art, and benches as memorials. Unspecified monetary donations are welcome and will be used to purchase tools, garden supplies, and additional plants. Scroll to the bottom of this page for easy online donation.
*Painters and photographers are encouraged to call the School of the Arts in advance of their visit to make sure the garden is available.
Support the School of the Arts Garden with a Monetary Donation
Donations will be used to purchase garden tools, supplies, plants, and other garden additions. Gifts are to The Clifton Forge Company dba Clifton Forge School of the Arts, a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations processed securely via PayPal. Should you prefer to mail a check, please send it to: Clifton Forge School of the Arts, PO BOX 406, Clifton Forge, VA 24422, or visit us at 518 Church Street in Clifton Forge.
Above photos taken in the Garden by Eliza Bolen, a student in the School's Photography for Kids class.
LOCATED ON VIRGINIA'S WESTERN HIGHLANDS ARTISAN TRAIL