A large bouquet of white and pale orange roses that was a previous winner at the Santa Barbara Garden Club flower show.
Bouquet of white and pale orange roses was a previous winner at the Santa Barbara Garden Club flower show. Credit: Courtesy photo

Whimsical Chinoiserie paintings by Harrison Howard have inspired the theme of the Garden Club of Santa Barbara’s (GCSB) upcoming flower show and boutique in the Gardens of Splendor and Delight exhibit, April 20-21 at the Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara.

The club’s first show since 2017 will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, April 20, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, April 21. Admission and parking are free.

For more, visit: www.gardenclubofsantabarbara.org.

The juried show features floral arrangements, horticultural specimens, scenic photographs, and botanical arts.

Entries are primarily from GCSB members with additional entries from members of other Garden Club of America chapters.

Judges from the Garden Club of America fly in from around the country to judge the show before it opens to the public.

“Here, you’ll find not only beautiful and colorful floral displays and individual specimens, but also inventive jewelry made entirely out of seeds and pods, gorgeous prize-winning photographs, and more. But the show is just part of the club’s activities,” said Anne Rhett Merrill, the event’s co-chair.

“Over the past 20 years, we’ve donated more than half a million dollars to horticultural projects throughout Santa Barbara county, reflecting our active involvement in the community,” she said.

A ring fabricated from leaves and colored in gold with a pearl in the center.
A ring fabricated from leaves and colored in gold with a pearl in the center. Credit: Courtesy photo

Howard’s images have been licensed for fabrics, wallpaper, paper goods, packaging, lacquered wood serving trays, placemats, and other home items. Louis Sherry chocolate company, established in New York in 1881, features Harrison’s work.

This year, an unjudged category, open only to GCSB members, has been added in Howard’s honor. Submissions must feature dried, pressed flower and leaf design inspired by his Chinoiserie illustrations, and incorporate pollinator plants and pollinators from the Santa Barbara area.

The boutique features about a dozen vendors offering garden-themed antiques, women’s clothing, floral fabrics, fine and costume jewelry, and gift items.

A selection of paintings and products featuring Howard’s designs are also for sale, including Louis Sherry Chocolate tins.

All proceeds support GCSB’s community projects and other activities. Food and wine will be for sale from 15 Degrees C Wine Shop and Bar.

Author and GCSB member Danielle Dall’Armi Hahn from Carpinteria’s Rose Story Farm will be signing her new book “The Color of Roses” at various times over both days.

“Conservation and Water Sustainability in Santa Barbara: How Our Gardens of Splendor and Delight Can Thrive in Times of Drought” is an educational exhibit that explores local water resources and how they can be used responsibly by home gardeners.

Sponsors for this year’s Garden Club Show include Hogue & Company and the members of the Garden Club of Santa Barbara. Event co-chairs are and Betsy Coates and Merrill, who oversee a committee of some 40 club member volunteers.

“As the Chinese proverb goes, ‘if you would be happy all your life, plant a garden,’” Coates said. “We are a happy group and welcome all garden lovers to enjoy our free show.” 

Awards at the show will be given in 26 categories in four divisions, according to Garden Club of America criteria. Best of Show is selected among divisional first place winners. Special awards, including those for uniquely skillful and creative entries and outstanding specimens, are also given within divisions.