by Skip Ragland

Special to the Pilot

One way to commune with nature is to grab a tent and some camp chairs and take off to the open woods. Huddling over an open fire eating hot dogs and toasting marshmallows is great, but there's another way for Sandhills residents to enjoy the great outdoors.

How about sipping gentle wines at a beautiful table while enjoying a late fall evening in the gardens of the Sandhills Community College Horticultural Gardens? That's just the beginning. Next comes a succulent fall harvest progressive dinner prepared by the outstanding staff of the college's culinary department.

Need a bit more atmosphere? Then add the sounds of orchestral strings floating over the entire setting performed by members of the music department of the college. The design of the entire event is also being coordinated by the college art department.

"I believe showcasing the meal, music and art in the garden setting will be spectacular," says Fiona McKenzie, chef instructor in the culinary department. "It allows the culinary department the opportunity to give many of our culinary students a unique experience. A roaming progressive dinner is becoming more and more popular and is very different than creating the usual sit-down affair."

Lee Ivy, associate professor of landscape gardening, is also enthusiastic about the project.

"We are delighted to be able to create this event for Sandhills residents," says Ivy. "We have so many people who love our gardens and have often suggested that more events be conducted here so that even more folks will become aware of just how special these beautiful gardens are and that they offer something unique and different each season."

The art department is creating materials such as menus, table decorations, etc. for the event, reflecting a fall harvest celebration.

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 (rain date is Oct. 1). Costs are $55 for horticultural society members and $60 for nonmembers.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the landscape gardening, culinary, music and art departments of Sandhills Community College. Seating is limited.

To make a reservation, call Tricia Mabe at (910) 695-3882.