Floriography with Author and Illustrator Jessica Roux

Hollyhocks, hydrangeas, geraniums and carnations. What does it all mean? The language of flowers was historically used as a means of secret communication. It soared in popularity during the 19th century, especially in Victorian England and the U.S., when proper etiquette discouraged open displays of emotion. Join us for a special event on October 1 as we dig deep into the language of flowers with Floriography author and illustrator Jessica Roux.

A charming, gorgeously illustrated botanical encyclopedia for your favorite romantic, local witch, bride-to-be, or green-thumbed friend. Floriography is a full-color guide to the historical uses and secret meanings behind an impressive array of flowers and herbs. The book explores the coded significances associated with various blooms, from flowers for a lover to flowers for an enemy. Mysterious and playful, the language of flowers has roots in everything from the characteristics of the plant to its presence in folklore and history. Researched and illustrated by popular artist Jessica Roux, this book makes a stunning display piece, conversation-starter, or thoughtful gift.

This program is free to attend, though while registering for the event, we hope you’ll consider contributing what you’d call a fair ticket price. We thank you for your attendance whether you’re able to donate or not. Register here!

Signed copies of Floriography will be available for purchase during the event. Proceeds benefit The Mark Twain House & Museum. We regret that we are NOT able to ship books outside the United States as it is cost-prohibitive to do so.

JESSICA ROUX is a Nashville-based illustrator, author, and plant and animal enthusiast. She loves exploring in her own backyard and being surrounded by an abundance of nature. Using subdued colors and rhythmic shapes, she renders flora, fauna, and many other things with intricate detail reminiscent of old world beauty.

Follow Jessica on Instagram to see more of her gorgeous illustrations: @jessicasroux

LUCINDA A. BROCKWAY is the Program Director for Cultural Resources at The Trustees. Brockway leads a team of cultural resource specialists seeking innovative solutions for cultural sites ignited by the unique legacy of each property. Brockway facilitated the curation of landscape research, planning and investments in three National Landmark sites owned by The Trustees: Naumkeag (Stockbridge), Castle Hill (Ipswich) and the Old Manse (Concord) which included rethinking the role of house, collections, landscape and ruins for public engagement. Currently her work includes similar rejuvenation efforts at Long Hill and Stevens Coolidge Place, activating the Chilmark Brickyard and planning efforts at Fruitlands Museum. An award-winning landscape designer and preservationist, Brockway ran her own firm for twenty-five years prior to joining The Trustees. Her work has been recognized by the Garden Club of America, the Garden Club Federation of Maine, American Society of Landscape Architects, Preservation League of New York State, the Massachusetts Historic Commission, and others. Her work has been featured in Old House Journal, Colonial Homes, Nineteenth Century and Accent as well as numerous professional and trade publications. She is the author of two books, A Favorite Place of Resort for Strangers (Fort Ticonderoga 2001), Gardens of the New Republic (May 2004), and contributing author to Reimagining Historic House Museums (2019). She serves as an instructor for the National Preservation Institute (Alexandria VA) and offers many lectures nationwide each year.