Flowers In Her Hair

Austin sociologist and author Julie Ardery thinks the timeless and symbiotic rapport between humans and flowers is something that’s worth thinking about, and, as her Human Flower Project online newsgroup proves, that deserves our ongoing attention and discussion. That’s the gist of her lecture titled “White Roses for the Bride, Red Begonias for the Dictator,” which takes place tonight at 7 p.m. in Mitchell Hall at the Denver Botanic Gardens in conjunction with the DBG’s ongoing Bonfils-Stanton Series. But Ardery will also make her point in literal living color after the talk, when her collaborator, artful Denver florist Arthur Williams of Babylon Floral Design unveils a stunning Floral Fashion Show illustrating her objectives.

So, will these “floral fashions” merely be arrangements (which, given Williams’s rep for sculptural dramatics, would be astonishing in and of themselves)? Nope: “This will be humans dressed using actual flower arrangements on their bodies,” the DBG’s Sarah Olson says. And though Williams hasn’t disclosed his design plan yet, Olson notes that the outfits might include anything from magnificent floral headdresses to unique floral accessories woven into the overall look. Either way, she promises, it’s going to be smashing. “It will be electric and a fantastic opportunity to bring your camera,” she encourages. To that end, photo-shoot ops will take place both inside the lecture room and outside on the DBG grounds.

The Gardens are at 1007 York Street; a space-limited pre-lecture tour will be offered at 5 p.m., and a food truck will be parked outside beginning at 5:30 p.m. The tour is $15, and lecture admission is $15 to $20; visit www.botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3580 to register for both.

Thu., Sept. 15, 7 p.m., 2011