by Andrea LaMantia, FOHH President
The Friends of Harmony Hall were thrilled to welcome back for the second time Linda Karen, interior designer and proprietor of Iron Rose Interiors and Decor in Nyack, on Saturday, February 8, for an enchanting presentation titled "The Secret Language of Flowers in the Victorian Era.” This interactive experience allowed guests, many of whom were visiting Harmony Hall for the first time, to explore the deep symbolism behind flowers and even try their hand at creating a tussie mussie. This small, hand-held bouquet conveys hidden messages through flowers.
This delightful event was perfectly timed to add a touch of romance and beauty just before Valentine’s Day. Guests enjoyed the historic ambiance of the 1848 double parlor, with its classic Victorian charm, while discovering the secret meanings of flowers and the history of tussie mussies and nosegays. The sun shone through the newly restored parlor’s south windows, creating perfect lighting for Linda’s Victorian doll display, which showcased the nosegays.
It was inspiring to hear attendees express such enthusiasm for the house and the events organized by the Friends. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Eve Fernandez described the afternoon as “Magical in every way. Enjoyed the opportunity to hear about the flowers.” Melissa Sieger said, “Linda brought the Victorian Era alive with her lecture and hands-on bouquet instruction. There was a beautiful selection of flowers and decorative elements to create bouquets.” While Roxeann Luchesi remarked on how fascinating it was to learn about a language that didn’t use your voice. These comments reflect the impact of Linda's captivating
talk on everyone. After the presentation, guests assembled in the dining room of Harmony Hall to savor sparkling cider, a variety of sweet treats, and delicious chocolates donated by the Board of Trustees and The Village Blend in Sloatsburg.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Linda Karen for sharing her knowledge and passion for the Victorian-era tradition of flower symbolism. We also want to thank New City Florist for donating the showpiece bouquet and Tuxedo Wine and Liquor for the door prizes. The event not only brought our guests closer to the history of Harmony Hall but also left them with a deeper appreciation for the timeless beauty of flowers and the art of communication through nature.
Stay tuned for more exciting events at Harmony Hall—thanks to the involvement of our dedicated community, the future looks bright!
Flowers Speak - Recap of our Secret Language of Flowers
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