Stories in Bloom

Each Bloom Tells a Story

The popular series Stories in Bloom showcases storytelling of all forms, including poetry, music, and photography. Through this program, we explore a range of topics and encourage guests to share their perspectives through a Q&A. Filoli’s winter program will dive into the world of fungi and look at the diversity of our state's ecology and wildlife, learn about food traditions from various cultures, and take a trip through the gardens of England with our Director of Horticulture. Whatever your interests are, Stories in Bloom has something for everyone. All are held in Filoli’s beautifully restored Ballroom.

Programs are free with Filoli admission; reservation required due to limited space.

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Fabulous Fungi

Sunday, January 26, 2025

2-3pm

The popular series Stories in Bloom showcases storytelling of all forms, including poetry, music, and photography. Through this program, we explore a range of topics and encourage guests to share their perspectives through a Q&A. Filoli’s winter program will dive into the world of fungi. In our Stories in Bloom Mushrooms edition, we will explore the endless variety of fungi and all that it does for the environment with a Mushroom expert!

Cost: Free with Filoli admission; Reservation required.

Tickets on sale later this winter! Subscribe to our e-newsletter above and be the first to find out.

Lunar New Year Food Traditions

Sunday, February 9, 2025

2-3pm

Discover Lunar New Year food traditions from around the world. A diverse panel of cultural ambassadors will share their unique food traditions and how their Lunar New Year celebrations have evolved over time. Celebrate the rich diversity of this global holiday through food, family, and shared heritage.

Cost: Free with Filoli admission; Reservation required.

Photo Credits: Janice Chuang

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Meet Our Panelists

Janice Chuang is an artist based in San Francisco. Her paintings and drawings are about memory and time, and finding emotion in the everyday. She works primarily with pencil, watercolor, and the historical medium of pastel, allowing for each medium's characteristics to speak honestly through texture and quality of line.

Vinh G. Nguyen is a first-generation Vietnamese American theatre artist, educator, and culture bearer. Through his art and civic work, he aims to strengthen the bonds between cultures, generations, and communities. Vinh has held artistic leadership positions at Chopsticks Alley Art, a non-profit Southeast Asian arts organization, and Montalvo Arts Center. He has taught at San Jose State University and Las Positas College.

Representation, Reason, and Rewilding

Sunday, February 16, 2025

2-3pm

Obi Kaufmann is an award-winning author and avid conservationist. He explores the transformation of the resource landscape of California, from its ancient origins through modern challenges to its future possibilities. The program will include a Q&A and will be followed by a book signing opportunity. 

Cost: Free with Filoli admission; Reservation required.

Tickets on sale later this winter! Subscribe to our e-newsletter above and be the first to find out.

English Gardens with Jim Salyards

Sunday, February 23, 2025

2-3pm

Join Filoli’s Director of Horticulture, Jim Salyards, as he takes you on a journey through the gardens of England. During his recent sabbatical, Jim toured gardens across the country, gathering inspiration, knowledge, and stories along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a garden enthusiast you won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore England’s botanical beauty through the eyes of an expert!

Cost: Free with Filoli admission; Reservation required.

Tickets on sale later this winter! Subscribe to our e-newsletter above and be the first to find out.