The Pilgrimage Garden Club Flower Show will be held from 2:30 to 4 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 1st floor and the unfinished upper floors, is one of Natchez’ most popular attractions. This is an excellent chance to enjoy an elegant home and see beautiful flower designs prepared by some of your friends and neighbors. The flower show is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

This year’s flower show theme celebrates 300 years of unique and timeless beauty in Natchez. Flowers and plants played a distinct role in the history of Natchez. They were used to embellish magnificent gardens and to decorate the most grandiose events. Some residents were distinctly known for the beautiful plants and flowers they used to showcase their gorgeous mansions. The Pilgrimage Garden Club is honoring the Tri-centennial of Natchez with its annual flower show, entitled “300 Years of Beauty.”

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: “The People Bringing Beauty to Natchez,” and Section B: “Natchez Landmarks.” Each section is divided into three classes, each with its own theme. Section A will consist of Class 1 — “Mr. Frederick Stanton of Stanton Hall;” Class 2 — “Julia and Haller Nutt of Longwood;” and Class 3 —“Katherine Lintot Minor, The Yellow Duchess of Concord.” Section B will consist of Class 4 —“The Mighty Mississippi River,” Class 5 —“The Indian Mounds & The Natchez Trace” and Class 6 —“The Natchez City Cemetery.” This year we have a new addition to the flower show. Classes 3 and 6 will be reserved for Teen Gardeners, ages 13 to 19 years.

-Division III will be divided into Section A, the Youth Exhibits; 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. Beginning, intermediate, and youth gardeners will arrange their designs in the quarters of Longwood, from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday. Judging will begin at 6 p.m. Awards for this division will be displayed on Saturday during the flower show.

Mrs. Laura McLemore and I 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 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.

 

Shannon Jex is a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club and Chairman of the flower show.