A Peony for Your Thoughts

By Hattie Foote

I asked my husband, testing his love for me. I could see the panic in his eyes as he racked his brain for the correct answer and suddenly a lightbulb went off. “Pekingese!” he exclaimed proudly. Ah yes, there’s nothing I love more than a breed of toy dog shoved in my favorite vase. What the sweet simple man was trying to say was peonies, but I will throw him a bone since he got the first letter right.

Spring has sprung and I am feeling especially grateful for the season after a cold, wet winter. A few months ago, I mentioned I joined the Coronado Floral Association as I dipped my toe in the Coronado community scene. Seeing as I watch entirely too many Real Housewives reality shows, I half expected an event complete with women throwing plants, guzzling champagne, and accusing each other of stealing husbands, purses, etc. The first event I attended was held at The Henry back in September, where Kara’s Flowers taught us how to assemble bouquets. It was lovely, just so, so lovely. No weird vibes, just a bunch of locals who enjoy flowers. I have since loved the monthly social events around town, we have done a botanical cocktails class at Garage Buona Forchetta, candle making with AR Workshop, and an infamous succulent pumpkin night, that ended up with a few of us parading our works of art around the Little Club… don’t ask.

So, who is joining me? I asked my dear friend and membership chair Sam Bey for some eloquent words of encouragement, and she said “Our members are the backbone of the Coronado Floral Association. They make celebrated events like the Flower Show possible! And there are such fun monthly member events that being part of it is a great way to be involved in the community and share the love of flowers with like-minded people.” There you have it! If you want to come smells the roses with us, signing up for membership is super easy. Just head to www.coronadoflowershow.com to join! Also make sure to follow along on Instagram @coronadoflowershow for updates, and photos. Make sure to sign up soon, because bonus you get into the flower show for free! Just keep in mind that memberships will expire on May 31, and new memberships will begin June 1.

Now it’s time for the main event, the 101st annual Coronado Flower Show! On April 15 and 16, Spreckels Park will be transformed into a floral wonderland. The theme this year is Hollywood in Bloom,

which I personally love, very glam. There is so much to see and do, including a beer and wine garden, music, and of course the stunning exhibits. This is also the first year I am attending the 1922 party, which is a hot ticket and unfortunately probably sold out by the time you read this, but definitely keep it in mind for next year!

It takes a village to put these events together, and the CFA depends on volunteers to help run the show. For example, Homefront judging takes a lot of legwork! I’m excited to see which neighbors get the top prizes for Homefront judging, unfortunately I don’t think blue ribbon is in the cards for me. Fingers crossed that the Foote kids can take one for the team and bring home an honor from the youth tent at the flower show. Can’t wait to see everyone out and about, cheers to spring!