Like reacquainting with an old friend, time spent at my local art museum always invigorates me. Even better is a visit during the annual floral exhibit that ignites my spirits as New England transitions into spring. I took advantage of the Flora in Winter at the Worcester Art Museum (WAM) in Massachusetts as a calendar catalyst to celebrate the start of March and my intention to jump into spring mode. It was just what I needed!

To help you get on board with the arrival of spring, join me as I tour world-renowned art pieces juxtaposed with interpretive floral displays. The colors and artistry of the flora against the backdrop of iconic art is truly eye candy. I consider this a perfect way to help you kick off March.

Sharing Elements of Worcester Art Museum’s Flora Tour

Before I dive in, let me assure you that you won’t be disappointed with a visit to WAM. Truly a gem for art enthusiasts, the museum houses art of numerous mediums and eras from around the globe. WAM is just the right size for an art fix without being overwhelming. I am fortunate it’s close to where I live so I can drop in anytime and encourage others to add to their art itineraries.

For this tour showing interpretive floral designs, I will share excerpts from these Massachusetts-based floral designers’ works on behalf of their garden clubs based on the work of art they selected. For the full listing of summaries, visit WAM’s website.

The Crucifixion, about 1300 

Joan Laracy, Worcester Garden Club: “I intend to create a horizontal pavé arrangement that includes a flat vertical element (Christ on the cross). I hope to imitate the linear, flat nature of this fresco with flowers to create the movement between the biblical figures of Mary, St. John and Mary Magdalene.”

Voyager by Nevena Prijic, 2023 

Rita Cutroni, Belmont Garden Club, Waltham Garden Club and Sogetsu Branch: “The use of tropical flowers, exotic palm fronds and manipulated foliage reflects Voyager’s dynamic presentation of color, texture and abstract fluidity among plants, anatomy and machines.”

 The Shipwreck by Robert Hubert, 1780 to 1790

Andrea T. Little and assistant Bruce Little, Westborough Garden Club: “Using French and Roman techniques and following Mr. Robert’s love of architecture encouraged this designer to use a “freer artistic license” in all phases of this interpretation. Mr. Robert’s capture of the atmosphere’s natural effects on the landscape.”

Untitled No. 629 by Wassily Kandinsky, 1936  

Sandra Tosches, Greenleaf Garden Club of Milford: “The abstraction in Kandinsky’s work of art with fantastical forms floating freely in space interacting to produce “inner vibrations of the soul” is the biggest challenge I’ve had in all my years of doing Flora in Winter.”

Child’s Mummy Case, 32 BCE–200 CE

Carla Morey of Milton Garden Club: “My design is meant to be an interpretation of various elements in the case. The container is a horizontal, bronze trough reflecting the shape and underlay of color in the design. … I made sure to choose materials of different forms and sizes to create depth and visual interest to carry you through the piece.”

Panels from the Wings of a Triptych by Paolo Veneziano, Mid-14^th Century

Maureen Christmas, Acton Garden Club: “I intend to create what is called in the flower show world a “duo design.” The front side will interpret the opulence and detail evident in the front panels. The back side will be more restrained. These panels were painted on a red background (as opposed to the gold of the inside panels) which emphasizes the sacredness and glory revealed when the panels/doors were opened.”

Suonatore by John La Farge, 1887 

Marne Mailhot, Worcester Garden Club: “La Farge’s woman playing a guitar captured my interest right away because of the lovely color palette. I knew garden roses and peach stock would play nicely into an interpretive design of our musician.”

Hopeful for an Early Spring

If you’re like me, you’re all in for embracing spring now that March is here. Where I live, unpredictable March taunts us: Will it be an early spring or longer winter?! Although Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow and gave us high hopes an early spring (fingers crossed!), we can’t jinx our chances by fully believing it! Not yet.

For now, I’m optimistic because a long stretch of warm days is predicted, the snow is melted, bulbs are poking through and Daylight Savings Time is just around the corner.

Thoughts of gardening are dancing in my head. We deserve an early spring as last year’s growing season had many challenges. I’m soaking up information on Facebook garden boards as other gardeners are getting pumped for spring. I already carefully selected a dozen packets of seeds and other essentials at our local Garden Shop. Next, I’ll start mulling over and drawing a map of what I intend to plant in my raised beds and containers.

Happy March to all! I wish all an enjoyable and productive month to get ready and contemplate your spring plans and goals!

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