The Art of Botanical Seduction

The Art of Botanical Seduction

The Virginia Robinson Gardens is honored to have some of the finest florists, nurseries, and garden clubs displaying their exquisite floral and plant creations at this year’s garden tour. To get you excited about what to expect, we have asked each to share what makes them unique.

The Bel Air Garden Club is filled with wonderful women who love their gardens.  We share tips on techniques for better roses, when to plant our bulbs and how to feed organically.  Trips are planned to visit some of the most beautiful gardens all over the world, with the last sojourn to Seattle and Victoria.

Carole Gaba, President of the Bel Air Garden Club states, “Flower arranging is a hobby for me, and I don’t pretend to be an expert, but I love flowers.  My approach is to use lots of flowers that are brightly colored and smell good. Peonies, Japanese Sweet Peas, and Casablanca Lillies are some of my favorites and of course roses.  We are pleased to be doing an arrangement for the Robinson Gardens event.”

At Beverly Hills Garden Club, member Jamie Wolf shares, “The club has many talented flower arrangers…the pastime constitutes a great pleasure for a considerable number of us.” Jamie continues, “In my own designs I tend to pay particular attention to the relationship between the flowers and their container. In my designs for the Garden Tour, I try to take maximum advantage of the wonderful legacy contained in Mrs. Robinson’s pantry. At home, I like to utilize what’s seasonably available in the garden… tulips, roses and dahlias are the foundational elements as they come into and out of bloom… and I tend towards billowiness and abundance.”

Brad of Brad Austin Imaginative Florals states, “Our team has been designing and creating our vision of ‘De Colores’ for the concierge area to amuse and delight the senses. Brad says his inspiration is based on this colorful Mexican embroidered table runner.

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Brad’s inspiration for decorating Concierge area.

“In addition to creating gorgeous classic white weddings,” Brad continues “we have a passion for using colorful flowers and unconventional materials to compose beautiful and exciting ephemeral art.

We look forward to sharing this special colorful day with you.  ¡Eso!

Eric Solberg Gardens’ botanical enhancements dress all styles of architecture large and small—from flower arrangements to mature trees—to design and installation.

Eric Solberg’s entrance creation for the 2015 garden tour.

Flower Box specializes in transforming living and work environments. Brenda Berkley, owner of Flower Box, focuses on the healing and restorative aspects of plants and flowers to revitalize and enhance any space.

Flowermaid is a boutique flower design studio that works by appointment only, doing weddings, events, and set decorating for films and tv productions. Inez of Flowermaid likes to incorporate her European background and her sense of style from Europe into all of the arrangements she does for her clients.

Joan Selwyn of the Garden Club of Santa Barbara states, “Driving from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, you are surrounded by fields of strawberries, orchid nurseries, and avocado groves on your right and the rolling waves of the Pacific ocean on your left.”
Joan continues, “These beautiful surroundings set the tone for the dedicated women of the Garden Club of Santa Barbara who devote themselves to the protection of the quality of our environment, as well as the stimulation and knowledge of gardening.”

Greenwood Gardens finds, breeds, and grows regionally superior perennials for California landscape professionals and avid gardeners.

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Greenwood Gardens display at the 2015 Garden Tour

Luna Gardens’ priority is to provide its clients an exceptional floral experience whether it is for a dream wedding or intimate dinner party.

Menuah Flowers is now Le Jardin Privé.  New name, same magnificent floral displays! Le Jardin Privé is a small, custom floral boutique specializing in unique, one of a kind floral designs highlighting creativity and artistic expression. When receiving an arrangement from Le Jardin Privé, recipients say it was an experience of such beauty that will long linger in their hearts.

Merrihew’s Sunset Gardens provides a unique selection and atmosphere for more than 70 years.

Aria of Muguet Florist, which is located in the heart of Beverly Hills, is not only an expert in floral arrangements who has received awards in designers’ competitions, but he also supplies his clients with common and rare fruit trees, ornamental plants, palm trees, and shade trees.

Abel Castro of Natural Objects is not only passionate about flowers, but he also brings into play his keen eye for art and design to create authentic and truly original compositions with sharp attention to detail.

Sweet Pea’s Custom Floral owner Corey shares, “We specialize in custom design for a discerning clientele. Preferring quality over quantity, our designs are sophisticated, using beautiful hand selected blooms.”

Corey preparing his arrangement for the 2015 Garden Tour
Corey preparing his arrangement for the 2015 Garden Tour

Alisa Vidor of Swinging Chandelier Events says, “Our organic approach to floral design reflects a desire to bring forth the story of romance and fantasy hidden inside each creation.  Gathering together natural materials that speak for themselves, we delight in encouraging the beautiful elements to magically and gently fall into place.”

“Yamaguchi Nursery is a second generation family-owned business specializing in bonsai, but we stand out for so much more,” states Marianne.  “We seek out the best quality plant material for every garden style—from classic to contemporary—as well as an extensive selection of new and unusual plant introductions.  You’ll find drought tolerant plants from Mediterranean regions around the world, fabulous succulents, pottery, statuary and so much more. And our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help guide your selection of the perfect items for your garden.”

Join us to experience “The Art of Botanical Seduction.” We are sure you will enjoy this event! You can purchase tickets online at: TICKETS!

If you are wondering where you might find these creative designers at this year’s De Colores Garden Tour, below is a breakdown of their locations at the Virginia Robinson Estate.

Bel Air Garden Club – Back Hall facing the Great Lawn

Beverly Hills Garden Club – Kitchen

Brad Austin Imaginative Florals – Concierge Outdoor Lounge and Dining

Eric Solberg Gardens – Front pathway

Flower Box – Guest Bedroom and Bath

Flowermaid –Pool Pavilion Urns

Garden Club of Santa Barbara – Ivo’s Office

Greenwood Gardens – Lily Pond

Le Jardin Privé (formerly Menuah Flowers) – Living Room

Luna Gardens – Loggia

Merrihew’s Sunset Gardens – Kitchen Patio

Muguet Florist – Foyer/Entry

Natural Objects – Morning Room

Sweet Pea’s Custom Floral – Dining Room

Swinging Chandelier Events – Master Bedroom and Bath

Yamaguchi Nursery – Front Entrance Doorway

 

Post by Diane Jenkins
Co-Chair, 2016 Garden Tour

Friends of Robinson Gardens member

  1. Tim Lindsay
    | Reply

    Can’t wait for this long anticipated event! It will be a day forever remembered!

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