Upon delivery, please arrange for all flowers and plants to be checked at the loading dock by someone from the conservation or security office. 

Permission to bring restricted items into the museum does not relieve the supplier of the liability to pay for fumigation costs or damage to art objects resulting from pests or infestation.

Florists:      It is preferred that flowers be purchased from florists.  If using materials from one's yard/garden plants have to be cleaned by washing individually in a bucket and all debris (especially insects) must be removed from plant materials.

Potted Plants: Potted plants and anything with straw/hay are not permitted (bugs can easily hide).

Bark:          Bark or bark chips may harbor insects harmful to wood objects.  Green bark on fresh branches is acceptable (but needs to be inspected for insect casings or eggs).

Seed Pods:  Seed pods may harbor beetles or insect casings.  Dried pods or cones that have been painted or otherwise coated are acceptable.  Edible nuts may only be used for event decoration outside of galleries and must be removed on the same day of the event.

Fruit:          Fruit is prohibited from use in gallery displays, since it may attract rodents or other insects.  It is acceptable as temporary decorations for events outside of galleries and must be removed from the building on the day of the event.

Pollen:        Plants with the potential of releasing pollen in the gallery environment should be avoided. This includes evergreen branches with pollen stalks, ferns with dusty spores and catkins that may open when placed in water.  Potted ferns outside of the galleries are acceptable, as well as catkins (e.g. pussy willows) that are not placed in water or are removed on the day of the event.
                        
The above Guidelines were recently received from the Museum but as we all are aware, ikebana artists always take care to clean dry materials and wash live branches, leaves, plant materials and soak home grown flowers in water the night before to clean out any traces of insects and remove dead or damaged leaves.   However, there may be some misses and if the inspector objects, we should gracefully accept
his/her judgment.    Thank you members, for your understanding and cooperation.

Lily McMahan - Museum Liaison