Martha Stewart Falls Hard for Dallas’ Green Ways: Lifestyle Queen Cannot Get Enough of the Arboretum in Whirlwind Visit

What: Martha Stewart personal appearance and book signing

Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

PC Moment: While in Dallas to speak about and sign copies of her newest book Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying, Martha Stewart had high praise for the Dallas Arboretum.

“I know how much effort it takes to build such an amazing garden, so congratulations to Dallas,” she said. “You are lucky to have such a place to gather and enjoy.”

Stewart was also in town to receive the arboretum’s Artscape Great Contributor to Art Award, an honor quite fitting for someone of her stature.

For the event, she brought along longtime colleague and fellow floral enthusiast, Kevin Sharkey, whose intricate arrangements are highlighted in the book, which he co-authored.

In addition to meeting Martha, guests were able to bid on local artwork curated by Gail Sachson, with proceeds benefitting the arboretum. Luncheon fare included chilled vichyssoise, escalope of salmon, a blackberry mousse with lavender, and a lemon tart with rose petals.

On each table were floral arrangements inspired by those in Martha’s Flowers, crafted by local designers John Holstead, Debby Jewesson, David Kimmel, and Kristen Wolchik.

The beautiful blooms didn’t stop there: Bows & Arrows‘ Alicia and Adam Rico fashioned an outdoor flower wall, two indoor flower walls, and numerous displays for the stage.

To read PaperCity‘s exclusive interview with the entertaining/cooking/gardening/lifestyle icon, click here.

Who: Martha Stewart, Kevin Sharkey, Artscape chair Kaki Hopkins, Dallas Arboretum board chair Mark Wolf, Robin Carreker, Taylor Collinsworth, Brenda Miller, Joanna Shuart, Judy Dryden, Lynn and Peter Dauterman, Jenny Wegley, Joe Buskuhl, Nancy Connor, Kathy Cothrum, Suzanne Palmlund, Carol Hall, Jolie Humphrey, Julie Brown, and Janis Wells.