In the first-of-its-kind event, LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, New York invited a select group of noted garden designers to participate in ON & OFF the Ground: an Invitational Container Exhibition June 28, 2008. P. Allen Smith's design was awarded a blue ribbon by judge Martha Stewart.

LongHouse Reserve, founded by textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen, encompasses 16 acres of gardens with displays of contemporary sculpture and is well known for its critically acclaimed exhibited works. The purpose of this exhibition was to display container designs as an art form. Long time LongHouse supporter, Martha Stewart, was invited to judge the 24 unique displays. She took photos and made notes for each of the exhibits and after careful study awarded a blue ribbon to Allen's captivating collection of blue-green ceramic containers filled with chartreuse foliage plants.

Allen found inspiration for his design from the sculpture gardens at LongHouse. Rather than lean on blooms, he let the bold electric glow of the yellow-green foliage carry the spirit of the composition. Seven New England Pottery Tundra containers in different sizes and shapes were clustered together to form one sculpture. Each was filled with single varieties of plants including 'Guacamole' hosta, and Proven Winners Dolce® 'Key Lime Pie' heuchera, 'Ogon' acorus grass and 'Angelina' sedum. Friend and Long Island landscape contractor Barry Block assisted with the installation.

Upon receiving his blue ribbon Smith said, "I've been an admirer of Jack's work both in textiles and in the garden and it was an honor and pleasure to participate."

P. Allen Smith's Garden Home