Works by 35 designers from Sarasota-area garden clubs will integrate into the galleries of the Ringling Museum of Art during “Ringling in Bloom” Feb. 27-March 2.
The fourth annual celebration will continue the tradition of pairing floral designs with relevant works from the permanent collection. The four-day event will also feature garden tours, workshops and a public vote to choose the favorite floral design.
“Ringling in Bloom celebrates the beauty of our own backyard this year,” Maureen Thomas-Zaremba, curator of Education said. “Or perhaps we should say Mable Ringling’s backyard! Gardening and arranging workshops will take their inspiration from the Bayfront gardens that are Mable’s legacy to us. Ringling staff will share tips on how to garden in our unique environment and local arrangers will introduce you to the possibilities of materials accessible to all of us.”
· Ringling in Bloom will open with a Designer’s Preview from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 27. Guests may engage with the designers to discuss their interpretation, inspiration and choice of flowers and materials. Cocktails and appetizers will be available for purchase. Admission to the preview is free with Admission to Art After 5. Art After 5 costs $10 for adults, $5 for children and college students with ID and is free with Museum membership.
· Learn how scientific advances have made it easier to grow roses now than in Mable Ringling’s time during the “Bayfront Gardens Walk and Talk: Growing Roses in Florida” from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Feb.28. The program will start at the Education Center. Tickets cost $10 with a discounted ticket price of $5 for Museum members.
· “Florida Friendly!” a flower arranging workshop, will teach how to create unique floral arrangements from 2-3:30 p.m. on Feb. 28. The workshop will teach how to work with blooms and foliage that grow in Florida such as the bird of paradise and ginger. Participants will need to bring flower clippers. All other supplies provided. The workshop will be held in the Education Center. Tickets cost $45 with a discounted ticket price of $35 for Museum members.
· The “Bayfront Gardens Walk and Talk: Florida Friendly Landscape, Right Plant, Right Place” will teach landscape management techniques for Florida’s climate at 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. on March 1. Participants will learn planning basics and how to deal with heat, humidity and salt spray for better landscaping that will enhance their home’s “curb appeal.” The Walk and Talk will begin at the Education Building and examine landscaping on The Ringling estate. Tickets cost $10 with a discounted ticket price of $5 for museum members.
· The flower arranging workshop “Beauty in Your Own Backyard” will show participants that great floral arrangements do not have to cost a lot and can be grown in the backyard of your Florida home from 2-3:30 p.m. on March 1. Participants will create arrangements using plants and leaves from The Ringling estate. The workshop requires a scissors and stapler. Other materials will be provided. The workshop will be held in the Education Center. Tickets cost $45 with a discounted ticket of $35 for Museum members.
· The regularly scheduled “Bayfront Grounds and Gardens Tour” will add an afternoon session during Ringling in Bloom. Docents will point out botanical specimens and discuss the history of the 66-acre estate. Tour times will be 10:30 a.m.-noon and 1-2:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 and March 1. Tours begin in the Visitor Pavilion. Tickets cost $20 with a discounted ticket price of $10 for museum members.
Reservations are required for all tours and workshops. To reserve a space call 941.360.7399