Florists Enchant at the “Oh! Naturale” 2019 Virginia Robinson Gardens Showcase Estate & Garden Tour!
The Friends of Robinson Gardens is so grateful to the extremely talented floral designers who will enchant your senses by transforming the rooms of Virginia Robinson’s home into settings of dazzling beauty for the 31th annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate on May 18, 2019. Don’t miss this breathtaking event where the florists will interpret the theme: “Oh! Naturale.” Each florist is listed alphabetically along with the room/area they are decorating so that you will know where to find them when you visit the Showcase Estate at Robinson Gardens on Garden Tour day. Arts District Florals is a botanical design studio specializing in exquisite floral creations & stunning botanical experiences. Marrying the principles of color theory & floral symbolism, each design is specially crafted to complement the client’s aesthetic sensibility and personal style. Each creation is meticulously curated by founder & designer Sophie Sikora, who hand-selects each blossom and personally works with clients. The personal care provided…
6th Annual Children’s Science Fair
The 6thAnnual Children’s Science Fair took place on Friday, March 15, 2019. Fifty children and their counselors from three different foster homes arrived eager to share in the day at Virginia Robinson Gardens. In keeping with the Children’s Program and its goal to educate kids about the benefits of the garden, the theme this year was “Go Green — Fun Facts about Healthy Eating.” Docents and Volunteers, dressed in green for St. Patrick’s Day, eagerly welcomed the children as they broke up into groups to begin their tour. Starting with the Mediterranean Garden, the children wandered through the Italian Terrace, and were asked to listen to the sounds of the garden. They marveled at the sound of the “musical staircase” and watched butterflies linger in mid-air. The docent pointed out plants that are included in the Mediterranean plant palette — particularly the bougainvillea, rosemary and lavender. As the children neared…
Designers Shine at the “Oh! Naturale” 2019 Virginia Robinson Gardens Showcase Estate & Garden Tour!
Designers Shine at the “Oh! Naturale” 2019 Virginia Robinson Gardens Showcase Estate & Garden Tour! The Friends of Robinson Gardens is so grateful to the creative talents who will transform the rooms of Virginia Robinson’s home into settings of enchanting beauty for the annual Garden Tour “Oh! Naturale” on Saturday, May 18, 2019. Don’t miss this breathtaking event! Each designer is listed along with the room/area they are decorating so that you will know where to find them when you visit the Showcase Estate at Robinson Gardens on Garden Tour day. We are so proud to honor Elena Baldi of Giorgio Baldi and Edoardo Baldi of E. Baldi restaurants who are our Grand Marshals. Their father Giorgio Baldi opened the legendary, eponymous restaurant in 1995 that attracted throngs of celebrity and Hollywood devotees. He passed away in 2011. Elena is now at the helm of this exquisite restaurant in Santa Monica, and she states,…
Spotlight on Keeley Smith
Each month we will spotlight a volunteer, staff member, donor or sponsor of Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG)—those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you, the reader, know a little bit about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to the Virginia Robinson Gardens and community, and what they do that is so impactful. This month, we spotlight Keeley Smith, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens and Board Member. Keeley is co-chairing along with Kathy Choi our 2019 Garden Tour – Oh! Naturale. We asked her these three questions: 1. How did you first learn about VRG and what inspired you to become a Friend? I first learned about the Gardens through Jerome when he was working with Cartier and had been supporting the Gardens for a number of years. We attended a gala together and were fortuitously seated with Jeanne and Robbie Anderson…
Kate Capone – Garden Tour Illustrator
Meet Artist Kate Capone – One of the “Fierce Females of Philadelphia,” Garden Tour Illustrator, and a Woman with Her Own Set of Wings Picture this: Kate, the fairy flying around her ‘fern-filled’ studio, flicking her ‘paintbrush wand,’ landing for a moment near her collection of blue bowls and vintage desk accessories to share a giggle with her daughters who are cheerfully making art of their own. A quick sip of something from a teacup, a glance at the girls over her shoulder in one of the gold framed mirrors she collects and zip, off she flies again to her next piece of work. Kate, who grew up in a creative family, credits both of her grandmothers with passing on their love of crafting. Hooking rugs, quilting, and her constant need to be making something started as a child. But, it was in 8th grade that she ‘officially’ fell in…
Annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate: “Oh! Naturale”
The Friends of Robinson Gardens is proud to present the annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate, co-chaired by Kathy Choi and Keeley Smith, on Saturday, May 18, 2019. The theme of this glorious garden party is Oh! Naturale, celebrating the beauty of nature, and all that is organic and sustainable. Nature gives us much pleasure and solace. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “We can never have enough of nature.” In addition to viewing magnificent private gardens, one of the highlights of this Garden Extravaganza is the transformation of Virginia’s home. It is always a ravishing and gorgeous sight to behold as top florists and designers transform the rooms into visions of enchanting beauty. The Friends are very proud to honor our Grand Marshals — the stellar restaurateurs Elena Baldi of Giorgio Baldi and her brother Eduardo of e.baldi. You will have the opportunity to taste their outstanding Italian cuisine as they…