A botanically-focused fundraiser for Powell Gardens, Kansas City's botanical garden

A Celebration in Full Bloom: Fleur-ette 2025

Powell Gardens

July 28, 2025

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On June 4, Powell Gardens gathered supporters at The Hobbs in Kansas City’s West Bottoms for Fleur-ette 2025—a vibrant immersive experience that combines the splendor of nature, the art of living beautifully, and the joy of giving back. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and guests, we raised more than $150,000, directly supporting our mission to inspire and educate through the beauty of the Midwest landscape.

“Having been involved on the board in the past years and now on the Emeritus Board, I can think of no other place that settles the mind and spirit more than Powell Gardens.” —Clyde F. Wendel

These funds will preserve native plant collections, expand educational programs, and create transformative garden experiences year-round.  If you feel compelled to give to Powell Gardens’ mission, visit powellgardens.org/donate.

That spirit of connection was reflected throughout the event. Guests enjoyed a lively Garden Party on the venue’s outdoor patio, featuring botanical cocktails by Tom’s Town Distilling Co., a curated marketplace of local artisans and plant vendors including West Bottoms Plant Co, and Bird’s Botanicals, live music by Eboni Fondren Jazz, and joyful conversations among fellow garden lovers. The elegant, welcoming atmosphere echoed Powell Gardens itself—a place where natural beauty sparks creativity and community.

A highlight of the event was a talk from celebrated interior designer and author Marshall Watson, who shared stories ranging from his youth in Kansas City to his incredible career designing for clients around the world. Marshall’s talk seamlessly integrated photos of beautiful interior designs and stunning gardens, accented with his personal story, as captured in his most recent book, Defining Elegance. A beautiful set by Hawkins Design Build, decorated with pots and plants from Nell Hills and Pear Tree Design and Antiques provided the perfect backdrop for Watson’s talk.

After the talk, guests enjoyed a seasonal luncheon with a delightful mini-fashion show presented by Halls. Sponsors and their guests were treated also to an exclusive hands-on design workshop with Marshall Watson, filled with practical takeaways for infusing everyday spaces with natural elegance.

Country Club Bank, Marilyn Hebenstreit and Ali Armistead were presenting sponsors for the event; Hebenstreit and Armistead also served as Honorary Chairs. Event Chairs, Kirstin Pace Salzman and Ashley Pindell, led the volunteer event committee.

“When Kirstin asked me to serve as the Fleur-ette event chair, I immediately said yes. I came to love Powell Gardens because of my mother, Courtney Earnest. The Gardens were a very special place for her. She served on the Board and was an advocate for the preservation, cultivation and beauty Powell Gardens provides for our community. Being able to serve as Fleur-ette Co-Chair was an honor for me and a way to share the serenity and connection my family has found in nature, especially at Powell Gardens,” said event chair, Ashley Pindell.

More than a beautiful gathering, Fleur-ette 2025 was a collective commitment to Powell Gardens’ future. Together, we’re ensuring the Gardens remain a place of education, conservation, and inspiration for generations to come.

This generosity was demonstrated by the following event sponsors, whose support helped bring Fleur-ette 2025 to life.

Presenting Sponsors  

Ali Armistead and Marilyn Hebenstreit
Country Club Bank

Gold Sponsors

Ellen Merriman
George and Wendy Powell
Nick and Mary Ann Powell
Ruthie F. Rinehart

We are deeply grateful to all who made Fleur-ette 2025 possible—and to you, our blog readers, for your continued support. To stay involved, visit powellgardens.org or reach out to development@powellgardens.org.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Gardens soon—where inspiration blooms every day.

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