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Where the wildflowers are
Where the wildflowers are
A garden in bloom, a hill over downtown, and an easy summer evening.
A relaxed gathering in Emmanuel’s pollinator garden, with golden hour, a view of the city, and room to wander.
June 27 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Event overview
Join Cumberland Flux for a summer evening at Emmanuel Parish’s pollinator garden on Saturday, June 27. We’ll be gathering at the top of the hill behind the church, where the garden offers one of the best views of downtown Cumberland and late June brings it into full summer color — coneflowers, bee balm, black-eyed susans, and a steady, quiet traffic of butterflies and bees doing their work.
The hilltop gathering area will be our home base for the evening. That’s where you’ll find cold drinks, places to sit, the main Flux conversation, and a spread of light snacks sourced from local vendors. From there, you’re free to carefully explore the flowers, or simply enjoy the view over the city.
Scott Rieker, who founded the garden, will be there the whole evening for anyone who wants to put their hands in the dirt — weeding, planting, or just learning what’s growing. Or not. The garden is the setting, not an assignment.
This is a low-pressure Flux gathering in partnership with Emmanuel Parish there’s no agenda, no religious slant, and no schedule to keep up with. You can settle in at the top of the hill with a drink and conversation, wander through the garden for a while, take a break inside the cool of the church when the heat asks for it, or simply watch the evening light change over Cumberland.
A good place at a good hour. That’s the idea here.
A summer evening overlooking downtown
This is the kind of event where the setting does most of the work. The garden is in full bloom, downtown is laid out below, and the light gets better as the evening goes on.
The gathering area, food, and drinks will all be at the top of the hill. From there you can wander the garden, help with a bit of garden work if that sounds good, or simply spend a quiet stretch outside with other people who are glad you came.
Emmanuel Parish Pollinator Garden
Emmanuel Parish’s pollinator garden is one of the largest projects of its kind in Maryland — Bay-Wise certified through the University of Maryland Extension and recognized in 2024 for its scale. It’s planted with more than thirty native species chosen to feed and shelter pollinators across the seasons, replacing turf grass with habitat.
Emmanuel is our partner for the evening, and we’re grateful for their backing and use of the garden. The gathering itself has no religious slant.
What you can expect
- A relaxed outdoor gathering with room to participate in different ways
- A pollinator garden in full late-June bloom and a hill that looks out over downtown
- Optional garden tending with Scott on hand, plus all tools and supplies provided
- Cold drinks and light summer food served from the hilltop gathering area
- A cool indoor space inside the church whenever you need a break from the heat
- Plenty of room to settle in for a while or just stop by
Typical arrival
You arrive and head behind Emmanuel. You’ll find the gathering area, a few people already settled in, food and cold drinks available, and the garden stretching out around you.
From there you can stay and chat, wander through the flowers for a while, join Scott in the garden if you’d like, or simply find a comfortable spot and ease into the evening.
No big agenda. No awkward structure. No need to perform.
At a glance
Here’s the simple version of what the afternoon looks like.
| Part of the event | What it offers | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hilltop Garden | A place to gather, wander, and watch the light change | Paved and grass paths; reach out if you’d like to know more |
| Garden Tending | An optional way to put your hands in the dirt with Scott | All tools and supplies provided; participate as much or as little as you like |
| Food & Drink | Wildflower-leaning summer fare served from the hilltop gathering area | Lavender lemonade, clover-honey, iced tea, locally sourced snacks |
| Indoor Space | A cool break from the heat | Emmanuel’s church interior is open to us all evening |
| Insect Control | Substantial control of biting insects. | A couple of, non-toxic, Thermacell devices will be placed. |
You do not need to bring anything elaborate. Showing up is enough.
Good fit if you…
- Like low-pressure ways to meet people
- Enjoy being outdoors without needing a structured activity
- Find gardens, plants, or pollinators interesting — even casually
- Appreciate a calm evening with simple food and good company
- Want an event you can drop into without pressure
Accessibility & inclusion
- Conversation-friendly and low-pressure
- Clear expectations and an easy-to-join format
- Multiple ways to participate without needing to perform
- Food and drinks on hand to help keep the event comfortable and accessible
- Hosted at Emmanuel Parish, with no religious undertones or overtones
- A cool indoor space available whenever the heat is too much
If you have accessibility needs or questions, feel free to reach out ahead of time and we’ll do what we can.
Location, timing & contribution
Time: Saturday, June 27 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Format: Outdoor hilltop garden gathering
Suggested contribution: Suggested contribution helps cover supplies and support future Flux events. If cost is a barrier, you’re still welcome.
Emmanuel Parish of the Episcopal Church, 16 Washington Street, Cumberland. The pollinator garden is at the top of the hill behind the church. Parking is available on Washington Street and in nearby public lots.
Finding your way
We’ll be gathered at the top of the hill behind Emmanuel Parish. Once you reach the church, follow the guidance to the back and you’ll find the main gathering area with food, drinks, seating, and other attendees.
The garden paths branch out from there, so you’re welcome to wander and explore, but the hilltop area will remain the center of the event throughout the evening.
If the weather turns, we’ll move into the church’s indoor space and keep going.
FREE : Optional Contribution
