Mountains in Bloom Garden Festival

July 8-12, 2008

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Hundreds converged on Highlands July 8-12 for The Bascom's 10th annual Mountains in Bloom, a four-day nature-themed festival designed to raise money for the art center. The event featured a lecture by Margie Shambaugh, "The Language of Flowers, Mountain Style," on July 8; a demonstration and lecture by celebrated American floral designer Ron Morgan at a luncheon and book signing on July 10; two gala "Diamonds and Denim" Patron Parties July 10 and 11 at the historic Playmore estate; tours of eight mountain gardens in downtown Highlands on July 11 and 12; and the first Flower Show in Highlands since the 1940s.

The gardens on this year's tour were planted and cultivated by homeowners from Atlanta, Highlands, Savannah, and New Orleans. The tour featured historic homes and gardens, including late 19th and early 20th century estates.

Alfred Kennedy of Atlanta and Highlands was overall chairman of Mountains in Bloom. Other chairs included Ann Turner of Highlands, Garden Tour chair; Helen Moore of Highlands, Garden Tour vice-chair; Bev Coker of Atlanta and Highlands, Flower Show chair; Virginia Parrott of Highlands, Patron Party Chair; and Gail Hughes of Atlanta and Highlands, Sponsorship chair.

Corporate sponsors were WNC Magazine, Northern Trust, The Highlander and The Summer House.

Here are scenes from the Shambaugh lecture:

Here are scenes from the Morgan lecture:

Here are scenes from the Patron Parties:

Here are scenes from the Flower Show:

Here are scenes from the Garden Tour: