Outside, winter may still be lingering but inside, there was a mass of colour on display at the Spring Flower Show at Wellington Junior School. Despite fears that entries would be down this year, Show Secretary Sheena Page said, “Actually, we have had more this year. Some regular entrants who did not show last year have returned this year and I’m very pleased with the final number. And the children’s section of nests and Easter hats and bonnets is delightful!”
Given that gardens are struggling to show any colour at all apart from a few dogged daffodils, the flowers on display are tribute to very careful tending, not necessarily in heated greenhouses. Stephen Page explained, “Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, hellebores and primulas have all survived the weather outside. If flower heads are cut when they are still in bud and brought inside, they open beautifully in time to be shown – as do potted flowers.” And judgements of the quality of the displays are surprisingly exact and only the most perfect flower heads assessed as worthy of prizes.
More exotic plants – orchids, amaryllises and bonsai trees – added to the range of colours on display and reminded the show’s considerable number of visitors that spring is actually just around the corner.
The Spring Show will be followed by the Summer Flower Show which takes place on 31st August in the Alan Rogers Centre at Wellington School and includes floral art, fruit and vegetable and cookery classes as well as cut and potted flowers and Junior sections.
Gill Paltridge
Those who picked a summer schedule may have noticed the vegetable section was missing!! Please be assured there will be a section for vegetables, so get sowing these beans and carrots for the Summer Show on August 31st
Dear Sheena, thanks for using us to bring your growers into the Around Wellington garden.
Keith