Four years after Floriade I, Banning Park will burst into color for Floriade II.
On a hot spring day in Wilmington, Banning Park is an oasis.
The grinding industry of the Port of Los Angeles and the surging traffic of the nearby Pacific Coast Highway seem far away on the park’s 20 verdant acres.
Pine, eucalyptus and jacaranda trees spread shade across the well-kept lawns and the white clapboard walls of the Banning Residence Museum--once the home of port founder Phineas Banning--are remarkably untouched by the graffiti that stains some of the surrounding neighborhood.
This weekend the urban haven will explode in color with the arrival of Floriade II, a flower and horticulture show that will feature a floral display competition, floral demonstrations and lectures as well as landscape and horticulture displays.
The event, which debuted four years ago at the park and has not been held since, is sponsored by the Friends of Banning Park, a nonprofit group that has directed restoration of the museum and grounds since the 1970s.
As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend the event and proceeds--including the $6 admission for adults and fees from morning and afternoon lectures--will be used for restoration and educational programs at the Banning Museum.
The show will also feature a uniquely Los Angeles exhibit: The Pasadena Garden Club’s display on the effects of smog on plants and flowers, including tips on how to prevent ozone damage.
“Besides showing beautiful flowers, we like to get people to think about the environment as well,” said Phoebe Vaccaro, president of the Friends of Banning Park.
The Banning house and grounds will be awash in flowers. The circular front lawn will be divided into pie-wedge shapes, in which eight landscapers will show off their skills. Rooms inside the Banning mansion will be filled with flowers arranged by 18 top designers. Competitive flower arranging competition will be held in the basement, which also features a display on the history of Los Angeles Harbor and competitive horticulture exhibits will be found in the recently restored coach barn at the back of the property.
Two Saturday lectures, costing an additional $15 each, will highlight Floriade II.
The first, scheduled for 11:30 a.m., will feature artist and author Fleur Cowles. She will speak on “The Anthology of the Rose.”
Cowles’ fantasy paintings of jungle beasts, huge flowers and birds have been exhibited around the world. She has also written biographies of Salvador Dali and Juan and Evita Peron and two books on flower arranging, “The Flower Game” and “Flower Decorations.”
At 2 p.m., James Goslee and his sister, Nancy Goslee Power, will speak on “Living with Flowers” and “Intimate Gardens.”
Goslee is one of New York City’s top floral designers. His work has been featured in publications, including, “House Beautiful,” “Town & Country,” and “Architectural Digest.”
His career as a florist was highlighted in 1976 when he designed the flower arrangements for a state dinner at the White House honoring Queen Elizabeth II. Power is a former editor of “House Beautiful” magazine and an acclaimed garden designer.
Books, orchids, floral prints and other items will be on sale in small tent boutiques adjacent to the home. A catering truck will supply food and drinks.
Vaccaro said the event will raise about $200,000 for the museum. She promised that flower fans won’t have to wait another four years for the next flower show at the park, although a date has not been set for Floriade III.
What: Floriade II.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Banning Park in Wilmington, between Pacific Coast Highway and M Street.
Admission: $6 (Children under 12 free).
Parking: On surface streets.
Information: 544-4033 or 548-7777.
