The Search for That Perfect Blossom

Federated Garden Clubs of America, Mid-Central District held their flower show last Tuesday at Wine Country Gardens in Defiance, Mo. The public is always welcome to view the show.

Participating were members of the following garden clubs: Owensville, Sullivan, O’Fallon, Boone Country, Cuba Hills, First Capitol, Fleur de Lis, Jardin du Lac, and Lewis & Clark.

In the Horticulture Division, a cut specimen of a garden flower, or a leaf or stem of a plant whether it is a bulb, tuber, rhizome, ground cover, hardy fern, hosta, perennial, rose or arboreal branch will be displayed individually in a clear glass bottle containing water. A perfect specimen on one of these plants is selected and then entered into the judging of the show. Many different plants were judged. For example, there were a variety of hosta leaves from the tiny "Mouse Ears" to the very large "Sum & Substance" on display.

Next is the Design Division which consists of many categories. The theme of the show, which was to be carried out in all of the design displays, was "Mother Knows Best." For example, one category might be to design a traditional display using fresh red roses, or a creative display using yellow roses; another category may be to set a functional breakfast tray design using plates, cups and a flower arrangement; another was to decorate a tiny bird cage; and still another was to represent a “Soccer Mom." The designers of all the categories came up with some very creative ways to honor mom for Mother’s Day.

Many awards were given, and a select few were given special recognition of Growers Choice Award, which is awarded to the highest scoring exhibits.

One of the purposes of a flower show is that members of the garden clubs can proudly display their hard work and care of their plants and be rewarded for it. The other and most important is to educate the public about the many different plant specimens that are available and grow well in our plant hardy zone.

Our local zone is zone 5b to 6a, which means that zone 5b plants can tolerate temperatures as low as -10 to -15 degrees, and zone 6a plants can tolerate temperatures as low as -5 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. When shopping for plants always look at the label for the hardy zone. We will see labels that may have a zone of 8 or 9 which is in the southern US—but for us this plant would not survive outside in winter so these are used as summer annuals or house plants.

So the next time you hear about a flower show, stop and smell the roses because I’m sure there will be the most perfect, fragrant and beautiful roses to enjoy.

If you have a beautifully landscaped yard or have unique garden ornaments that you are proud of and would like to see featured on Patch.com, or have any gardening questions, contact Peggy at Bahrmasel@msn.com.