Former White House florist presents at 2018 Flower Talk
The Founders Garden Club of Sarasota hosted Floral Diplomacy Nov. 7 at Michael's On East.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 12:36 p.m. November 7, 2018
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Some locals are feeling extra patriotic after Election Day, and the Founders Garden Club of Sarasota continued the patriotism with its annual Flower Talk Nov. 7 at Michael's On East.
The theme was Floral Diplomacy, and the featured speaker was the White House Chief Floral Designer under the Obama administration, Laura Dowling. Dowling shared examples and stories about her previous job.
Before Dowling graced the stage, club members and guests took time to mingle, sip champagne and lemonade and shop from the numerous local boutiques. After lunch, Sue Benjamin's watercolor painting "Gerber hybrid, cv and Salvia cv" was auctioned off.
Co-Chairwoman Peggy Wood, President Gina Gregoria and Co-Chairwoman Marsha Thompson
The decor was pink with stripes.
Guests could purchase the centerpieces for $20.
Kelley Hunt, Pat Mudgett and Jody Mayo
The Vanderbilt Gallery brought vintage jewelry, featuring many bold statement pieces.
Treasure Cove for the Very Thing had an abundance of home decor items.
Barbara Sulton and Laura Leeming
Emily Stroud and Nicole Plummer
Elaine Barber and Alison Elizalde
Guests could also purchase small potted orchids.
This watercolor painting by Sue Benjamin was auctioned off after lunch.
Marilyn Royal, Chris Lindsay and Nancy Morgan
Personalized floral cookies were given to sponsor tables.
Jan Clark Rosemary McMullen and Danielle Grit
The watercolor painting by Sue Benjamin was also the main art for the marketing materials.
Margaret Wise, Pauline Wamsler Joerger and Nora Johnson
Cornelia Matson and Nikki Sedacca
Margaret Maglich and Marianne Cohen
Note cards with Sue Benjamin's watercolor were on sale.
Eileen Curd and Jamie Becker
Two of Laura Dowling's books were for purchase, and Dowling autographed them after the presentation.
Laura Dowling demonstrated with these flowers during her presentation.
