The show, hosted by the Tenterfield Horticultural Society, is on again at Memorial Hall on Saturday, September 9 with entries received between 7.30am and 9am. This year it coincides with the New England Veteran and Vintage Car Club rally, which is swinging by the hall for a special stopover.

The two community groups are joining forces to cater for a broader range of interests in the one location. Who knows, the flower-lover may discover a passion for motoring while the petrolhead comes to appreciate the beauty of a more organic form.

The cars will be on display at the rear of the hall from around noon until 2pm, while rally participants check out the flowers and take advantage of an extended luncheon menu.

There’s even a special category in the flower show for car buffs. Section 102 caters for designs using a vintage car, for any creation featuring a model car or photograph of one.

The Horticultural Society’s Shirley Lewis said this year’s schedule has been streamlined and simplified to make it more accessible for less-experienced competitors.

It starts off with a list of guidelines include an explanation of show acronyms which may be unfamiliar to the uninitiated. (AOV, anyone?)

In addition to the regular sections for daffodils, bulbs, camellias, geraniums, pansies, poppies and pot plants, etc, there’s a new section for decorated spring hat. As the show is anticipating a visit from the local chapter of the Red Hat Society – the Tenterfield Tulips – there may be a few red hatted entries up for judging.

There are also lots of creative opportunities for the younger gardeners. Sections for the 2-4 years littlies include My Farm and Floral Saucer, while 5-9 years exhibitors have My Design using Dried Plant Material and Glass and Flowers. Exhibitors aged 10-14 years can choose between a Desert Garden and Horizontal Design with 3 Blooms.

The decorative design section this year includes a competition for Design on a Pedestal. It’s bring-your-own pedestal, but make sure it’s not so high that the judges can’t see all aspects of the entry including from above.

Dorothy Cox will be back again to judge entries, along with Meg Kerr who judged the flower section at the Tenterfield Show earlier this year. Irene McIndoe will again be demonstrating how to style plant material to stunning effect.

It’s still only 50 cents per entry (maximum of $10), so see what’s looking good in your garden. Schedules are available at Loganlea Nursery, Thrifty Link Hardware and Garden Centre, and Country Curtains.

After judging the doors will be thrown open at noon for lunch and to check out the displays.

Here’s a flashback to last year’s Spring Flower Show...