More than 75 guests gathered at the home of Dee Wyly for the Texas Discovery Gardens Flora Award patron party honoring this year's recipient, Jan Pickens. Wyly proved a most capable and generous hostess, as she provided all the food, flowers and valet for the evening.
Wyly welcomed guests into her beautiful atrium for a special dinner prepared by her chef and house manager, Darren McGrady. If that name rings a bell, it's because McGrady, nicknamed the Royal Chef, was the former personal chef for Princess Diana.
Texas Discovery Gardens director Dick Davis introduced Flora Award co-chairs Jennifer Huff and Courtney Love to guests — including Lynn McBee, Tiffany Divis, Ann Dyer, John Clutz, Carolyn Lupton, Robert Grackvill and Caroline Rose Hunt — then spoke about Pickens and her dedication to the community and the gardens.
"It was Jan who took the Flora Award from a simple tea and turned it into the elegant event it is today," added Love. "She has grace, elegance and a deep faith, and there is no one more deserving of this award."
The Flora Award recognizes outstanding citizens who have demonstrated a commitment to beautification, education, and the advancement of the environment and quality of life. Past winners include Ellen and John McStay, Ebby Halliday Acers, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Dee and Charles Wyly, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Barbara Hunt Crow.
The evening ended with a wonderful assortment of desserts and mixing and mingling in the atrium. Pickens officially receives her Flora Ward at the annual black tie gala in Fair Park set for November 7.
Jan Pickens, Alison Farrow
