If you’re looking for fresh local flowers, heirloom vegetables, or a venue for your special event that is equally special, this is the place. Pharsalia is a working antebellum plantation with a picturesque setting among the orchards and fields of Nelson County. In the spirit of hospitality that has been a hallmark for nearly two centuries, this unique property is available for day events and group tours for ten or more can be arranged with sufficient notice.
The family home was built in 1814 as a wedding gift for William Massie. Its stunning views of de Priest Mountain are the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Foxie Morgan, a direct descendent of the original owners and avid gardener, maintains the grounds of Pharsalia as both a cut flower growing area and a stage set for weddings, birthdays, lunches and educational events. If you’re thinking acres of greenhouses, endless, boring rows of plants, windowless conference rooms, and stinking chemicals wafting in the air, you need to think again. Foxie’s husband, Richard, rescues stone from old building sites and has them skillfully incorporated into the steps and paths that meander past whimsical statutes, historical buildings and the ever changing display of color in the gardens.
There are 30 varieties of peonies represented by over 500 plants scattered in the flower beds among the antique apple trees and flowering shrubs. Old stone walls outline beds bursting with herbs and colorful plants, such as zinnia, tuberose, statice, iris and lily. The herbs are integrated with flowers to provide visual interest as well as discourage foraging pests intent on a flowery meal. When combined with more traditional cut flowers the herbs provide artistic, innovative arrays of form and color. How about some fluffy asparagus greens or velvety purple spires of Mexican Bush Sage in your arrangement, or maybe a clear bowl filled with multi-colored heirloom tomatoes. Yes, they do come in colors other than red.
Pharsalia Road is off Rte 56, just a few miles from route 151 in the Rockfish Valley. Foxie sells cut flowers, plants and heirloom vegetables at the Nelson County Farmer’s Market in Nellysford every Saturday morning until Labor Day. Although the market goes on until October, Foxie turns her attention to the next year’s garden as fall begins to breathe through the mountains.
For more information on Pharsalia events and classes, please contact Foxie Morgan at 434.277.5231 or email at Florencefx@aol.com.
www.pharsaliaevents.com