Events
A 
means flower magazine
will be attending or sponsoring the event
BRADENTON, FLORIDA–Blossoms II, The Art of Flowers: January 18-February 29, 2012The Art Center Manatee presents Blossoms II, a traveling exhibition about flowers in art. After the success of Blossoms I, the Susan Kathleen Black Foundation and David Wagner, LLC decided to host Blossoms II—an international competition designed to promote floral artwork. Artists have always looked to flowers for inspiration, and this exhibition highlights the best in new artistic talent. Thursday, January 19th is the opening reception. For more information visit www.artcentermanatee.org/exhibitions.html
These special guided tours focus on camellias as you walk throughout the original gardens as well as the “new” camellia gardens of the 1950′s. Admire hundreds of varieties, including the 1786 Reine des Fleurs, one of the first camellias planted in America. Tours begin at the Garden Market & Nursery and last approximately 1 1/2 hours. Named one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 events, this is one tour you shouldn’t miss. For reservations, call 843-556-6020. Every Tuesday, Tursday, & Saturday February 11-March 24 at 11 AM.
Escape the dropping temperatures and spend a weekend in Hawaii with master florist Ariella Chezar. In this two day workshop, learn how to select the right flowers for your floral design, the elements of a tropical arrangement, color theory, and creating the signature “Ariella” lush compote arrangement. From floral field trips to party planning, this workshop is perfect for anyone that would enjoy a weekend in paradise in the company of fellow flower lovers. For more information, contact ariellachezar@mindspring.com or visit her website.
Floral art will spring to life at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for the 2012 Ringling in Bloom event. Whether your passion is flowers, fashion, fine art, or all of these, Ringling in Bloom has something for everyone. The event kicks off with a Designer Preview party, where floral designers and museum docents will be available to discuss the beautiful arrangements and the museum’s unique collection. Master florist Remco van Vliet will inspire with a lecture and demonstration on Friday, and two floral workshops on Sunday. On Saturday, guests can admire the wearable floral art of Lily Pulitzer’s Spring collection, presented by Lily’s own print designers. For more information visit www.ringling.org/inbloom.aspx.
The largest orchid exhibition in the United States, the Pacific Orchid Exposition features over 150,000 orchids from around the world and offers educational exhibits from local, national and international orchid growers. Each day, docent tours and cultivation tips are given to visitors as they peruse the lush wonderland of orchids. Professional and amateur growers, as well as various orchid societies, will be displaying unique orchids and rare hybrids. This year’s theme is “A Salute to the Golden Gate Bridge,” in honor of the historic structure’s 75th anniversary. For prices and hours, visit: www.orchidsanfrancisco.org/
Celebrating its 31st year, the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show presents “Traditions of Nature,” a flower show encompassing almost three acres of space. Featuring 80 hours of lectures, over 300 booths with plants and retail opportunities, and a design competition based on the “Fabulous Fifties,” this year’s show is better than ever. There will be plenty of floral and garden-related arts and crafts for children to enjoy. For more information visit www.ctflowershow.com
Enjoy a week at the Greenbrier while attending the Dorothy Draper School of Decorating. A one week course designed and hosted by Carleton Varney will engage each participant in the art of creating personal interiors to enhance the life style of the family. The 2012 dates are: February 26 – March 2; March 25 – 30; April 29 – May 4; June 10 – 15. There is limited enrollment. For additional information review our website: www.dorothydraper.com or contact JKerr@dorothydraper.com
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA–Philadelphia International Flower Show: March 4-11, 2012A weeklong event benefiting the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and its urban greening program, Philadelphia Green, the 2012 flower show evokes the islands of Hawaii with its theme, “Hawaii Islands of Aloha.” With 150 free gardening presentations throughout the week, a busy marketplace full of gardening must-haves, and free wine tastings, this show has something for everyone. For more information visit www.theflowershow.com
The Javits Convention Center in the heart of NYC will host the 2012 World Floral Expo, a three-day trade show open to all flower breeders, growers, exporters, traders, and floral suppliers. Attendees with have the opportunity to connect with importers, wholesalers, supermarkets, retail chains, florists, and wedding and event planners. Over 100 companies from more than 30 countries will exhibit their newest and best-grown flower varieties. For more information, visit www.worldfloralexpo.com.
Canada’s largest horticultural and garden event is back. This year’s show will be held alongside the National Home Show, making Canada Blooms one of North America’s largest home and garden shows. A single ticket grants access to both shows. As always, Canada Blooms features beautiful gardens, flower competitions, demonstrations, seminars, and much more. Be sure to wake up early to attend one of the Early Morning Tours giving a behind-the-scenes look at the festival. For more information visit www.canadablooms.com
What can be better than fashion and flowers? Back for its fourth year, this fundraiser for the Garfield Park Conservatory is always entertaining. Some of Chicago’s best floral artists tailor runway fashions made only of flowers and plant materials. A live auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to tour the conservatory are also on the agenda. For more information visit www.fleurotica.org.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA—Art of Design, Gibbes Museum of Art Spring Luncheon and Lecture: March 30, 2012As winter dissolves and the world anticipates vibrant springtime, the Women’s Council of the Gibbes Museum of Art hosts Art of Design, a benefit luncheon featuring style maven Carolyne Roehm. Famous for her elegance and design expertise in florals, interiors, gardens, and products, Roehm will share her wisdom and experiences as the event’s featured presenter. In honor of Roehm, Tara Guérard Soirée will lend a pristine creative hand in designing the tented fête, which will be held in the historic Gibbes Museum’s courtyard. Tickets are $100 and must be purchased in advance at www.gibbesmuseum.org/events or by calling 843.722.2706, extension 22.
This year, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is hosting its 31st annual Fine Arts and Flowers. The event will take place at the museum Thursday, April 26th through Sunday, April 29th. Each day will lend attendees the chance to practice their flower-arranging skills, listen to garden lectures, attend book signings, and tour floral-inspired exhibitions. The event will include a workshop with floral designer Tony Palmieri, AIFD, of Datura: A Modern Garden. Martha Stewart Living Editorial Director of Gardening, Stephen Orr, will give a lecture on sustainable gardening, and Sanford-Brown College fashion students and alumni will showcase spring couture fashions designed specifically for this event. www.thewadsworth.org
The New York Botanical Garden hosts the country’s largest, annual garden antiques exhibition. For anyone with an appreciation for the craftsmanship of the past, this show must not be missed. From birdbaths to sundials, the show features some of the finest garden wares from 30 of the top dealers in the United States. In addition, antiques experts and exhibitors give informative tours and lectures. Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, and $10 for children. The event is free for members of the NYBG and begins Friday, April 27th, at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.nybg.org/agf.php
Praised for its selection of out-of-the-ordinary, newly-produced, and difficult-to-grow plant varieties, the Delaware Center for Horticulture’s 32nd annual Rare Plant Auction should be nothing short of fascinating. Attendees may bid on these unique specimens at both silent and live auctions, where their money will be well spent. The event raises at least $100,000 each year for the DCH’s Community Greening Program, which works to beautify Delaware and enrich the lives of those in urban areas through the introduction of plant life. The gala will be held at the Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 28th. For more information, visit www.thedch.org/activities-events/
Journey to the Connecticut countryside for the 12th annual Trade Secrets garden event, a benefit for Women’s Support Services. Deep in the Litchfield Hills on Lion Rock farm, this antique and rare plant sale begins Saturday, May 19th, and boasts nearly 60 vendors and garden antiques dealers. Visitors will have the opportunity for garden tours May 20th, including that of Trade Secrets’ founder Bunny Williams. This year will feature a special presentation by Marina Marchese, owner of Red Bee Honey, who promotes sustained living through her edible garden. Tickets go on sale April 1st. For more information, visit http://www.tradesecretsct.com.
