It was a siren call to the New York Botanical Garden by trumpeters clad in red velvet capes! Society belles rubbed elbows among the blooms at the 250-acre oasis during the annual Conservatory Ball. Tuxedos and floral-print gowns dotted the paths of the newly revitalized Perennial Garden, updated by painter-turned-public-garden-designer Lynden Miller (who has also worked her magic on the elegant Conservatory Garden in Central Park, Madison Square Park, Bryant Park, Wagner Park, and the Columbia University campus).

Cocktails amid the Russian sage and giant kale, the Peony Collection (not to mention the 46 other magnificent gardens and plant collections, and the new Leon Levy Visitor Center) were followed by dinner in the magnificent Conservatory Tent (designed by Robert Downs Clark). Guests feasted on a sump-tuous Glorious Food banquet, then kicked up their heels on the dance floor.

Event chairs included: Friederike Biggs, Maureen Chilton, Geanne Jones, and Mary Davidson. Also in the bouquet: Dr. Sherrell Aston and Muffie Potter Aston, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Hilary Geary, Martin and Audrey Gruss, Fernanda Kellogg, Cynthia and Dan Lufkin, Elizabeth Stribling, Gail Hilson, Marianne and John Castle, Diane Tierney, Carrol Petrie, Mai Hallingby, Jean Pearman, Marvin Davidson and Diane Jennings, Lars and Jeannie Newbohn, Coleman and Susan Burke, James and Lyn Flynn, Wilson Nolen, Gregory Long, Natasha and F. Richards Ford, Suzanne and David Sentry, Ken and Noreen Buckfire, and Debbie Bancroft and Douglas Hannant.

The wine, the song, the beauty, the season—it was enough to make anyone want to tiptoe through the tulips!