June Bloom: A Progressive Garden Party
Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts
When COVID threatened to cancel the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts’ annual fundraiser again this year, the event committee pivoted and came up with a unique experience guaranteed to wow attendees: June Bloom, A Progressive Garden Party.
Held entirely outdoors on June 19th, attendees will explore the grounds of three sprawling estates in a progressive format. The residences showcase beautiful landscapes, Mediterranean terraced planters, and blooming ornamental roses along a picturesque street in the heart of La Cañada-Flintridge, California.
The estates featured include:
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A Mediterranean Villa built in 1917 by noted architects Martson, Van Pelt & Maybury on 2.4 acres with a manicured promenade, terraced pools and planters and a secluded tennis sanctuary.
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A Country German Estate built in 1926 on 1.9 acres with a sprawling verdant lawn.
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A Traditional Colonial House built in 1921 on 1.6 acres with an architecturally identical life-size dollhouse and an expansive collection of 142 rose bushes.
The century old gardens are something rarely seen today. "These old, established estates are beautiful examples of how much of the long-time landscaping material we take for granted is actually tough and drought tolerant, persisting and looking good when often more-finicky natives die out. Camellias are one example. Once established, they are as drought tolerant as most natives,” says Jill Vig, Curator, Water Conservation Garden at the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanical Garden and Showcase Garden Docent Trainer.
“Attendees can expect a unique experience, everything the Showcase traditionally offers, and more,” says Marybeth Rehman-Dittu, Event Chair. “You’re in a beautiful garden setting and we’ll have food and libations, live entertainment, docent garden tours, floral demonstrations and our great Pasadena Showcase Shops, which everyone loves.”
Marybeth Rehman-Dittu, Event Chair
Albeit different this year than in previous years, some interior designers still had the opportunity to participate in the show.
Samantha Williams, Principal Designer and Michelle Porreca, Associate Designer, respectively, at Samantha Williams Interior Design in Pasadena, renovated the dollhouse on the grounds of the traditional colonial estate.
“Our inspiration was to make it a little girl’s dream tea house and add prints, colors and textures to lighten and liven up the space. It’s a magical place,” says Samantha.
Dollhouse Before and After Photos
The annual Showcase tradition started in 1948 and has raised $23 million for youth arts programs to date. “We have had great support from the community, our members and sponsors,” says Marybeth. “It feels like everyone is ready to get out in the fresh air and have fun. I want to say a huge thank you to the community for their continued support of the event.”
Event sponsors include Bila (@bilaofca) and Patrons of Peace (@patronsofpeace), among others.
Watch a video introduction to the June Bloom event here and we’ll be broadcasting live via Instagram stories on the day of the event @bennettlainehome. For more information on the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, please visit https://pasadenashowcase.org/
