The 11th Annual Hellebore Tea was held at Lake Wilderness Lodge on Sunday, March 9, an afternoon of entertainment and fundraising that kicks off the start of the gardening season.

Co-sponsored by the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation and the Late Bloomers Garden Club, the event began as an impromptu gathering in the Arboretum’s hoophouse.

“I think the reason it is so popular is because the hostesses go out of their way to make their goodies special,” said Maria Van Zanen, who first envisioned the event and has coordinated all 11 teas. “It’s all homemade and wonderful.”

Guests enjoyed a buffet of little sandwiches, decadent desserts, sparkling cider and of course, tea.

Over the years a raffle, silent auction and plant sale have been added to the afternoon’s events, which include a hat contest and a table décor contest judged by local gardening expert Marianne Binetti. All proceeds benefit Lake Wilderness Arboretum, and Sunday’s event was topped off with a docent tour.

Thank you to all the hostesses, Scout Troop 2321, Myrt Rogneby, Covington Costco, Wilderness Village Starbucks, Dazzled Dame, MV Grocery Outlet and Wilderness Village OFC.

Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer, donate or become a member.