Spring is almost here and flower arrangements like these from Botany Flowers bring it a little closer. Friends came over for dinner last weekend and the flowers above were a beautiful centerpiece for the table. A few days later I hosted a meeting for the "...into the garden" Benefit Garden Tour put on by the Friends of Robinson Gardens. I wanted to add a dose of spring freshness to both occasions and so called on the wonderful florist Botany for two flower arrangements.
About 25 dedicated women attended the fundraiser meeting at my house and it was very successful. Have you ever noticed how creative women are when they are motivated and passionate about their cause? A friend of mine said something so true, "I have always believed in the power of women gathering to work on good things in this world." I agree with her, there is nothing like a group of women for getting a job done. I am so inspired by all the talented women I know and the contributions they make to their community.
The Benefit Committee's task is to put on a garden tour (guests see five private gardens in West Los Angeles) which is followed by a garden party at the Robinson Gardens Estate. This takes place on May 18. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year and an event that every garden lover in Los Angeles looks forward to. This year I am working on the boutique and we have gotten some very exciting vendors to participate. They will be selling garden hats, jewelry, purses, art, home decor, garden ornaments, plants, clothing, and other lovely items. I have been going on this tour for many years and it has always been a highlight of the spring season for me. Now I get to work on it with the talented women in this group and it is an inspiring experience. Spring is traditionally a time for garden tours and other fundraisers. It is a season of people working together as volunteers on projects they care about. If you are involved in something like this in your community, I would love to hear about it.
Spring is the season of renewal and rebirth, and there is nothing like getting involved in your community to make you feel energized and alive.
By the way, today is the birthday of English writer and gardener Vita Sackville-West who was born in 1892. Happy Birthday, Vita! Her garden at Sissinghurst Castle has been a source of inspiration for so many gardeners. You can read more about her on the Writer's Almanac.
Happy Spring!