Julie Andrews: Singer, Actress and...Rose Enthusiast?

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Who does not have a special place in their hearts for a Julie Andrews movie?  If you don't know Mary Poppins or the Sound of Music, you must, and I mean, must, watch these movies, if for no other reason than to be able to experience a truly large movie of its day (but there are really enough other reasons to check it out). Her career didn't stop there though. She went on to star in numerous other films, such as Victor Victoria and 10, and some may know her from her 2000s fame in the Princess Diaries and the voice of the Queen in Shrek 2. She's written children's books, won a slew of awards, including Tony awards, Grammys, Golden Globe awards, Academy Awards, Kids Choice Award--the list goes on and on. But besides all of this that we know about Ms. Andrews, who knew this versatile lady was also a rose enthusiast?

Well, apparently the people at the New York Botanical Gardens did, which is why they're honoring her (and Rose Garden Curator, Stephen Scanniello) at the 25th anniversary of the Rose Garden Dinner on October 8. Enjoy cocktails, a dinner, dancing, a private tour and display of none other than the "Sally Holmes," Ms. Andrews' favorite rose cultivar.

If you're interested in attending, tickets start at $1000 a pop and you can reserve a grand benefactor table of ten for $50,000.  Okay, so that's a lot of money, and no, this playwright here will not be able to attend (however I am a member of the NYBG, and appreciate how they bring so much beauty and nature to the area).  But keep in mind that the proceeds support the Fund for Horticulture and "the continued preservation and development of the historic Rockefeller Rose Garden."  And, hey, you might just get a chance to brush elbows with one of the all time great ladies in musical theatre and film. I guess she's the spoonful of sugar to that price tag. And it does help.

Share your thoughts: What is your favorite Julie Andrews memory, movie or musical? Are you a member of a Botanical Gardens near you? What kinds of links do you find between theatre and nature?