Spring is a time for rebirth, fields afresh with the vibrant colors of new growth and songbirds dancing limb-to-limb. To celebrate this wondrous time, Filoli Mansion and Gardens will be hosting its 24th annual Flower Show with a four-day event showcasing the expertise of 75 floral designers. This year’s theme, “The Secret Garden, Discover the Magic,” includes arrangements from 18 exhibitors who also participate in the de Young Museum’s Bouquets to Art. The Flower Show takes place during Mother’s Day weekend, May 10-13, beginning with a special opening night reception honoring former curator, Tom Rogers, for his more than 30 years of dedication and service to Filoli. The night gives patrons a rare opportunity to stroll the gardens during the evening as well as a preview of the exquisite floral arrangements and table settings unique to this year’s theme.

The weekend offers an assortment of activities for all ages and budgets. Gather the family and meander through the many horticultural exhibits, take in a flower chat and stay for the floral arranging demonstrations. There will be live music throughout the event and special tea serviceon Friday and Saturday. For Mother’s Day, treat mom to a champagne brunch and don’t forget to leave room for touring, as admission to the flower show is included. On Saturday and Sunday, boxed lunches are available for advanced purchase and can be enjoyed amongst the oaktrees while listening to live music.

For the flower show, as well as Wednesdays through Sundays from mid-March through mid-October, Garden Information Docents specially trained through the UC Davis Master Gardener program are available to answer questions about Filoli’s horticultural practices and assistpatrons with questions about their own gardens. Visitors also will get a chance to see the exceptional Botanical Art Exhibit, on display through June 24. Filoli has the distinction of having its own Florilegium (book of flowers) as well as two other prominent collections, The Banks’ and Highgrove, with select pieces on view throughout the mansion.

The magic continues all summer long at Filoli with the jazz concert series featuring world-class musicians. Arrive early to spend time in the garden and mansion, which is always dressed up with bouquets of the latest cuttings. Six new headliners will grace the stage this year, from traditional jazz to soulful sounds to swing.

Filoli, one of 29 US National Trust Historic sites, offers an expansive assortment of guided tours and educational programs throughout the summer months. As part of the estate’s commitment to preservation, the Gentlemen’s Orchard has been restored to include a diverse collection of more than 600 trees. Orchard Tours begin in June, with a special event in the planning stages for Father’s Day. Nature hikes, bird walks and sunset hikes take visitors on an exploration of the seven miles of trails on the 650 acre nature preserve. Since the estate generally closes at 3:30pm, sunset hikes are one of the few times visitors can experience the property in the twilight hours. Want to take a flower arranging class, study plants or sit in the tranquility of the gardens and paint? Filoli offers courses for adults in home floral design, cooking, art and Botanical Art, including the noteworthy Botanical Art Certificate Program. Children may study drawing, painting and miniature flower arranging, the latter of which includes an invitation to exhibit their creations during the Flower Show in the mansion’s kitchen.

Filoli is considered one of America’s greatest treasures. The 36,000 square foot house sits adjacent to sixteen acres of formal gardens, arranged as garden rooms, each with its own personality. Gazing over the Sunken Garden in the spring visitors will find a canopy of baby blue eyes in company with gradient orange tulips and white double daffodils, occasionally interrupted by the reddish-yellow of wallflowers below a boundary of Virginia blue bells. It is a feast for the eyes and the senses, the hanging clusters of wisteria mixing with a light breeze to unfurl nature’sperfume.

Built in 1917 by Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn II as a private residence, the home was designed by architect Willis Polk in a multifaceted style blending architectural elements from several periods. The house is furnished with a collection of 17th and 18th century antiques, largely due to generous gifts. The property was sold in 1937 to Mr. and Mrs. William P. Roth, and donated by Mrs. Roth to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975. Mrs. Roth, an avid horticulturalist and traveler, brought worldwide recognition to the garden.

Members receive discounts on all special events plus member-only privileges. Filoli is located at 86 Cañada Road in Woodside. More information can be found at filoli.org or by calling (650) 364-8300.