Buzz :: flower celebrates One-Year Anniversary

On April 3rd, over 150 guests—writers, photographers, board members, advertisers and family—gathered at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to congratulate Margot Shaw, editor and founder of flower on a successful one-year launch. The event was designed to recognize and thank supporters. Headquartered in Birmingham, flower Magazine is the only floral lifestyle magazine in the United States designed to inspire and enrich the lives of fresh flower enthusiasts through the knowledge and beauty of flowers. The magazine covers eye-catching floral decors from regional, national, and international events and weddings to the latest trends in design and style as well as pieces on flower history. Launched in the Spring of 2007, flower is now distributed worldwide inc 18 countries including England, Spain, Germany, and South Africa and has subscribers in 49 states.

The theme for the evening was “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” inspired by the Anniversary issue that is “all about roses” and features Cornelia Guest and her rose garden on the cover. As guests entered the party, they were showered with fresh rose petals and greeted by rose-filled topiaries and rose-inspired tablescapes. A variety of rose-inspired couture, garden dresses, and floral-themed brooches augmented the rose décor. The rose-themed menu by culinary artist and event specialist Kathy G featured a delectable array of hors d’oeuvres from polenta cubes with fresh grilled basil and crab cakes to rose cupcakes and mini chocolate pots de crème. Drink selections also included a special rose petal martini. Eric Stelle and Leah Hazzard covered every inch of the event with fresh roses including Antique Pink garden roses donated by Mayesh Wholesale Flowers, Inc. of California.

Guests were also treated to a special surprise when national celebrity garden designer and author Ryan Gainey arrived to officially toast Margot and the magazine on their success. Arriving in his signature garden hat and silk scarf, Gainey announced that he has joined the flower team as a columnist with his first article in the Winter 2007 issue.

Other guests included Paula Crockard, Sybil Sylvester, David and Mary Evelyn McKee, Virginia Scruggs, Melanie Parker, Peggy and Conrad Rafield, Katie and Jim Lasker, David Hezlep, Frances and Preston Foy, Gail Andrews, Elizabeth Drennen, Jason and Heather Wallis, Ashley and Bryan Johnson, and Melanie and Mike McCraney.

Nikki Quick of A’mano concocted a batch of homemade rosewater and packaged it in clear glass apothecary bottles then printed individual rose quotes on tags tied around each bottle with celery green ribbon. Anniversary issues were distributed throughout the evening.

April 2008 | Photos by Alan Barton