At a public conversation in New York, television personality and lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart said she strives to remain at the forefront of the lifestyle world while discussing gardening, creativity and the work of a former mentee. The remarks came during an event at 92NY on 18 September 2026 where Stewart and Richard Christiansen spoke about his new book, Flamingo Estate Pleasure Principles: An Almanac from the Garden.
Keeping a reputation in the public eye
Stewart, who is 85 years old, told the audience she works to stay ahead of other leading figures in the sector as a matter of pride and stewardship of her brand. The remark — delivered with characteristic directness — underlined how public personalities in the lifestyle sphere continue to cultivate both expertise and visibility well into later life.
"I'm the boss."
The conversation ranged across practical gardening detail and personal anecdotes. Stewart described her rose gardens on her 63-acre estate in Maine, noting in particular a rose that now carries her name. The cultivar was praised for its scent, structure and colouring by both speakers.
About the ‘Martha Stewart’ rose
Details provided at the event identified the rose as a hybrid tea variety with substantial blooms and a strong fragrance. Stewart credited the variety’s origins to a French breeder and said it was introduced into the United States around two years ago. She spoke admiringly of its layered petals and the colour gradient from centre to edge.
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Hybrid tea rose |
| Bloom size | About five inches |
| Petal count | 100 to 150 |
| Colour | Ballet pink to apricot tones |
Christiansen, the founder of Flamingo Estate, said he had planted a large bed of the roses near his kitchen window and joked that every morning as he drank his coffee he greeted Stewart — a comment that highlighted both the personal and performative sides of gardening for public figures.
What the exchange means for readers
The discussion combined practical notes on planting and cultivar selection with the kind of personal storytelling that fans of lifestyle content value. For readers interested in gardening, the event offered a reminder that:
- Plant provenance matters: Stewart emphasised the rose’s French breeding and recent introduction to the US market.
- Form and scent are central: the size and petal structure were described as key reasons for the variety’s appeal.
- Personality shapes taste: public figures continue to influence garden trends by endorsing particular plants and practices.
While the discussion supported Christiansen’s new book, it also served as a modest demonstration of how established lifestyle figures maintain relevance: by marrying expertise with ongoing projects and by lending their name to products or varieties that reflect their aesthetic. Stewart’s anecdote about the rose’s hybrid history and its colour complexity offers an accessible angle for gardeners who may wish to try the variety themselves.
The event, which included visual and conversational elements, was photographed and reported in the press; one image from the evening was credited to Manny Carabel/Getty. For readers interested in the wider conversation, Christiansen’s book provides further context on the role of gardens in personal and creative life, while Stewart’s comments underline the continuing overlap between media personality and horticultural influence.
For those inspired by the talk, the takeaways are clear: choose plants with proven breeding and desirable forms, consider scent and colour when planning beds, and remember that gardening — whether on a small urban plot or a large country estate — remains a way to express personal taste.
