Resort Report: In City-By-The-Sea, everything's coming up roses ... and hydrangeas, too!
NEWPORT, Rhode Island — You know that one old guy in every neighborhood who yells "Stay away from my lawn!" to hapless passers-by?
Well, if that guy lived in Marble House during the Newport Flower Show, he probably would have been carted out on a stretcher, felled by a fit of apoplexy.
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The 27th annual Newport Flower Show weekend that took place June 23-25 drew thousands of visitors to the grounds of Marble House, a Gilded Age-jewel inspired by the Petit Trianon of Versailles.
Pat Fernandez once again served as chairwoman of the weekend, which was themed The Grand Tour and kicked off with the traditional Opening Night Reception.
The sold-out evening on the oceanfront lawn benefited the Preservation Society of Newport County and included cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, cuisine from a variety of food stations, live music and a vendors marketplace.
The evening's highlight was a salute to Robert Bartlett Jr., the chairman and CEO of Bartlett Tree Experts, longtime sponsor of the flower show and generous supporter of the Preservation Society, as well as his wife, Kate, and the rest of the Bartlett family.
Rhode Island Gov. Daniel J. McKee and first lady Susan McKee made the rounds throughout the evening — because we all know that the big campaign donors can be found near the hydrangea table.
The theme for the weekend was a nod to the Gilded Age tradition of an extended journey abroad for immersion in the art and culture of Europe.
The flower show divisions included Creative Mixed Planters, interpreting such iconic destinations as Versailles, the Alps and Venice; as well as a Botanical Arts division that showcased intricate objects and jewelry created from dried plant materials.
The latter class was won by Palm Beach resident and Garden Club member Christina Kramer for her Chinese dagger.
Put an envious scowl on a few local faces, that did.
Proceeds from the evening assist the Preservation Society of Newport County in its mission to preserve and interpret the area's historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties include seven National Historic Landmarks.
The 2024 Newport Flower Show is scheduled for June 21-23 at Rosecliff.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Resort Report: In Newport, everything's coming up roses and hydrangeas
