Summer Beauty Adorns Newport

Newport Flower Show, 2018

The most highly regarded kick-off event of the summer is only days away. Preparations are in full swing for The Preservation Society of Newport County’s, (commonly known as the Newport Mansions, a private non-profit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes and decorative arts), Newport Flower Show, a gracious and visually opulent event.

This year’s motif, Audubon: Artistic Adventures, will celebrate bird expert and painter John James Audubon (1785-1851), who declared that he only came alive when “in the field” of this “wild new land” now known as the United States. Audubon’s work created a pictorial journal, not only of the birds he loved but also of their habitats. This year’s show will take guests on a trip of “Artistic Adventure” as they navigate the lush and manicured gardens, grounds, and Newport’s largest private ballroom—constructed in 1902, as a party pavilion for one of the leading society hostesses of the Gilded Age—and take in supreme mastery of artistic talent.

The Newport Flower Show is known around the country—and overseas—as the premier horticultural affair, featuring exotic exhibits, stunning garden displays, unique shopping opportunities, and the chance to meet with others who flock to the seaside community for a wide range of social, cultural, and educational opportunities.

This year’s spectacular event will tantalize the public with the front lawn of Rosecliff transformed into an aviary of both real birds and feathered friends made of plant materials; vibrant gardens—inspired by pink flamingos, blue herons, and circular gardens based on Audubon’s paintings of birds, and topiary peacocks made entirely of flowers.

Adding to the events prestige and excitement, internationally known lifestyle expert India Hicks and gardening expert Laura LeBoutillier of GardenAnswer.com will be featured as special guest speakers during the Friday and Saturday lecture luncheons. Hicks will also join the Newport Flower Show’s Opening Night Party on Friday, June 21 for the unofficial launch of summer at the city by the sea. This must-be-seen-at event will take place from 6-9 p.m. at Rosecliff and will iniclude, (besides wonderful company), a cocktail buffet, live music and dancing, a seaside supper, and other entertaining surprises.
The show opens on Friday, June 21 and runs through Sunday, June 23, offering adults and children, an unforgettable garden experience through expertly curated exhibits, horticultural entries, floral designs, and specialized programs. All staged throughout the elegant reception rooms of Rosecliff, and its oceanfront terrace and lawn, the Newport Flower Show weekend also include an afternoon tea reception on Friday, and dinner and a movie on the front lawn of the mansion on Saturday evening. Supper will consist of a summer picnic basket followed by a screening of the film Greenfingers.

Of course, the Newport Flower Show will once again present its era-perfect, Champagne & Jazz Brunch on Sunday—the final day of this unique and intriguing show.

For more information or to reserve entrance for the preview party and weekend of events, visit NewportFlowerShow.org.