Everything was coming up roses at Madame X’s ‘Rhapsody in Bloom’ floral design + outdoor tea party on our lush, awe-inspiring farm! Our theme and experience lesson was about African-American garden club history. The day was sunny, warm and full of amazing blossoms that were awash with color! Upon arrival, our intrepid florists-in-training received their special flower-inspired undercover code names for the day. That shouldn’t be surprising. This was a Madame X joint, after all! Good luck finding out which one was BlackDahlia, IrisInferno, ShadowLily, EchoAzalea, PhantomRose or ScarletOrchid. The others, as always, shall remain nameless. There were so many special and beautiful aspects to this novel experience, that it was one of the madame’s personal favorites! Our interactive experience included an activity-based, self-guided tour of our charming farm and a formal tea party featuring tea, sandwiches and desserts from local, black-owned businesses, including, treats made by Madame X, herself! Pssst! She’s a woman of many talents, and she’s also ‘mean’ in the kitchen! While we nibbled, imbibed delicious herbal elixirs and absorbed the beauty that surrounded us; Madame X discussed the interesting, inspiring and complicated history of African-American garden clubs. “Rhapsody in Bloom” was Madame X Academy’s first multi-generational experience, and our young-at-heart floral designers ranged from ages from 10 to 90! Flower power is real! Madame X dedicated this beautiful floral odyssey to her father, who exposed her to George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, and countless other incredible things, experiences and ideas throughout her life. “I love you endlessly, dad,” she expressed with a wistful smile over tea.

Until next time…..in stealth and secrets,

MADAME X