Tenterfield Memorial Hall will again be awash with flowers on Saturday, February 24 for the 2018 installation of the Tenterfield Horticultural Society’s Dahlia and Cut Flower Show, and you’re invited.
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Society spokesperson Shirley Lewis said the absence of a late frost last year forced a lot of plantings particularly dahlias into an early season, and many are just now finishing up. The heat we’ve experienced has also knocked about those now grown in the right position, but this is where the efforts of the truly green-thumbed come to the fore.
Mrs Lewis said ‘pros’ like Don Chapman and Rod Hurtz manage to produce spectacular sandwich plate-sized dahlia blooms regardless of the conditions.
“Not like mine,” she said humbly.
Still she will be scouring her garden for any pleasing bloom to enter in the show, and encouraged others to do likewise. Bring along your garden’s best between 7am and 9am to the hall on the morning of the show, and it will be put into a category.
This year’s schedule has been streamlined somewhat (and printed in a larger typeface to aid legibility), but there are some interesting additions to the decorative section. These include Black, Red and Wild and Own Arrangement, Title of Movie Must be Displayed.
Mrs Lewis said the children’s sections have been broken up further to give young entrants of all ages a better opportunity. The categories now are 2-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-14 years.
Printed schedules are available from Loganlea Nursery, Tenterfield Hardware and Nursery, and Country Curtains.
Judges Dot Cox, Meg Kerr and Mr Chapman – all from down the coast – will start judging from 9.30am, and the doors will be thrown open to the public at noon. Entry is $5 for adults (children are free), and there’s a light lunch available for $7 or afternoon tea for $3.
A trading table and raffle will also be operating.
Contact Lois McGuinness on 673 62369, or Mr Hurtz or wife Carol on (07) 4684 3429 if you require further information.
Mrs Lewis said Mr and Mrs Hurtz are a great community asset, and the society sends a special thanks to them.
“They deliver every single year, without a fuss,” she said.
“They’re very dedicated.”
She encouraged everyone to check out potential show entries so that they can be part of the fun, and to get along on Saturday afternoon to enjoy the spectacle.
Once you’re suitably equipped with ideas, then get along to Alma and John Readings’ open garden at 246 Bulwer Street the next day to see blooms in context. The garden is open from 9am to 5pm.
Here are some highlights from last year’s Dahlia and Cut Flower Show to get you inspired...