The Garden Party - One-Time Box Purchase

In May 2026, subscribers encountered the Garden Party. The stories say that illuminated invitations arrived at doorsteps across Birdmoss. Some of those invited were the overlooked daughters of large families. Others lived alone. A few were silly things, easily distracted by ribbons and rings. And one or two were wetnurses. They were beckoned to the Blue Knowe, a windswept, heathered hill. Atop the hill is a walled garden which is only unlocked on rare occasions like this. And somewhere on the hill – or perhaps in the hill – is the entrance to Peregrin, the holdings of the Strange Ones. Within the garden walls, unpruned Trees are frosted with white blossoms. Flowers have spread beyond their beds so that even the lawns are studded with jewel-like colors which peep through the overgrown grass. Moss and ivy obscure the stone walls. Vines grow up the stone until they are as tall as a person, then pull themselves away to stroll the grounds. Some kind of Strange magic is at work here. Grandmothers warn against entering the place, lest you become spellbound. But who can resist the food and drink and mesmerizing dances? The Garden Party Box includes an abundance of beautiful objects; hints and additions to expand the story; a mysterious document; and a lore card. Some items are available for individual purchase. Mysterious Document An instructional document is augmented with marginalia which will help you interpret clues. It is available only in the Garden Party. Lore Card The Garden Party is introduced in a full-color collectible 4x6 inch lore card. The artwork for this month's lore card was created by Joanna Rzepecka, a Warsaw, Poland-based illustrator. She says, "My work is inspired by biodiversity, mainly animals. Through my work, I'm trying to capture moments where nature is untouched by humans. Peaceful scenery, colors, and rough textures are some things that I enjoy the most." Plucked Memories Passing through the garden’s gates, you are almost overwhelmed by a riot of flowers and leaves. Tables and chairs have been assembled amid the foliage. At each place setting is a party favor: a small wooden flower press. Use it to collect memories of this day. The flowers you preserve will remain forever pretty, if brittle. Earth-Turning Spade Although the garden seemed empty when you arrived, you are now surrounded by Strangers. They are intent upon reworking the unkempt beds. They press you into service, handing you a gleaming spade. But as you attempt to turn and loosen the dirt, your shovel grows smaller. Or are you growing bigger? Now you are left scooping up the earth with a spoon, as if it was sugar. Trickster Berries Waiters carry in small red fruit on silver plates and insist that you must try it. You slowly chew a berry half, rolling it in your mouth so the dissolving fruit coats your tongue. It transforms sour tastes into dazzling sweetness, flavors that are magical but misleading. When you close one eye, you see that the rich sweet wine being served is but vinegar. Tea of Transformation An eerie, resonant tune begins to play. What instruments would make such an unsettling sound? You seek out the musicians and discover they’re hunched over trays of clear goblets, running their fingers over the top edges to make the glasses hum. The liquid inside them is a sparkling teal-blue, but when the music reached its final crescendo, the players squeeze lemon over the trays, sparking a transformation. The liquid turns purple and pink and the audience cheers. The musicians toss the spent lemon halves to the clamoring crowd. The recipients devour their prizes as if they are the ripest of apples. Rainbow of Flames As the Twilight approaches, the sky grows dusky. You think that some of the dancers have hair like colored flames. After you blink, you understand that they are waltzing with candle-lit cakes. The candles burn in a rainbow of hues. You murmur to the person next to you, “Whose day is it?” and are told “It could be yours, if you stay.” The Question A young partygoer has rounded up Caterpillars in a pen made of twigs. Scattering plucked blossoms among them, she says: “They’ll learn to eat these colors. Or they’ll die.” She looks at you, then points to a caterpillar. “Look. Here you are, right here.” She smiles at you, baring her pointed teeth. You suspect that it is unwise to linger at this party. Where is the exit? The sky is darkening and your vision seems blurry. But then you hear a sound like a whisper. It is a Moth, drawing your attention to an envelope which was tucked under your plate. Inside the envelope is a question; and the answer to that question will lead you safely through. Photo props are not included.