GUMBO

Gardeners Party
The annual Festival of Flowers is in full bloom and celebrating a big birthday.
text by Emily Hill

ts not every day that gardening enthusiasts are able to view more than 300,000 square feet full of beautiful blossoms. The Festival of Flowers, now in its 20th year, provides a multitude of displays to impress plantlovers of all ages. The numerous unique plants, larger-than-life floral displays and renowned landscape

specialists draw crowds from around the country. Curious of what you will find? Here is our scavenger hunt checklist of the top picks you wont want to miss. Jester Leucadendron Spot this exotic South African bud on one of the 4- to 5-foot Mardi Gras masks created entirely out of flowers in this new exhibit, Les Masques en Fleurs.

Floral replica of the Bienville Square fountain The Floral Design Showcase will feature magnificent arrangements based upon interpretations of historical Mobile icons as seen in reference archival photos from the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library at the University of South Alabama.

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 Two live oaks - The symbolic Mobile monuments flank the front facade of an old Mobile Greek Revival-style reproduction home that is this years featured exhibit. The faux abode sets the stage for the spectacular container garden display. A botanical interpretation of Jerry Siegels Facing South: Portraits of Southern Artists Explore the creative Seeds of Wisdom display, where classic literary works, picked by local book clubs, come to life in floral design form. This years selections will showcase depictions of Southern authors works. The estate plant quadfecta Take home one of these hardy potted gems that Mobile horticultural experts have deemed as this years Festivals Choice Plants: rhododendron Amelia Rose azalea; camellia Taylors Perfection; the lily of the valley hybrid, pieris ryukuensis Temple Bell; and the blue-bloomed European perennial, lithodora diffusa boraginaceae. A 2.5-carat oval-cut emerald ring At Wednesday nights Emerald Extravaganza preview gala, compete in a trivia contest to win the breathtaking, bejeweled grand prize. While youre attempting to recall those Jeopardy facts, who knows, you could end up rubbing elbows with special guest Terry Saban, wife of the beloved University of Alabama football coach.

Open

March 21 - 24
Festival of Flowers 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Th - Sa, Noon - 5 p.m. Su. The event, produced by the Providence Hospital Foundation and presented by PNC Bank, benefits the radiology department. Single day tickets: $12 in advance, $14 at the gate and $13 for seniors. Children under 12 get in free, and groups receive special rates. Multiple-day tickets are available by calling the Festival of Flowers office.
Providence Hospital 6801 Airport Blvd. 639-2050. 1-877-777-0529. festivalofflowers.com

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