Flowers Await Their Cues To Star at Show

Flowers await their cues to star at show

By MARIANNE RZEPKA

NEWS STAFF REPORTER

MAR 28 1997

The large pieces are in place at the feature garden, and rolls of sod are stacked in the aisle along with wheelbarrows and dark soil.

Workers spin the water mill that will be part of a garden display and to the side stands the towering Japanese-style gateway that will grace another exhibit.

The Ann Arbor Flower and Garden Shop is getting ready to burst into bloom at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, where it begins next Thursday and runs through April 6.

Down in front of what will be the California part of the show, which carries the theme “An American Bouquet,” designer Paul Little is leaning on a push broom.

“It’s coming together,” he said with certainty.

For those who can’t wait, there will be two chances Wednesday night for a sneak preview of the show, which is sponsored by the University of Michigan Matthaei ‘ Botanical Gardens.

At 5:30 p.m., the Director’s Preview will include dinner and a chance to talk with the directors, producers and designers of the show, as well as look at the displays and exhibits.

About 125 tickets - at $125 a ticket - are available for the preview.

“It’s an an opportunity to visit with Jim Teeri, the (Matthaei) director, as well as with the staff from Matthaei and the designers,” said Jo DeVine, a member of the show’s executive committee.

Two groups, Ragtime Charlie and Sister Kate, along with the Mike Grace Jazz Trio, will entertain.

Then, at 7:30 p.m., the show’s gala will open the displays to more early birds. About 600 tickets will be sold for this event, which will include light hors d’oeuvres, as well as beer and wine.

The two musical groups from the preview will play at the gala, and gospel singers Aden Springsteen, Jacqueline Tumer-Robinson and Jennifer Kendall also will perform.

Six items will be auctioned off at the gala, including two stained glass windows, built by the show’s designer Paul Little, that will be part of the featured garden this year.

Also to be auctioned off will be a reproduction wrought-iron bench, a trough garden, a neon sign from the show’s diner exhibit and a bird bath designed by local artist Margo West.

“Every penny we raise” goes to the flower and garden show, DeVine said.

Tickets for the gala are $50 if purchased by 4:30 p.m. Sunday and $60 at the door. For tickets, call the Matthaei Botanical Gardens at 998-7002.

Flower & Garden Show

NEWS PHOTO • LON HORWEDEL

Dan Sutherland of Ann Arbor cleans up Thursday while helping install the Eisenhower Center display for the upcoming annual Flower and Garden Show at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds — where it runs April 3-6.