Flourishing flowers and vibrant vegetables will be among the natural attractions visitors to the Westport Community Gardens can see — and paint or photograph — on Aug. 5. / Contributed photos by Pam Barkentin

WESTPORT — “Art in the Garden,” an invitation for the public to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the Westport Community Gardens, is planned Aug. 5.

The event, marking the gardens’ 20th anniversary, will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at the community plots next to Long Lots Elementary School, 13 Hyde Lane. (Rain date is Aug. 6).

Art in the Garden is co-sponsored by the Artists Collective of Westport in recognition of the town’s lengthy arts heritage.

The community gardens have been in the headlines in the last several weeks. The gardens may be used, in part or entirely, as the location for a new or renovated Long Lots Elementary School. Gardeners have appealed to town officials, before a final decision is made on the school project, to spare the site. An online petition as been posted seeking public support to save the gardens as well as the nearby Long Lots Preserve.

Event planners, however, say the Aug. 5 open house “will be a nice break from the usual business of life and we think give everyone a chance to slow down in nature, find some zen and create art.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring sketchbooks, easels, paint, pencils or cameras to draw inspiration from the colors and contours of the gardens.

Visitors are also welcome to tour the community plots and meet with gardeners.

Refreshments will be available.

Add as a preferred source on Google