Editor’s note: The original version of this story incorrectly reference an event at The Burn. All events are at Longwood. The theme this year is Springtime around the world.

Throughout history, flowers have played a major role in the beauty of our wonderful world.

This year, the Pilgrimage Garden Club is capitalizing on this theme and taking it one step further for its annual flower show, which is titled “Springtime Around the World.”

Natchez fits this to a tee, when you consider that each spring we are treated to gloriously blooming flowers, shrubs and trees, which are complemented by two annual music festivals, everything from opera to the blues.

The Pilgrimage Garden Club Flower Show will be from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Longwood, 140 Lower Woodville Road.

The mansion, known for its octagonal plan, byzantine onion shaped dome, and the contrast between its ornately finished first floor and the unfinished upper floors, is one of Natchez’s most popular attractions.

This is an excellent chance to enjoy a truly elegant home and see beautiful flower designs prepared by some of your friends and neighbors. The flower show is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

This year, the event will be divided into three divisions.

• Division I is horticulture specimens contributed by members and invited guests.

• Division II is design and will be divided into two sections. Section A: “Close to Home,” and Section B: “Far Off Lands.” Each section is divided into three classes, each with its own theme. Section A will consist of Class 1 — “USA,” Class 2 — “Canada” and Class 3 — “South America.” Section B will consist of Class 4 — “Japan,” Class 5 — “France” and Class 6 — “Australia.”

• Division III will be divided into Section A, the youth exhibits and Section B, educational exhibits. Youth exhibits are both in horticulture and design, and are divided into beginning gardeners, preschool through age 6; intermediate gardeners, ages 7 through 9; and junior gardeners, ages 10 through 12.

Youth exhibits are both in horticulture and design, and are divided into beginning gardeners, preschool through age 6; intermediate gardeners, ages 7 through 9; and junior gardeners, ages 10 through 12.

Mrs. Stacey Heflin and Mrs. Julie Johnson are the overall chairmen for the show, with Mrs. Lee Carby and Mrs. Katie Tillman serving as overall co-chairmen.

Don’t miss this opportunity to view unique and creative floral designs inspired by popular and legendary music, along with a chance to learn about the plants and flowers native to the Natchez area, all on the grounds of a magnificent antebellum home.

 

Paula Estes is a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club and a participant in the flower show.