May Day in Annapolis
For more than half a century, homeowners and storeowners in Historic Annapolis have decorated their doors on May Day with gorgeous and fanciful flower baskets.
Saturday marks the 55th year for this tradition, and The Garden Club of Olde Annapolis Town will again choose the winners.
(For a look at last year's baskets, check out my Flickr photos.)
Dried and artificial flowers are strickly forbidden. And the baskets have to be on display by 10 a.m. so the ladies in hats can see them. Businesses can arrange the flowers in containers that reflect their business, but homeowners must use baskets.
Garden flowers and handmade baskets are given special consideration. And children under 12 can enter their own baskets and receive a pink ribbon and a lollipop.
The adult winners will be invited to the annual May Day Tea.
Anybody in Annapolis can participate, but the judging is limited to the Historic District and parts of the Murray Hill neighborhood.
For pure whimsy, make sure you tour Main Street in Annapolis and see the business baskets. They are a hoot!
And check back Saturday afternoon here at Garden Variety for photos of this year's baskets.
Comments
What a nice tradition and a colourfull way of starting the month of May.
How did it all started?
Here in Portugal, the 1st May is Labour Day. No traditions like that.
Also want to thank you for the book 'Becoming Elizabeth Lawrence' wich arrived yesterday.
A reader from across the Atlantic,
Jose
Posted by: Jose Santos | May 1, 2010 6:37 AM
Happy May Day !
I used to own and B and B in Annapolis and loved the tradition of the baskets on doors all around town.
In honor of the Naval Academy I always had a blue and yellow/gold theme.
I also loved making sandwiches for the Tea. Some had individual forget-me-not flowers on them!
All reminders of an elegant time of gracious living and hospitality.
Today in Montana my flowers have coating of snow. Wish I could hop on a plane to see the baskets this year.
Posted by: Carolyn Hopper | May 1, 2010 3:30 PM