In many parts of the world the green jade is a symbol of love and virtue. In ancient China, it was believed to promote wisdom and ensure a long life. That symbol is at the heart of the 18th annual Newport Flower Show.
I went to the Flower Show yesterday and was amazed by the Asian Dragon, made of plant materials by the Preservation Society of Newport County for the recent Boston Flower Show. Dragon are found in mythology and folklore throuhout Asian cultures. In China, dragon lore dates back several thousand years. Typically, the dragon symbolizes imperial power and cntrl over anturl forces, particularly bodies of water, rinfall hurricanes and floods. The Chinese dragon also portends good luck; the huge pearl held in its claw is associated with good fortune, wealth and success.
Hitomi Gilliam, an internationally renowned floral artist, returns to Newport for the 18th annual Flower Show. She will showcase work inspired by Ikebana and Zen appreciation of nature.
Sunday Lectures:
Designing Gardens with a Passion for Peonies
11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Kathleen Gagan, Peony's Envy, Bernrdsville, N.J.
Gagan is a trained linguist and international corporate communications expert turned lady famer. After a successful life overseas, where she became fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, Gagan returned home to New Jersey to a life as a dedicated mom and entrepreneur. After several farming ventures she settled on peonies because of their resilience, deer resistance and beauty.
Jade Garden Plants
1.30 p.m. - 2.30 p.m. Greg Paige, arboretum curator, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum and Chris Fletcher, arborist representative, F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts.
Favorite plants you should know about from Asia and ho to keep them healthy and happy.
Paige will lead a walking tour of Asia specimen trees on display in the urns and in the garden exhibits on the Rosecliff front lawn. Fletcher is one of the top experts on beech trees.
Asian Designs for the Home 1 - 2.30 p.m. Lynne Merrill and Robyn Spagnolo
This demonstration will show how containers are as important as their contents (plant material). Because of their inherent beauty, it is critical as to what plant material is chosen. Choices should be admired on their own as well as how they contribute to the total design. No matter what the syle of your home, an Asian design will not only be suitable but it wil be a loely addition to your decor.
Merrill is a Garden Club of America Approved Floral Design Judge, and a National Garden Club Master Judge in Horicuture and Design and current President of the Newport Garden Club.
Spagnolo is a Garden Club of America Design Judge, has won many GCA awards in design, photography and botanical arts, and presently is serving as chairwoman of photography for the Newport Flower Show.
Enjoy!
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