The San Diego Floral Association has not only been creating and maintaining much of San Diego’s horticultural beauty for the past 100 years, but it has also provided numerous educational opportunities for the community. This year, the association celebrates a century of rich and colorful history with several events, the first of which is the association’s annual spring exhibition flower show.
“The Legacy of Creativity “” A Centennial Celebration,” Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24, will offer visitors a chance to view floral arrangements created by professionals as well as amateur enthusiasts. Different this year is the location of the exhibit. The celebration, a free event, takes place in the Palm Court room at the newly refurbished U.S. Grant Hotel from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.
Jacqueline Tomlinson, publicity chair for the event and a director of the association’s board, said this was the location of the association’s first flower show in 1910. At that time, the event was held in a room designed by prominent San Diegan and renowned horticulturist Kate Sessions.
“The centennial celebration will replicate the event of 100 years ago,” Tomlinson said, adding that in addition to centennial pieces, specific designs will be available in contemporary flower show designing competitions conforming to the standards and objectives of National Garden Clubs Inc.
However, the show is not a judged competition but more of an “educational opportunity to stimulate interest in horticulture,” Kay Harry, SDFA president, explained.
“Our mission is education through helping people in planting the right kind of plants, classes and workshops throughout the year, education through the SDFA magazine, California Garden and scholarships,” she continued.
The association, whose office is located at Balboa Park, also promotes the use of regionally appropriate plants and encourages conservation and beautification of public and private spaces.
“The San Diego Floral Association, formed in 1907, was primarily focused on introducing local horticulture to new residents,” Tomlinson said. She explained that San Diego’s climate is semi-desert/Mediterranean; therefore, many of the plants and trees seen today were brought to the area from other locations.
According to the association’s Web site, most of San Diego was sagebrush-covered at that time, and homes were surrounded with bare dirt and a few struggling plants. The site also states that the association is credited as perhaps the most influential group involved in determining the future ambiance of San Diego.
A.D. Robinson, noted for building the lath botanical building in Balboa Park and also for growing begonias in his large public garden at his home, Rosecroft, in Point Loma, founded the association along with Sessions and America’s first olive grower, Frank Gifford.
According to Tomlinson, Robinson and Sessions, who became known as the “Mother of Balboa Park,” served as advisors in preparation for the Panama-California Exposition, held in the park in 1915.
Tomlinson related that members of the Floral Association planted the parkways throughout the city at the request of the Chamber of Commerce. Every area of the city had its designated advisor, who not only gave plants to interested homeowners but also encouraged them to plant adjacent vacant lots.
“The association has continued to work on the beautification of San Diego,” Tomlinson said. “The [association] assisted with many of the plantings of flowers and trees throughout the city.”
Harry added that the flower show will include the Gala Centennial Tea and Awards Ceremony honoring residents who have contributed greatly to the floral community in the San Diego area.
The George Marston Award will be presented to Walter Andersen Jr., of Walter Andersen Nursery. Marston was “instrumental” in the beautification of San Diego and design of Balboa Park, Harry said.
Volunteer Marie Walsh will receive the A. D. Robinson Award for her continued dedication, and the Martha Rosenberg Award will be presented to floral designer and teacher Velma West.
“The Kate O. Sessions Award goes to the entire Roy K. and Barbara Jones family, Harry said, adding that the late Barbara Jones served for many years as editor of California Garcen.
“She had a finger in everything, much like Kate Sessions,” Harry said. “Her family essentially grew up with the floral association and continues to contribute.”
Future centennial events include a tour of six historical gardens on June 2, including Rosecroft.
The San Diego Floral Association will assist the Center to Help Instill Respect and Preservation for Garden Wildlife Inc. on July 21 with a butterfly release and rededication of the renovated Zoro Butterfly Garden in Balboa Park.
More information on upcoming events, workshops and classes is available at www.sdfloral.org or (619) 232-5762.