OPENER PAGE : The Newport Flower Show , shown at its usual home at Rosecliff , will be held this year at Marble House . THIS SPREAD , CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE LEFT : The exterior and back lawn area of Rosecliff during a past show ; this year ’ s exhibits will be scattered throughout Marble House , on the lawn and in the Chinese Tea House ; Alva Vanderbilt , standing , and her daughter , Consuelo , seated , during a trip to Egypt .
and the Middle East while collecting artifacts and precious objects , and even circumnavigating the globe on the family ’ s yacht , the Alva .
“ It ’ s the perfect spot to hold a ‘ Grand Tour ’ -themed show ,” Donahue says .
The festivities begin Friday , June 23 , when the show opens at 9 a . m . ( 8 a . m . for VIP ticket holders ) and continues with a gala reception from 6-8 p . m . that traditionally kicks off Newport ’ s summer season . Visitors to the party will enjoy gourmet nibbles , live music and costumed performers while taking in the many exhibits and vendors .
The floral categories include horticulture ( think mixed planters , potted plants and cut specimens ), botanical arts ( dried or pressed flower materials ) and floral design ( fresh plants and materials ). Many classes are open to all levels of gardeners , from novice to pro .
“ I love that the blue ribbon one year might go to someone who has a glorious estate and another year to a seventy-fiveyear-old lady who ’ s gardening out of her garage ,” Fernandez says . “ Gardening is a meritocracy — it ’ s definitely an equalizer .”
New this year is an Allium schubertii growing challenge ; the showy purple blooms of the ornamental onion can grow to fifteen inches across and are quite the conversation piece . Visitors will also find succulents , roses , orchids , “ parent and child ” plants , begonias , ferns and topiaries .
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JUNE 2023 115