Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden celebrated the opening of A Tasteful Place with A Gala Garden Party on Oct. 15, co-chaired by Barbara Bigham and Robin Carreker and honorary co-chairs Diane and Hal Brierley.
Nearly 400 guests dressed in “garden gorgeous” attire sipped cocktails, including signature ones named The Brierley and the “Ruthie Jay – two specialty drinks to honor major gala donors The Brierleys and Ruthie and Jay Pack.
Welcoming guests to the new vegetable, herb and fruit garden was Bigham in an original skirt fashioned out of vegetables—lettuces, Brussels sprouts, carrots and artichokes—with a kale train. Created by Dr. Delphinium Design + Events, the floral shop also designed the elegant Lady Nancy, centerpiece as a tribute to Nancy Rutchik, presenting patron and gala sponsor of A Tasteful Place.
“A Tasteful Place is more than a 3.5-acre display garden of fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. It’s a wonderful garden with a pavilion that will have cooking demonstrations, daily tastings, special events and gardening guides to give advice, ” Carreker said. “One person that is helping with the garden’s scheduling is program consultant P. Allen Smith, who is also a lifestyle and gardening expert and television host.”
Dallas Arboretum Board Chairman J. Mark Wolf thanked Bigham and Carreker for planning the lovely gala.
“We have been so fortunate to have this great new addition that completes the south end of the garden, and it would not be possible without the collective effort of our generous donors, great board, talented design team and hard-working staff, all working together to build and create A Tasteful Place.”
He personally thanked the major donors and table friends represented by name.
Guests walked back to A Tasteful Place’s Charlotte and Donald Test Pavilion for a champagne toast and desserts.
Gala supporters:
Presenting Patrons: Ruthie & Jay Pack and Nancy Rutchik
Patrons: Diane and Hal Brierley
Supporters: Connie and Denny Carreker, Robin and Jim Carreker, Crow Holdings, Gail and Cliff Fischer and The Rosewood Foundation.
First photo: Barbara and Bob Bigham and Jene Bigham
Photo credit: Dallas Arboretum/Steve Foxall
