Like a prized perennial bloom, The Newport Flower Show returns this month to Rosecliff June 21-23. The Gilded Age mansion, with its striking white glazed terra-cotta exterior and design, which takes its cue from Versailles, makes a grand setting for the 28th year of the event held by The Preservation Society of Newport County. The theme for this year’s show is “At Home,” and everything from displays to classes to the marketplace are sure to inspire all to bring beautiful ideas back to their abodes.
From the main foyer of this former residence, attendees can wander the salon, ballroom, and dining room, admiring artist interpretations of everyday items in flowers, before making their way to the terrace for more exhibits. Be prepared for a walk to the oceanside backlawn to observe a home orchard, cutting and pollinator gardens, and examples of outdoor living spaces. Don’t miss the daily presentations by UK-based award-winning garden designer, floral artist, photographer, and author, Lucy Hunter. Learn more at NewportMansions.org
The North Wales author on her upcoming lectures, carousing blossoms, and exploring Newport
What can attendees expect from your Newport Flower Show programs?
A warm and lighthearted look at how a creative life spent with flowers and gardens at its core can lead you to the most unexpected of places. How we sometimes overlook the everyday ordinary and if we take inspiration from that, we can turn it into the extraordinary. There will be local, seasonal flowers to delight, and demonstrations on how to fill vases and urns for every corner of your home.
Your work embodies the breathtaking beauty in imperfection. What do you hope to bring to a location known for its shiny opulence?
I’d love to think that the two can sit beside and inform each other beautifully. I adore and aspire to a bit of opulence in my soil-covered-hands world and I’m certainly inspired by old world glamor from the 1920s both in the US and Europe. But just as strong architectural bones form the backbone of any good garden design, the flowers should always soften the edges and bring a little lightness to the party. Nothing in nature is perfect, but it is that imperfection that tells the story so beautifully and gives, to my mind, its authenticity. Roses that have a glorious arching habit and the most wonderful scent that stops you in your tracks; a branch that has fought for light at the back of the border and has an incredible wild shape; dahlias being rowdy in the herbaceous bed; daisies that are a bit windblown and look like they’ve just had the best night out and now carry their slightly sore heads home – they, to my mind, can tell a wonderful story in a vase or urn, soften those opulent edges, and bring a bit of romance to the proceedings.
What are your favorite flowers to work with and why?
I’ve been lucky enough to work in very different parts of the globe over the last couple of years. I adore working with flowers that grow naturally in a particular area. Growing up in the UK I’m always waiting impatiently for the start of the rose season in June. I don’t mean big, loud red roses that have been exported halfway across the globe, but garden roses in delicate shades of raspberry or parchment. I also give a little whoop when my vines start to come out in the garden. A long trailing piece of clematis wandering through a bowl of flowers can offer an unexpected ribbon of color and texture.
Are there things you are excited about visiting and experiencing while you’re in Newport?
A trip around the mansions goes without saying. I’ve been once before with my husband and teenager in late-October about 15 years ago. I remember it being an extremely cold, wet day and I now have a recollection of The Breakers floating on a bed of fog. It would be lovely to see the gardens and bottom part of the house! Follow on Instagram @lucytheflowerhunter
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