Gents in black ties and ladies in long dresses packed into the Texas Discovery Gardens for the 2012 Flora Awards. They gathered to honor Barbara Hunt Crow, a woman born into a great oil dynasty who married a real estate tycoon — but who never failed to appreciate the opportunities afforded to her.

In the dining room, tables were set with blue-and-white-china, in honor of Crow’s collection. Before the meal began, executive director Dick Davis expressed his gratitude to the event chairs and proudly reminded guests that Texas Discovery Gardens was in its 76th year.

“But the best is yet to come,” he noted. Then he complimented Crow with the loveliest of sentiments: “Wherever she walks, flowers grow in her footprints.”

When honorary chairs Ellen and John McStay introduced Crow, they added to Davis’ praises. “When I asked family and friends to give me a few adjectives so we would know a little more about who Barbara really is, their answers made me wish they were talking about me,” Ellen said.

“Promoting Texas Discovery Gardens is natural for Barbara, as she casually wears a butterfly jacket, pin or carries a butterfly purse,” Ellen added. “No other organization has a better champion.”

Crow modestly approached the podium and gave the crowd insight into her life. She talked about her parents setting an example for everyone around them, by serving on all kinds of boards and committees. She also said that her father, often away on business trips halfway around the world, would always make it back in time for her school plays.

Story after story, Crow charmed the benevolent crowd, including Capera Ryan, Ebby Halliday, Caroline Rose Hunt, Michael Bosco, Libby Hunt, Jennifer and Edward Sampson, and Mary Anne and Richard Cree.