2009 Newport Flower Show

A woodland sprite at the 2009 Flower Show

It was a Midsummer Night's Dream at the 14th annual Flower Show of The Preservation Society of Newport Country, which celebrated the Natural path and natural greenery.

Complete with woodland sprites, and award-winning entries that were created of sticks, twigs, and foliage, the show was an homage to the woods, its creatures, and our environment, and, for the first time, included a photography award.

Guests at the festive Preview Party were greeted by the woodland spirits and sprites, popping out from behind trees, lounging by pools, and dined on food prepared by local caterers and restaurants. A juggler entertained, classical music drifted from the ballroom of Rosecliff, and guests strolled the imaginative, elegant booths.

This year's International Achievement Award for 2009 was awarded to HRH The Prince of Wales, in recognition of his distinguished career dedicated to sustainable and organic farming and gardening as well as his deep commitment to the world's environment. The award was announced on Saturday evening, June 27, during the Olmsted Benefactor dinner celebrating the 14th annual Newport Flower Show.

In a letter to Flower Show co-chair Patricia Fernandez, Clive Alderton, Deputy Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales, said Prince Charles was "deeply touched" to have been nominated for the award, and that he accepted "with much pleasure."

"The Prince of Wales has, for many years, been working to encourage a genuinely sustainable approach to the development of communities by encouraging 'joined up' thinking which considers the natural environment and built environment in a holistic way. It is from this basic premise that His Royal Highness's initiatives trace a 'golden thread' which links the areas of organic agriculture, complementary medicine, planning our buildings in a way which builds communities and-crucially-community spirit, and finding ways to inspire teachers in order that they in turn can inspire our children."

On hand to admire the breathtaking and creative displays were Trudy Coxe, the Preservation Society CEO and Executive Director, David Ford, Elizabeth Brooks, Mary Ambrogi, Rod O'Hanley, Steve and Allison Walk, co-chairmen Jocelyn Sherman and Candace Morganstern, Ruth Taylor, Mary Riggs, Cheryl Helms, Buck Sherman with Kate and Bill Lucey, Mary and Tom Gilbane, Tom Cullen, Jonathan Pardee and co-chairman Patricia Fernandez.