Enhancing Venue Spaces with Botanical Symbolism

A hidden charm sprinkled into private events at Chatfield Farms are several specific botanicals that you will find nestled within the landscaping of our venues and historical buildings. These special plants enhance the spaces through their symbolism and uses for wellbeing. 

Near the Green Farm Barn, you will find firecracker penstemon, Penstemon eatonii, a native wildflower. This botanical symbolizes luck, just like the hummingbirds who frequent this venue throughout the summer. Firecracker penstemons also represent celebration and prosperity, a lovely combination to evoke for wedding celebrations and corporate events. Species of penstemon were historically used by Native Americans to treat a range of ailments, including sun burns, migraines and snake bites. 

The Polly Steele Center is a beautiful venue surrounded by a cottage garden. This is a favorite spot for birthdays, elopements, micro weddings and celebrations of life. Growing under some of the trees is lady's mantle, Alchemilla vulgaris. Lady's mantle symbolizes protection and comfort, seen through the cloak-like shape of the leaves. Its Latin name translates to “little alchemist”, named after the morning dew that collects within its soft leaves, which represents transformation in alchemy. Medicinal uses of lady’s mantle for women's health have been noted, particularly within western European traditions. 

There is an abundance of medicinal plants around the Chatfield Farms property. To view medicinal plants formally, visit our herb garden, adjacent to the historical Hildebrand Ranch house. As you continue to expand your plant knowledge, we invite you to come out for a venue tour with our private events team and see if you can identify additional botanicals within the space that can enhance and provide greater meaning or fun for your event.