A Visit to “Avant Garden”

Photography by Jeff Tryon

Earlier this week, West Trenton Garden Club member and newsletter editor Jeff Tryon visited “Avant Garden,” the 2026 Zone IV Flower Show presented by the Stony Brook Garden Club of Princeton and The Watershed Institute.

Held at Grounds for Sculpture, the show brought together horticulture and artistic expression in a way that felt both fresh and inspiring. Jeff captured the experience through his photography, offering us a personal glimpse into a day centered on creativity and beauty.

Designers and photographers from across New Jersey drew inspiration from artists and cultural figures such as Degas, Georgia O’Keeffe, Christian Dior, and even Pink Floyd. The result was a collection of bold, imaginative arrangements that felt more like sculpture than traditional floral design. Jeff’s images highlight both the striking compositions and the subtle details, inviting us to look a little more closely.

The show also celebrated what is growing right now in New Jersey gardens, with a horticulture exhibit focused on seasonal plants and native species. A conservation display, Avant Stream Science, connected gardening to environmental health, using simple demonstrations to show how plants support clean water and thriving ecosystems.

Open to the public and free of charge, the event welcomed anyone with an appreciation for flowers, art, or nature. It offered a shared experience that was both educational and enjoyable, fulfilling its goal of promoting excellence in horticulture and design while sharing that beauty with the community.

Jeff’s photographs bring that experience home to us. They capture not only the artistry of the show, but also its spirit—creative, thoughtful, and quietly inspiring—and remind us how much there is to see when we take the time to look.

---

About the Photographer

Jeff Tryon is Art Director at Witherspoon Media Group and serves as Newsletter Editor for the West Trenton Garden Club. His background includes work as a designer, photographer, artist, and orchid and plant specialist. He is also a talented musician, bringing a strong sense of composition and creativity to his photography.