Preservation Society’s Flower Show officially launched Newport’s fashionable social scene last weekend with a kaleidoscope of color and creativity that took over Rosecliff mansion on Bellevue Ave. The Newport Flower Show: “A Floral Fair” was blessed with glorious weather all weekend and crowds flocked to view the creative selections that represented a joie de vivre of the floral arts.
The ”fair” theme
This year’s theme played on the name of Rosecliff’s original owner, Theresa Fair Oelrichs, a Gilded Age silver heiress who renovated the architectural gem in the style of the Grand Trianon at Versailles, in the manner we recognize today. Born Theresa Fair, Preservation Society designed the theme of the show around her maiden name, an ingenious concept that produced some truly imaginative results this year.
As a nod to her legacy, the show embraced the concept of the “fair” both literally and playfully. Throughout the rooms of Rosecliff horticultural excellence encapsulated fireworks, a rocking roller coaster, charming teddy bears (such an amazing likeness!) and even a life-size cantering carousel horse (a marvel created by Bristol County Agricultural High School students!!).
Preservation Society put the carousel horse right in the middle of the back mezzanine, making it a centerpiece of the show as you descended to the back lawn for the marketplace. These students deserve a shout out: Sarah Beerman, Rebecca Whitlow, Taylor Stevens, Kathleen Higgins, Nova Delano, Olivia Costa, Madylin Wells and Molly Barr.
Fairytale magic
“Fair” was also baked into theme of fairytales, such as the ingenious displays that translated the categories “Princess & The Pea,” “Goldilocks & 3 Bears,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Jack and the Beanstock,” and “The Pied Piper of Hamelin.” Designs for “Red Riding Hood” greeted guests as they entered the foyer. The imagination was boundless with each unique example mastering the assignment. Judges’ notes were included in the displays, providing appreciated insight into how these events are evaluated.
Where the floral show went the extra mile was the interpretation of Disney fairytales. Under dramatically atmospheric lighting, whimsical fairyland installations took over Rosecliff’s salon. Rapunzel received floral headpieces, framed in boxed cases. Each design was stunning and, in my book, could have won First Place in their respective categories. Tropical scenes formed the foundation for takes on “Princess and the Frog” and “Cinderella” received floral interpretations that incorporated the fabled glass slipper. My absolute favorite were the prize-winning versions of the “Beauty and the Beast” rose encased in glass: each one enchanted in its own way.
The library set the scene for displays engineered to evoke Tinkerbell and Miniatures. The most inventive Miniature engineered was a charming dollhouse, fantastically brought to life by Colleen Gebhard from Portsmouth (“Sweet Peak Dollhouse”). Middletown’s Jerilyn Gagnon conjured a “Midsummer Night’s Dream” scene with her depiction of Tinkerbell set against a backdrop of the character sprinkling fairy dust, which continued onto the foundation around the floral arrangement (precious!).
In addition to the horse carousel, there were two other Youth categories that impressed. Students took on the themes of “Fireworks” and “What I Won at the Fair.” How young floral engineers designed firework displays and prized teddy bears was beyond me. The breadth of talent on display from the Bristol County Agricultural High School was utterly awe-inspiring.
Opening night splendor: a celebration in full bloom
Unlike years past, Mother Nature smiled on those who attended the sold-out opening night reception, taking in the temperate weather that made mingling among the outdoor arrangements light and breezy. Floral-attired dancers and live music entertained those who attended the lavish summer party, while they sipped wine, enjoyed curated bites and browsed the marketplace tents set amidst the oceanside view.
The back lawn was complimented by tasteful sculptures interspersed throughout the gardenscapes, with one glowing concoction a standout, all provided by David Harber.
I’ve attended the Newport Flower Show before, but I thought this year’s was especially imaginative. Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the show so expect something spectacular for a landmark year.
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