Each of the immortals in Greek mythology had a specific charge in the workings of the universe. There was a god of the sun, a goddess of love, and goddesses of the harvest and wisdom. Add to those the mother of the winds, the father of the sky and a lord of the seas.

A second string of immortals, the Muses, also had their niches. They were in charge of entertaining and inspiring the higher immortals with songs, dance and poetry at parties on Mount Olympus.

On the evening of Saturday, June 21, we can all be Muses of sorts. The summer solstice (June 21) -- the longest day of the year -- is a heavenly time for garden lovers, and even those ambivalent about gardening to come together in one grand gesture.

I'm talking part-tay till the Muses drop, my friends!

The JC Raulston Arboretum came up with the idea for gardeners and non-gardening types to mingle and to help raise money for the arboretum and for the implementation of the Grass Roots Master Plan that so many people contributed ideas and comments for last summer.

"For one night, we hope to have more than 50 parties across the state," said Dr. Dennis Werner, director at the JCRA. Uh, no disrespect to Werner, but we're betting a basket of blooms that there's enough partying people among us to double that number.

It's your party; you can plan it any way you want to. Perhaps you'll want to serve cocktails and tapas, and have guests dress to the nines. Or you might want to throw a backyard kegger with hot dogs and games. How about a pig pickin', a pizza party or a potluck? You can even take a hike in the mountains and have a cookout under the stars. Whether you opt for a formal catered sit-down for a hundred of your best friends or a clambake at the beach, get your party on for the cause!

Hosts' expenses and donations from revelers are entirely tax deductible. Just arrange to get a party kit from the JCRA, which will have volunteers ready to assist in party planning and the printing of invitations.

My party plans for the evening? Look for me at a progressive party thrown by garden designer Suzanne Edney, gallery owner Judie Howard and garden guru Nelsa Cox that will include stops at garden and art spots.

Who knows? If you send an invitation, I might drop in on your party! Forward your invitations to me at homeandgarden@newsobserver.com, moonstepper@juno.com, or 215 S. McDowell St., Raleigh, N.C. 27601. Specify "Summer Solstice Party Invite" on your correspondence.

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