Mill Pond Garden will open for the moon’s eclipse of the sun from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Monday, April 8, at 31401 Melloy Court, Lewes.

Admission is $18, cash only, to admit a vehicle with up to six visitors. No tickets will be sold online for the eclipse event. Visitors may come as early as 2 p.m. to enjoy the beauties of the garden as early spring transitions into mid-spring color and flowers, including wisteria, dogwood, azaleas, early rhododendrons, camellias, hellebores, and the last of the early spring tulips and daffodils.

Locally, the peak of the eclipse should be about 3 p.m., when the moon will cover 85% of the sun, dimming the skies as much as late dusk would. The day is predicted to be mostly sunny, meaning the change will be visible. Garden birds should go somewhat hushed. Views will include seeing the quick falling of dusk in midafternoon over water, in the sky, and under trees, a variety of experiences over the short time of the eclipse maximum.

“Partial eclipse is quite enchanting in this garden, noted in the last similar lunar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, also partial here in the Cape Region, which had a similar degree of eclipse as the one to occur April 8, and can be seen in the attached photos,” said Michael Zajic, Mill Pond Garden president. 

To avoid permanent blinding damage to the retina during the eclipse, it is important not to look directly at the sun unless wearing special eclipse glasses approved by the American Astronomical Society or NASA. Experts warn that many eclipse glasses marketed now may be fakes. To find AAS-certified solar viewers, go to eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety.

Mill Pond Garden has purchased three new pairs of AAS glasses in perfect condition to allow 20-second sharing among visitors. Condition of glasses must be perfect to be safe. Visitor assumes all risks. The glasses allow looking directly at the sun to see not just the eclipse itself, but the small 15% edge of the sun that still shows where one can see details of the sun’s flares and eruptions taking place.

Visitors are welcome to bring their cameras.

For more information, go to millpondgarden.com.