The garden show at the Honolulu Academy of Arts this weekend is an oasis of splendor and tranquility. But you should have been there earlier in the week, during the set-up period. It wasn't chaos, but not far from it.
Admission is free.
Big, burly men swinging boards and tools while well-dressed women dived to protect their plants. Grandmotherly types, in identical red floral aprons, on their knees carefully wiping away water spots from each leaf. The stress of planning and producing this venture is so great on the 100 members of the Garden Club of Honolulu that they only do it once every three years. Show co-chairwoman Phyllis Lee cringed when two workmen dragged a piece of shelving dangerously close to someone's perfect rose bloom. I still apologize whenever I see her.