For the past 50 years, the Hibiscus Coast Garden Club (formerly Whangaparaoa Horticultural Society) has celebrated Spring by filling a hall with homegrown flowers and produce.
There are 70 categories in this year’s Annual Flower Show at Whangaparaoa Hall with roses expected to be the largest, filling the hall with scent.
Fruit and Vegetables is also a big category.
Show secretary Annabelle Guthrie says the show is a lot of work for a group of around 20 of the club’s 88 members – but well worth it.
“We look forward to it, because on the day with all the trestle tables covered in flowers, it makes everyone feel happy,” she says.
One of this year’s judges is begonia grower Graham Milne, who Annabelle says will have his work cut out for him; while some members just like to take part, for others, competition can be fierce.
Annabelle will enter some of her irises and is hoping there are no storms to damage the blooms in the week before the show. “The idea is to enter even if the blooms are not perfect,” she says.
One of the club’s biggest winners is longstanding member Jackie Mitchell who has a beautiful garden in Whangaparaoa and has kept every one of her prize certificates Annabelle says she must have hundreds, having won a whole range of categories including vegetables and various flower types.
Info and schedule, phone Annabelle, 424 8873. Entries are taken the day before the show, and must be phoned through to Annabelle by 12 noon on November 9. Entries are welcome from any local gardeners (including children) – you don’t have to be a member of the club.
The show is open on Friday, November 10, 1.30pm–4pm. Entry $3.
