Botanical Art Teacher Anne-Marie Evans
During two weeks in October, many members and guests were privileged to have renowned Botanical Arts Teacher Anne-Marie Evans, coming from London, to teach a class at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. We painted a Stephanotis. This plant is part of the botanical collection at the Gardens. We hope in the future to be able to add this illustration to our Florilegium which we are working on to assemble at Robinson Gardens. Post by Kerstin Royce Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member
Lord Charles Spencer Lecture at the California Club
The Friends of Robinson Gardens visited the California Club for their 17th Annual Table Tops Luncheon on October 17, 2018. The speaker of the day was Lord Charles Spencer, and everyone was excited to hear and meet him. The theme, naturally, was The English Countryside, and the table displays were elegant. The grand decor and architecture of the California Club were a perfect setting with which to view the various florists’ work. The beautifully laden table by Gearys of Beverly Hills set the tone with its many settings, and C.J. Matsumoto did the luncheon centerpieces. Several other florists did lovely displays, perfect for holiday entertaining. Our speaker, Lord Spencer was graciously introduced by Tom Blumenthal of Gearys. Lord Spencer has just written a new book, To Catch a King: Charles II’s Great Escape,which highlighted a fascinating time in British history. Although his Royal accent echoed a bit throughout the fully…
2018 Friends of Robinson Gardens Membership Luncheon
On a lovely sunny day of October 5th, the Friends of Robinson Gardens warmly welcomed many new members at the annual Membership Luncheon at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. A wonderful addition to our group, the 19 new members are: Laura Coleman, Luke Anderson, Rachel Ault, Lara Roman, Debbie Figoni, Josh Flagg, Holiday Maginnis, Marci Malakouti, Jane Rascoff, Natalie Gordon, Lori Gordon, Brooke Knapp, Jenet Grant, Ilona Sherman, Linda Freund, Bea Torrado-Ridgley, Susan Finkleman, Mary Hampson and Natalie Feeny. After a brief orientation, Superintendent Timothy Lindsay gave those in attendance a tour of the Gardens, and they then mingled with the rest of the attendees. An Asian theme permeated the festivities. Co-chairs Betty Goldstein and Lynn Whitaker placed coral fans on a symphony of pink, fuchsia, and peach hued tablecloths. Kerstin Royce and President Patti Reinstein, with the help of Andrey Yun, arranged gorgeous Ikebana centerpieces on the tables. The pretty…
Fellows Trip to Penny Bianchi’s Home in Montecito
On October 1, 2018, thanks to Jeanne Anderson who organized this amazing excursion, the Fellows were treated to a delicious lunch and wonderful lecture by interior decorator Penny Bianchi at the Coral Casino Club in Montecito, followed by a tour of Penny’s extraordinary home. This event was postponed three times, twice for the fires in the area and the last time because of the mud disaster that not only closed the Coral Casino, but overwhelmed and destroyed most of Penny’s neighborhood. Jeanne introduced Penny, saying, “Penelope Bianchi has been an interior decorator for 48 years. She was rearranging the furniture at her house when she was 4 on…so it is really longer!” Her mother had exquisite taste and realizing Penny’s gifts, she exposed her early on to great design, and everything about taste and color and scale. A career was born when Penny decorated her own house, and her friends…
Palm Forest Restoration
The Friends of Robinson Gardens set an ambitious goal of raising $120,000 for the restoration of the Palm Forest. It was to be accomplished over two years. The Executive Committee is most pleased to announce that the goal has been met and exceeded. Through individual donations, the pledge drives at the 2017 and 2018 Patron Galas and at Tim Lindsay’s Anniversary luncheon, $130,000 has been raised! We are deeply grateful to all of you who donated funds to support this project. You helped maintain the “world class” status that the King Palm Forest has enjoyed, since its inception in the mid-nineteen thirties. We are so appreciative of your support. Phase One of the King Palm Forest restoration project included the installation of a new state-of-the-art irrigation system and new water main. This resulted in a 20% reduction of water use. The existing plantings have responded well to the new efficient…
“Mrs. Robinson’s Supper Club” 2018 Patron Gala
On September 15, 2018, the Friends of Robinson Gardens celebrated a spectacular evening under the stars. The theme of this year’s Patron Gala was “Mrs. Robinson’s Supper Club.” Virginia Robinson Gardens was transformed into the magical era of the 1930’s and 40’s. The magnificent florals were the creation of Luna Gardens, reminiscent of nights at the Copacabana. Our very own Andrey Yun did two beautiful florals in the Pool Pavilion. Guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres under twinkling lights. The stunning Pool Pavilion metamorphosed into a Ladies and Gents Club for the evening, complete with a green screen for fun and festive photos. President of Friends of Robinson Gardens Patti Reinstein sent out a warm welcome to our guests. Enchanting songs of the past were played by the Dave Damiani and the No Vacancy Band… strains of saxophones and horns filled the air. During the evening, noted singer and lyricist Siedeh Garrett, jazz singer and…
Library Restoration
The Restoration of the Library at Virginia Robinson Gardens The library at Virginia Robinson Gardens has recently been beautifully restored. We are happy to share the following interview with you with Superintendent Timothy Lindsay: 1. Why did you decide to renovate Mrs. Robinson’s library? The library was painted about 20 years ago. We were never satisfied that the colors were a good match to the historic hues of the library that Mrs. Robinson had originally painted. 2. What work was done to bring it back to its former glory? The detective work began by methodically removing layers of paint, which is the equivalent of moving back through time. The most significant discovery came when we removed a large mirror above the fireplace mantle and found that the original wall colors had been retained each time the wall had been repainted. We chose the color that works best with the bookcases…
Lecture on Charles James by Michele Gerber Klein
Noted author and founder of Joan Vass, USA, Michele Gerber Klein presented a wonderful lecture based on her book: Charles James: Portrait of an Unreasonable Man at Virginia Robinson Gardens on September 28, 2018. As a special bonus for the audience, member Regina Drucker brought an original and rare Charles James blue periwinkle evening gown from 1933. It came from the collection of Marit Guinness, a beer and banking heiress, whose parents were friends of James’ parents. Marit grew up with Charles, and her mother was one of his first clients. According to Michele, the British designer Charles James, born in 1906, was one of the 20th century’s most brilliant designers; he was the “enfant terrible” of the fashion world, with his acerbic wit, litigations, and anger at perceived slights. However, referencing the title of her book and a quote by Bernard Shaw, Michele countered that “Reasonable men accept the world…
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE ON KERSTIN ROYCE
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 Kerstin Royce, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens and Board Member. We asked her these three questions: 1. How did you first learn about VRG and what inspired you to become a Friend? My first introduction to Robinson Gardens 12 years ago was through Amy Ardell who was a Friend in the organization. She said “You have to join us at the Friends’ Gala this May, as it is the best party you will ever come to in this town.” I did, and I was…