P. Buckley Moss captures local gardens in newest work

'Bouquets of Love," P. Buckley Moss' newest work, captures a popular wedding spot at the Prairie Pedlar gardens, a stunning surprise for the proprietors.

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For Jane Hogue of Prairie Pedlar, it was a stunning surprise. "It's been a very exciting process to watch the artwork evolve. We are thankful and elated that Pat caught both the spirit and beauty of the garden with her charming and distinct style."

A limited edition of only 250 impressions of the painting is being done as giclee prints. They will debut at the Finishing Touch Gallery, Carroll, November 10. Moss will be on hand from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to personalize and autograph the art. (And has also offered to autograph any other purchases of her art and up to two pieces of previous art that area residents may own as well.) The prints will also be available through Moss' online service and by special order from any of the 300 selected galleries that handle her work.

Hogue is unsure how the artist learned of the vast garden oasis among the cornfields of northwest Iowa, but suspects that Susan Rix of The Finishing Touch, who has been to the gardens several times, probably suggested the scene to Moss, who is best known for her works on Amish lifestyle, landscapes and historical landmarks. Moss has also helped to raise millions of dollars for charities and runs her own foundation to aid children's education.

"I love traveling and meeting so many interesting people who truly care about others," Moss says. "I feel like I have a vast network of extended family, and I find so much inspiration in the people I meet."

The Hogue family has built up the Prairie Pedlar gardens over the years to include more than seven acres of 75+ display gardens, a large refurbished bow-truss barn, a country school house, and five greenhouses. The gardens have become a popular marriage site in recent years.