Each table included tiered centerpieces of roses, moss, and small plants, tied and fenced by pussy willows, while the tablecloths alternated between grass-hued quilted silk versions and linens covered with a leafy pattern. To bring the garden back to D.C., Tutera also installed a miniature version of the reflecting pool, lined by hedges of multicolored roses and gray stones.

To keep the event private and away from prying tourist eyes, boxwood hedges circled the tent area, and troops of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts officially escorted attendees. (Trust chairman Chip Akridge is himself an Eagle Scout.) Inside the prelunch reception area, actors dressed as Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Pierre L'Enfant mingled among the crowd. After perusing the scenic shots of the Mall on display, guests entered the dining space through wrought-iron gates. The luncheon's menu was warm-weather-inspired, including yellow tomato gazpacho with poached shrimp, roasted escolar with cucumber and jicama slaw, and a rustic strawberry tart, all from Design Cuisine.

The 525-person crowd, which grew from the expected 350, helped raise over $500,000 to revitalize what the trust calls "America's Front Yard."  "We had such tremendous response," Signorelli said, "and probably could have kept going." The crowd also looked the part, with the ladies wearing elaborate summer hats, appropriate for an English garden.   —Danielle O'Steen