I am determined to have one (bought or built). And each spring for the last four years The New York Botanical Gardens opens its auricula theater designed by garden historian The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury (below). Vita Sackville-West had a small auricula theater made at Sissinghurst (above). The theaters can be simple or elaborate, and to this day auriculas have starring roles in flower shows (plant collectors, like Simon Lockyer, win trophies for their auriculas and have dedicated their life to them). Then some imaginative soul came up with the idea of a theater for these showstoppers (this happened in the 1700s).

Originally from the mountainsides of Europe, auriculas have been collected, cultivated, and coveted since the 1500s. Thus the showcasing and shelter of the theater. With regular performances throughout the week, you can experience the spellbinding show the. The Apollo Victoria Theatre is home to the West End’s hit musical, Wicked, and has been for over 15 years. Their blooms are exquisite and delicate, and they will not tolerate direct sun or wind or rain. Instantly recognisable by its dazzling lights and grand exterior, you’ll find our venue in the heart of thriving Victoria. But, even more interesting is the Pythagorean mathematical healing properties of the repetition and colour. Because apparently auriculas (a type of primrose) are quite the divas. It also brought to mind the whole language of flowers fashion which was extremely popular in Victorian times. And they are exactly what they sound like: a kind of stage for potted auriculas. Plant theatres became popular in Victorian times, often to show off the spectacular markings of dainty auricula primulas, but you can create a plant theatre out of any special plant from alpine bulbs and herbs to pelargoniums, violas and bonsai trees. I’ve read about them and seen photographs. Create a plant ‘theatre’ to show off your collections of choice seasonal treasures at their best. Collecting, tending and seasonal showing of plants is something intrinsic in our human connection and relationship with Nature. They’re so whimsical and wonderful I can’t believe I have never seen one in real life. 'Colour from Black' draws on the essence of the traditional Victorian Auricula Theatres, which show collections of plants in their pots. But I have a new favorite thing-the auricula theater. When you are my age you think you have seen it all.

Victorian auricula theatre