Dinner in the park volunteers assemble daisies for hundreds of mini bouquets before the Carmichael Parks Foundation gala in Jensen Botanical Garden. Floral artists are Lynn Jacoby-McClellan, Diana Acosta, event chair Heidi Hull, co-chair Rosie Buck and Cyd Evans.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Grown on site and freshly picked, zinnia and cosmos daisies were part of table service at last weekend’s Dinner in the Park gala.

In its sixth year, the community’s most colorful event was a festival featuring fall’s prettiest petals.

Even as guests donned floral dresses for the Carmichael Parks Foundation fundraiser, volunteers were popping petite posies in centerpiece vases.

“All our flowers were grown by Sutter Community Gardens plot-holders” said event chair Heidi Hull.  “Flowers can be a costly part of events. We’re fortunate to have nature’s best offerings on hand.”

The gala theme “Reflections of Nature” was echoed by a mirrored arch over the dining area entrance.

“The arch reflects our beautiful natural surroundings,” said Hull. “Huge, iridescent orbs add to the fairyland atmosphere.”

Gala supporters Karin Grutchfield (front left) and Donna Miller approve the volunteers’ petite floral centerpieces. “Perfect for seeing who you’re talking to,” was the general verdict. 

The al-fresco extravaganza began in Carmichael Community Gardens, where sunflowers towered over wine-sippers. After an hour of live jazz, attendees tiptoed through tea roses, ambulated through olive groves and arrived to sup in Jensen Botanical Gardens. Here, the volunteer’s floristry bloomed on 40 tables. 

“Low centerpieces are perfect for conversation,” said a guest. “You can actually see who you’re talking to.” 

Lit by stars, lanterns and a Gibbous moon, patrons enjoyed a three-course meal. Auctions and raise-the-paddle bids followed. As dancers rocked to Carmichael’s Wasted Space band, daisies closed their petals. Shrinking violets shrunk. 

Wilting but willing volunteers gathered blown bouquets. Today’s cosmos is tomorrow’s compost.

“It’s a long, busy day,” Hull said. “It can’t happen without dozens of volunteers. For every dollar raised to support our community parks, we feel our efforts are worthwhile.”

Dinner in the Parks supports the Carmichael Parks Foundation by funding maintenance, beautification and youth programs in Carmichael Recreation and Park District properties. For information on foundation programs, visit www.carmichaelparksfoundation.org.

More photos and a report on the gala will appear in next week’s Carmichael Times, out Sept. 19.