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A kaleidoscope of colors, forms, and patterns |
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Through May 11, 2008
Nancy Bryan Luce Herb Garden
Dozens of magnificent auricula primroses set in a charming display based on a centuries-old tradition and designed by The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury (Lady Salisbury) are once again on view.
Auricula primroses are velvety flowers in stunning colors and patterns that derive from two species native to the mountains of Europe. The combination of Primula auricula, a delicate alpine species with yellow flowers, and Primula hirsute, with red and blue flowers, has produced a kaleidoscope of amazing and highly collectible cultivars.
An auricula theater is an arrangement of tiered staging used to showcase these rare and choice primroses. The tradition of building auricula theaters began in France and Belgium, perhaps as early as the 17th century, to protect the exquisite flowers from rain and wind. The earliest versions ranged from shallow, open-fronted boxes with simple shelves to more elaborate forms ornamented with ormolu, an alloy resembling gold in appearance.
The practice of building auricula theaters was raised to an art form in 19th-century England, where many estates with fine gardens included an auricula theater, the most elaborate of which evoked grand stages, with fauxpainted curtains and proscenium arches that added drama to the composition. At the same time, the cultivation and display of auricula primroses became popular among coal miners in England and Wales, who took delight in the beautiful flowers and the elaborate stages.
Lady Salisbury is the renowned horticulturist who restored her legendary garden at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, England, in the spirit of its original 17th-century design.
The auricula theater was fabricated by Christianson Lee Studios.
Spring Season sponsored by 
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