RINGLING IN BLOOM

Maureen Zaremba, Curator of Education

FEBRUARY 28—MARCH 3

The Museum celebrates Ringling in Bloom for four days when floral designers respond to works in the Museum’s collection. But you can celebrate Ringling in Bloom the other 361 days a year by enjoying the living museum that is the gardens and grounds of the estate.

In 1911, the Ringlings purchased a house, Palms Elysian, and twenty acres on Sarasota Bay. The grounds around the house had been tamed, yet indigenous plants such as cabbage palms and pines still covered much of the property. Immediately after arriving in Sarasota, the Ringlings’ activities were chronicled by the press. In 1913, newspapers described the “north shore beautification” taking place on Indian and Shell Beaches where the Ringling estate was located: hedges were planted and palms, as well as other trees, perhaps even the banyans, were installed on the grounds. When Mable spent time in Sarasota, she indulged her passion for plants. In addition to the landscaping projects, Mable also built two gardens. The formal Rose Garden was completed in 1913. She also created a less stylized environment where she planted the botanical gifts brought to her by friends, today referred to as the Secret Garden.

John Ringling’s vision for Sarasota would transform it into an international destination. To attract investors, the Ringlings desired a more grandiose setting. Ca’ d’Zan provided additional opportunities for landscaping. The house was approached via a drive enhanced by a profusion of lush plantings and was framed by a palm-lined walkway and expansive lawn punctuated by exotic trees. On the completion of Ca’ d’Zan, construction began on the art museum. The courtyard provided the opportunity for Mrs. Ringling to create a formal garden that embodied the ideals of Renaissance garden planning. Sadly, it was Mable’s final garden project.

After the Ringlings’ estate became state property, the Museum’s first director, A. Everett “Chick” Austin, described the grounds as being lush with palms, pines, banyans, and bougainvillea. After a ten year period of benign neglect, the growth was tamed. Austin’s successor, Kenneth Donahue, gave special attention to the grounds and initiated landscape projects that framed the buildings. A so-called Dwarf Garden was designed to connect the Museum of Art and the building that housed the Historic Asolo Theater. When the theater moved to the Visitors Pavilion, the Dwarf Garden moved with it and continues to

The Museum partnered with the National Arbor Day Foundation to establish the Millennium Tree Trail, a shady walk dedicated to displaying native tree varieties. A master plan for the Museum was developed that included a landscape component to ensure the beauty of the estate. Most recently, a palm-lined promenade on the water’s edge of the Museum invites guests to admire the view across Sarasota Bay. A vigorous planting program has enhanced the collection of unusual trees on the estate while staff continue to care for the Floridafriendly species that predate the Ringlings’ arrival. the Museum expands, so do grounds and gardens that have become much more than a backdrop for gracious architecture. ringling.org/inbloom

Related Programs

Designer Preview

Thursday, February 28, 5:30–8:00 pm

Museum of Art Galleries and Loggia Stroll from gallery to gallery while designers discuss their floral fantasies. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails available on the Museum’s loggia.

$40/Members, $50/General Public

Lecture and Demonstration

Friday–Saturday, March 1–2 10:30 am

Historic Asolo Theater

“The Gift of Inspiration”

Kathy Rainer and Tricky Wolfes, owners of Parties to Die For $15/Members, $20/General Public

Flower Arranging Workshops

Sunday, March 3 10:30 am or 2:00 pm

The Johnson-Blalock Education Center

Kathy Rainer and Tricky Wolfes, owners of Parties to Die For

Fee includes flowers, container, mechanics and museum admission

$110/Members, $125/General Public

Grounds & Gardens Tour

Friday–Sunday, March 1–3, 10:30 am

Explore our living collection of rare and beautiful items on the Museum grounds with our experienced horticultural staff. Meet in the Visitor Pavilion 15 minutes prior to the tour. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The tour lasts approximately an hour. $10/Members, $20/General Public

Tickets: 941.360.7399 ringling.org/inbloom