The botanical arts categories will be on display at the Chinese Tea House , with categories drawing on the Grand Tour tradition : shoes ( a must for visiting Europe ’ s great cities ), trinket boxes , necklaces , letter openers ( for opening all those flowery , FOMO-inducing letters sent back home ) and paperweights festooned with dried plant materials .
Expect drama and show-stopping creations in the floral design category . Angular features will dominate the “ Wonders of the World ” exhibit , based on Alva ’ s visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza with her family and friends , while exhibitors will create fanciful floral collars in the “ Drama ” category , inspired by a striking cloak Bertha Russell ( aka Alva Vanderbilt ) wears to the opera in an episode of “ The Gilded Age .”
Vendors , exhibitors and shopping will round out the Marble House ’ s back lawn during the event . Talks and lectures will return next year , says Fernandez , when the show moves back to its roomier Rosecliff environs .
The Newport Flower Show takes place June 23 – 25 at Marble House , 596 Bellevue Ave ., Newport . Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $ 25 –$ 50 ; $ 225 for Friday ’ s opening night reception . A separate $ 64 ticket gains entry to a floral arranging demonstration with Sandra Sigman and a copy of her book , French Blooms . Visit newportmansions . org for more information . 🆁
116 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JUNE 2023