What a wonderful tradition Jeanne Anderson started with our annual Rose Sale. The sun was shining on April 19, 2022, and everyone was taken by the fragrance and beauty of the roses so carefully selected by Superintendent Tim Lindsay and Jeanne Anderson at the Virginia Robinson Gardens.
The tables in the Pool Pavilion were filled to the brim with a variety of wonderful treasures to buy. Exotic plants, jewelry, ceramic plates, and vases were on display and tempted all who came to the event. Among the most popular items for sale in the Pavilion was SHOO for Good, a clever, yet beautiful, practical shawl that protects you from mosquitoes while keeping you warm and cozy. The shawls are made by artisans in Ethiopia using locally sourced cotton. Also popular were sets of cards of lovely watercolors by Martin Bruinsma. They depicted scenes of different vistas of the gardens at the Robinson estate.
Roses of many different varieties and colors were on the Tennis Court. Tim Lindsay and Josh Johnston were available to describe the different roses and how best to grow them. Otto & Sons Nursery featured Cathedral Bells Roses in beautiful lilac pink, a coral knockout color, and rich orange and apricot hues. David Austin’s magnificent roses as well as climbing roses from Jamie Wolf’s impressive collection were among the offerings. Irises and scented geraniums from Yamaguchi Nursery were another popular item on the upper deck of the Display Rose Garden.
Guests gathered around the buffet table which was filled with a tempting variety of sweets. Rose Hibiscus tea and cookies made by Robert Shaw were among everyone’s favorite treats, along with Elaine Stein’s scrumptious brownies and Kerstin Royce’s delicious lemon loaf.
Among the vendors were Jelena Trifunovic, owner of Viola Floral which is a luxury floral design studio in Los Angeles. Jelena is also a Friend and decorated the Yellow Salon exquisitely in the Members-Only Garden Tour in 2021. She creates custom florals and experiences that bring events to life and invites clients to live in full bloom.
Rose Lane Farms is a creation of Lynne Vinkovic. Lynne is fascinated with original wild roses, their fragrance and vibrant color and character. Her roses are grown by hand and are completely sustainable and carbon footprint-free.
Roses are a masterpiece of nature. Their presence makes all occasions special. This Rose Sale was no exception. We are all already looking forward to next year’s event.
Post by Joan Selwyn
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member and the Founder of the Friends
Photos by Kerstin Royce, Martin Bruinsma, Emina Darakjy, and Linda Meadows
Kerstin Royce
Roses and friendships, that was the wonderful, uplifting message of the day! Thanks Jeanne👍