Garden show blooms with spring entries

Judge Mary Lochart examines the peonies.

The sun shone on the annual County Garden Show at the Crystal Palace on the weekend.
Torrential rain in the days ahead of the show played some havoc with the flowers in competition but judge Mary Lochart was pleased with what she saw.
“The weather has made things a bit slower and the rain and wind we had made it difficult for the competitors as it tends to whip things around,” she said.
However, she was pleased to award the Best of Show to a mixed bouquet arrangement by Sandra Dowds.
“There are five different varieties in this entry,” Lochart noted. “Two of each kind and it is beautiful. It is the best in show.”

Kayla Hepburn won the District 3 Special Best in Show Youth Award for design. Her work was on display in the Blue Bird Building with other entries from the 4H Flower Club, out of Sophiasburgh.
4H Member Maggie Lindsay was in charge of placing the winning ribbons.
The Best in Show for design was awarded to Pat Stuckey. Penny Stewart, District Director, was on hand to explain to guests about the rhythm and movement of the arrangement and how the eye moves through the design.
Master Gardeners Virginia Mitchell and Marianne Malachowski were on hand to answer questions from gardeners and provide recommendations.

Photographers zoomed in on the beautiful flowers.