Spring in Memphis gets a storybook twist on May 3, when Memphis Botanic Garden hosts Petals & Parasols, a Regency era-inspired garden party designed for leisurely wandering and full sensory immersion. The event transforms the Garden into a living tableau of florals, fashion, and music — an afternoon that feels equal parts Southern spring and period drama.
The inspiration, says director of audience engagement Gina Harris, came naturally. “Spring in the Garden feels like stepping into a storybook,” she explains, noting that the Regency theme offered a way to frame that seasonal magic with romance and elegance. The result is an experience that invites guests to momentarily slip into another era — while dressed for the occasion.
Included with regular admission, the event unfolds across the Garden’s most picturesque spaces, from the Rose and Iris Gardens to the Herb Garden and Four Seasons Court. Along the way, visitors encounter floral couture — one-of-a-kind gowns crafted by local florists — as well as imaginative tablescapes designed by area garden clubs. The emphasis on local collaboration gives the event a distinctly Memphis flavor while showcasing the depth of creative talent in the city.
Harris recommends a relaxed approach: arrive, take it all in, and let curiosity guide you. “Each garden space offers a new visual and sensory experience,” she says. That might mean pausing for a photo among the installations, enjoying bites from food trucks, or catching a set by the Renecia Michelle Trio, whose live music adds a layer of elegance that ties the atmosphere together.
The self-paced format is intentional. Rather than a tightly scheduled program, Petals & Parasols encourages guests to linger where they please — whether that’s voting for a favorite floral gown, watching children engage in hands-on activities, or simply strolling beneath the spring canopy.
For those looking to elevate the experience, the 21+ “Rose of the Ball” VIP package offers cocktails, small bites, and a reserved seating area suited for relaxing between garden explorations. It’s designed, Harris says, for guests who want to “fully indulge in the day and lean into the garden party spirit.”
Ultimately, Petals & Parasols reflects the Garden’s broader mission: connecting people to nature through creativity and beauty. Or, as Harris puts it, the goal is simple — guests leave “delighted, inspired, and just a bit transported,” carrying a sense of springtime joy long after the last bloom fades.
PETALS & PARASOLS, MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, 750 CHERRY RD., SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1-5 P.M.