What’s more fabulous than a seaside flower show in a Newport “summer cottage” (where The Great Gatsby and many other movies were filmed)? The Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff, Parterre’s next door neighbor, is the setting for this prestigious show’s 24th anniversary…themed Audubon Artistic Adventures.
Of course, there are flowers galore (both inside and out) and gardens to inspire…but the shopping steals the show. Almost one hundred boutiques are to be enjoyed on both the oceanside as well as the front lawn. To be sure that you enjoy every minute of your visit, I’m sharing my Insider’s Notes as well as Show Details…
Bountiful Blooms…as soon as you get to the show (hopefully at 10:30am on Friday) go straight to the horticulture tent on the back lawn. This wealth of the best from savvy gardeners (containers and cut specimens, ie. lots of roses) doesn’t stay fresh long, so catch them first. Then head back into Rosecliff for the floral arrangements.
Shop til’ you drop…pick up the Newport Daily News handouts with vendor listings and map with their locations. Review and make a plan! Take it from me…you’ll need more time than you probably have.
What to wear?…dress in layers; the weather changes on a dime, foggy in the morning, hot at noon. Bring a Newport staple (ie. a Pashmina); temperatures drop 20 degrees at night. Leave your stilettos at home (you’re on lawn all day which may also be damp from night dew). And this is Newport, so enjoy the opportunity to wear bright floral shades and forego the LBD (little black dress). Hats of any style are a favorite accessory (reminder: there is a fabulous hat resource among the vendors).
Only have limited time?… plan to go to the Friday Opening Night cocktail/buffet from 6pm to 9pm. You can look, shop, sip and nibble while enjoying the well-turned out party-goers.
Looking for a fun night out?…a new and inspired addition to the Show’s potpourri of offerings is Movie Night on the front lawn (preceded by a picnic supper). It’s a happening affair as well as a romantic take on the “Rosecliff experience.”
Show Highlights
Friday, June 21st
Luncheon Lecture with India Hicks, Luncheon: 11:30 to 12:30pm; Lecture: 12:30 to 1:30pm
Afternoon Tea, 3 to 4pm
Opening Night Cocktail Party, 6 to 9pm
Saturday, June 22nd
Luncheon Lecture with Laura LeBoutillier, Luncheon 12 to 1pm; Lecture: 1 to 2pm
Box Supper & Audubon Exhibition Private Viewing, 6:30 to 8pm
*Dinner & A Movie, 7:45pm
Sunday, June 23rd
Champagne Jazz Brunch, 11am
See you at the Newport Flower Show…
Where can one purchase the caftan featured in your article? Thank you.
Bettie,
What a fabulous commentary of the most wonderful shopping on the green I can ever remember. Flowers and gardens on one side, the water on the other, dotted with the BP’s everywhere (Beautiful People) and a BP next door!
Love you, Tall R, and your charming wit that is a lovely antidote to this foggy, rainy day. xB
I love that full length embroidered caftan, would you share who made it?
Thank you, it came from a great resource, Calypso. Caftans are a specialty! B.
I’m sharing your festive blog with a lovely friend in from Dallas. We’ll make a plan and enjoy every minute we can at the Flower Show. Thank you for your fun and insightful info!
Hope to catch a glimpse if one of my BP’s!
Thank you and so happy to know we have another Texan in the mix. Hope to catch a glimpse of you on Saturday, but if not for sure next week! xB
Bettie-
Do you have any insights as to who the floral competition judges are, or is it custom that their identities are not revealed? I was informed by a volunteer that judges come in from across the country. I’m curious how many and whom these entities are, as well as their areas of expertise. Do tell if you know!
Hello Lauren, you’re correct…the judges identities are not revealed and they are hail from all parts of the country.
Their areas of expertise are in the two main fields: floral design and horticulture which have many classes and divisions.
Hope this helps! B.
Judges are from National Garden Club or the Garden Club of America. Recently I attended a 3 day class led by one of the Newport judges thru Garden Clubs of Illinois. This judge was so enthusiastic about the upcoming show it made me want to travel to RI.
Bettie.show !
…That is one of the best photos ever of the Parterre Bench. That bespoke lady is looking mighty fine for someone’s garden….great “Cliff” notes on the Newport Flower Show..a big help for taking in the all of the show !
Why, what a lovely comment….thank you! A “bespoke lady” is another compliment to add to her diary. xB