Report on June 18th District 1 Flower Show
Updated: Oct 8
"Celebrating Maryland's Eastern Shore" SHOW DESCRIPTION
District I of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., consists of nine garden clubs, all located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland (east of the Chesapeake Bay). Every 2 years, we stage a National Garden Club Standard Flower Show hosted by one of our clubs. Talbot County Garden Club was this year's host. Our committee chose The Packing House in Cambridge, MD, as an intriguing and centrally located site for our Show. Newly restored with a unique historic-industrial charm, The Packing House was a tomato canning factory in its heyday surrounding WWII. Its large open space and wonderful lighting made it the perfect site for our Show.
We selected "Celebrating Maryland's Eastern Shore" as the theme for our June 18 event. Divisions and Classes all paid tribute to the many sensory activities we enjoy here as part of Shore life - from "Land of Pleasant Living" to "Shore Pleasures" to "Fun in the Sun." With entries staged on hi-top, round and rectangular tables covered with white cloths (except for one Class staged on the Shore's ubiquitous crab traps!), there was a light, airy, open feeling to the Show. That was good, as attendance, thanks to great publicity, reached over 600 people.
The 36 original Horticulture Classes (some of which were divided multiple times) drew 233 entries. The Design Division filled 10 Classes; Education had 3 entries; Youth, 3 Classes; and Botanical Arts, 6 Classes (including 3 in Photography). While entries came from all District I clubs, we also welcomed several from outside the District.
Somerset County Garden Club members who submitted winning exhibits:
Ann Street - Top Exhibitor Award, Petite Design
Frances Follmer - Petite Design, 2nd Place
Frances Follmer - Exhibition Table, 2nd Place
Ann Street - NGC Top Exhibitor Award - Division II - Design - Petite Award
Expenses were covered by 5 generous Sponsors, 130 Patrons, the sale of seeds and bulbs for the Gladiolus Growing Challenge, and a very successful Green Elephant Sale at the Show.
Our publicity included coverage in local newspapers and social media, articles in several prominent magazines, and even an interview on the local FM radio station. "The turnout was gratifying. Among attendees were many non-garden club members. We are confident that through our Show many in the community experienced important NGC objectives, as we showcased our knowledge of gardening and floral design, boosted youth involvement in the process, and also shared insights on environmental issues and conservation awareness.
FOR FULL INFORMATION AND PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW, download the "Final Book of Evidence" below.
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