East meets West - 18th annual Newport Flower Show - Villa 120 Bed&Breakfast Newport RI

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!

Newport Flower Show, Rosecliff, June 21 - 23 2013, Newport, Middletown Rhode Island, Best Bed & Breakfast, Elegant Wedding Venue, VILLA ONE TWENTY

Come celebrate the 18^th annual Newport Flower Show, this weekend June 21st, 22nd and 23rd on the beautiful historic grounds of Roscliff Mansion!

 This year’s theme Jade-Eastern Obsessions, will focus on Far Eastern traditions and trends in horticulture.

Keynote speakers include floral designer Hitomi Gilliam, who will share her masterful skills of the latest techniques and designs, and notable American landscape architect Harriet Henderson, who will share her expertise and experiences throughout the Far East and explain how Western gardens have been influenced. 

Horticulture enthusiasts and gardeners of all skill levels are encouraged to participate  in discussions, lectures, demonstrations, shopping, and the many displays and designs of Eastern Obsessions. Contests, classes, parties and numerous childrens events are scheduled every day.  For a complete schedule of times and events, as well as more information please visit:

http://www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-flower-show

Tickets for the general show are $18 in advance for adults and $6 for youth 13-17 (under 13 receives free admission). Adult admission is $23-$25 on the day of the event, and $6 for youth 13-17.  Special packages and group pricings are available.

Free parking and shuttle bus service will be provided to the Newport Flower Show from the Newport Grand parking lot on Admiral Kalbfus Boulevard. 

Regardless of your gardening expertise (or lack thereof) there is plenty to be learned and admired at the Newport Flower Show!  The elegance and beauty of Far-Eastern horticultural aesthetics are something not to be missed!

Newport Flower Show, Rosecliff, Wedding Reception Venue, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodging, Newport / Middletown Rhode Island, Villa 120

Villa 120  - celebration venue - Rosecliff flower show also a grand Wedding Reception venue

                                                       Backdrop!!

                                                   Carnival!

Tutti Fruitti

Another beautiful day in Newport and we were off to see the Rosecliff garden show - this years theme was Salsa and the photos show the creativity - it really was fabulous and to be displayed at Rosecliff with its magnificant backdrop was spectacular.

It was a great pleasure to meet Anne Mimi Sammis who was recently commission by the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Queens Jubilee!


Ms Sammis' sculptures reveal a celebration of life.  The influence of Rodin and Degas can be seen in the solidity and delicacy of her  work, yet her sense of balance and movement is unique.  Actually breathtaking!