It was a celebratory weekend – the twentieth anniversary of the Newport Flower Show – worthy of sharing some of my favorite moments with you, each adding a note of visual delights! What an incomparable setting…Rosecliff, overlooking the sparkling blue ocean and whose grounds are dotted with Newport’s signature grand beech trees.
The “Mossflowers” (Margot Shaw’s affectionate term for those on the Charlotte Moss/Flower magazine London trip) out the door and headed over to Rosecliff on Friday.
First stop, with bated breath, checking out the awards in the cut specimen’s division – two firsts and a second for my ITOH peonies and a first for my Durandii clematis.
Also, cousin Sarah Boynton’s “Best in Show” and Blue Ribbon for an “emerald and diamond” necklace made entirely of dried plant material. Unbelievable!
Hats are a favorite accessory on Friday (one of the most popular boutiques is Lilo, a Newport go-to for fashionable chapeaus.)
And even at the Friday night opening cocktail buffet, hats make a showing.
The front lawn also sported some well-turned out creations (including an elegant green and white garden by talented Karen Barbera of Inspired Design) as well as gamboling children.
As the sun set Friday evening, the fashion parade continued…
A happy couple, she in a vintage dress
Looking for all the world like a marble statue, a female mime.
The Newport Flower Show scarf for 2015, worn as a shrug.
Lisa Oliver in a chic, multi-floral dress with matching coat.
Eliza and Katy Duckworth-Schacter.
With my Visiting Gardens co-chair and another travelling friend, Elizabeth Leatherman, in color-reversed versions of the almost same dress.
The Flower Show finished with the Sunday afternoon Award Ceremony, where I presented the Bettie Bearden Pardee award to Candace Morgenstern, whose striking design was created from plant material exclusively from her garden.
My wife bought a beautiful dress from V Curated out of New York City. I left a bit lighter in the wallet but it was a great time and your hard work shows.
We will definitely make this an annual event!
Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed our Show. Do please plan to come back next year! B.
This was beautiful, Bettie! How How HOW did that artist create the Diamond & Emerald Necklace from plant material??? …It is unbelievably amazing! Thanks so much for sharing…you look marvelous!
Dear Bettie,
I almost felt that I had been there with you and the always special event. I can’t wait to see you this week, tomorrow at Ruthie’s. Everyone is so excited about your visit!
Much love,
Cecile
I’m on my way. See you tonight! xo
That necklace is truly a work of art…and wearable, too! It takes a lot of creativity, patience and a sure hand.
wonderful weekend all around… friday night at the flowers show was wonderful and my sunday brunch was tres chic and wonderful ladies.
Merci Bettie,
Thanks, Lisa, and you were tres chic, too. See my Bellinis and Blossons blog this Thursday!
Love all the beautiful pics Thank you for sharing Best MJ
Nice to hear from you, Mary, and so happy to know you’re following our goings on down here in Newport. B.
What a great recap of the Flower Show Gala! Congratulations on all of your wins and many thanks for the tour of your home and garden. I was with the GCA visiting gardens group and am still overwhelmed with all of the beautiful gardens and people that I met while in Newport.
We all love sharing Newport. So glad you could be with us!!