Now in its 31st year, Lotusland Celebrates, Garden Gala and Auction, which supports the botanical gardens created by Ganna Walska, is open for bidding until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 20.
Madame Ganna Walska’s Lotusland estate is a place of serenity in Montecito. (Courtesy photo)
The Lotusland Celebrates Online Auction is held in advance of this year’s sold-out Garden Gala, themed Jardin des Rêves (Garden of Dreams) an homage to Madame Walksa’s life in Paris.
Auction participants can bid on experiences and travel escapes, fine jewelry, original artwork, collectibles, furnishings, and wellness offerings.
All items were donated in support of Lotusland’s mission: preserving plant biodiversity, advancing sustainable horticulture, and maintaining the historic estate and plant collections entrusted to its care.
A live auction will take place during the gala event on July 19, with six lots up for bidding, including a week-long cruise aboard a 317-foot private yacht (available to in-person guests and registered remote participants via proxy bidding.) Apply through July 17 at noon).
The gala event is chaired by David M. Jones and Julie Morley, with Wendy Schmidt serving as honorary chair. Manitou Fund is the event’s presenting sponsor, and Rosewood Miramar Beach is hospitality sponsor.
“Preserving an historic property and botanical garden of this scale is a tremendous responsibility,” said Rebecca Anderson, CEO of Ganna Walska Lotusland.
“Funds raised through Lotusland Celebrates are essential to covering the annual costs of garden operations and expert staffing, the care of our living collections, buildings and grounds, and public programs that make Lotusland extraordinary,” she said.
The online auction includes:
Irene Neuwirth Super Bloom Cuff Gray Malin’s Coral Casino Art & Exclusive Meet-and-Greet, Bespoke Ring by Daniel Gibbings, Tree to Table Marmalade Workshop, Christian Dior Rose des Vents Necklace and Ring, SBIFF Platinum Access, Gunn Lounge Chairs.
Also, a custom portrait by Mandana Mir, Wellness Journey by PALMA Colectiva; Emily Joubert Home & Garden Laurel Day Bed, Carolina Bucci Custom Memory Pendant, Rosewood Le Guanahani, St. Barth, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, Staycation at Rosewood Miramar Beach.
Private party at John Lautner’s Iconic Sheats-Goldstein Home & Garden, Montecito Country Mart Curated Day of Style, Beverly Hills Fashion Styling Session at the Irene Albright Fashion Library, “Garden of Dreams” mural by Colette Cosentino.
Lotusland Through a Master’s Lens with photographer Lisa Romerein, Neal Feay designed Garden Arbor, Kona Express tickets, A Celestial Dinner Party at Lotusland, and “Secret Garden” Tour & Lunch.
Live auction lots include:
An Evening at Hill House-Montecito, New York Fashion Week Fantasy, Private Caribbean Superyacht Voyage, Lotusland-Inspired Lemon Arbor, Visit to Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage.
To view all lots and place a bid, visit https://fundraiser.support/JardinDesReves.
For more, visit www.lotuslandcelebrates.org.
Lotusland, a public garden in Montecito, is home to collections of plants, many of which are threatened in their native habitats.
Proceeds from Lotusland Celebrates directly support its mission to preserve and enhance the distinctive estate and botanical gardens of Madame Ganna Walska. Learn more at Lotusland.org.