Mary Ellen Flanagan, founder of the noted Newport, R.I.-based landscape design company MEF Design, knows paradise.
Her company does a lot of work for clients in Newport and Boca Grande.
As featured speaker at the March 7 Boca Grande Garden Club meeting, Flanagan detailed work done at two beautiful gardens in Newport and showed photographs of the Japanese garden and Mediterranean pools and gardens she designed at the Roger Williams Park in Providence, R.I.
Article Photos
At the pre-meeting cocktail party, from left: Diane Johnson, Mary Ellen Flanagan, Doe Flannery and Jodie Pearah.
In developing design for residential projects, Flanagan first listens to the owners, then evaluates the color and architecture of property structures, taking note of attributes and any possible site distractions. She has applied her technique to several Boca Grande homes, some of which will be on the Members Annual Garden Tour on April.
Flanagan donated her honorarium to the Garden Club Community Services Committee, which works to beautify downtown, earning an ovation from club members.
The tea held in the Woman's Club Room featured a whimsical gnome centerpiece designed by Bettie Coulter, who has handled all club tea centerpieces this season.
Fact Box
To Go
What: Garden Tour
When: April 4
Restriction: For Boca Grande Garden Club members and pre-registered houseguests.
You should know: Membership will be open April 1 on a first-come, first-served basis for $50, which will include membership through next year's tour. Mail checks to Treasurer Doe Flannery at P.O. Box 1246, Boca Grande FL 33921 no earlier than April 2.
At the business meeting, First Vice President Diane Johnson thanked Melanie and Bretta Sullivan for organizing the cocktail party in honor of Flanagan. Johnson was filling in for ailing President Nora Lea Reefe, still in North Carolina suffering from asthma. Reefe donated her home for the party.
Johnson also recognized Lolo Weir, Judi Guy and Becky Nidiffer for work on the April Garden Tour.
In other action:
Jean Meanwell, co-chair of the Field Trip Committee, said a horticultural walk with Woody Thayer March 26 is open to the first 20 people who pay $10;
Christian Scott-Hansen, chair of the Workshop Committee, said Gay Darsie will be chairman next year. Scott-Hansen received a loud round of applause for her three-year run as chair;
Ann Hill, who has served as the club's only historian, also received a round of applause when she announced her retirement. Erika Forstmann is her successor; and
Jen Hanna said Reefe has asked her to plans the trip to Epcot's Garden and Flower Show next year and to the Netherlands the following year. Hanna said a few spots remain available for the May trip to the Chelsea Flower Show in London.
