A GROUP Of growing enthusiasts held their Spring Show at St Paul’s Parish Rooms at the weekend.
Visitors to the Wokingham Horticultural Association event were able to view more than 90 vases of bright daffodils on display, including many unusual varieties.
Daffodil judge Richard Gillings said the daffodil classes were of an exceptionally high standard with extremely good quality blooms.
Young exhibitors showed off their designer skills by decorating wooden spoons and colouring in an Easter drawing by local artist Liz Robertson.
Membership secretary Janet Gordon, said: “It was very gratifying to see 17 new exhibitors at the show.
“It was a very enjoyable event, especially as the sun came out just in time for the opening.”
There were eight winners sharing nine cups that are presented annually and engraved with the winner’s name.
Cheryl Cook was overall winner in the Domestic Section and her six year old granddaughter, Aria Child, won two first prizes in the Young Exhibitors’ section, and a cup.
John Kerr won the National Daffodil Society Bronze Medal for his vase of three pacific rim blooms, whilst Jan Hedley’s forget-me-not embroidered felt heart and Lindsey Payne’s Easter Parade flower arrangement caught the eye of show visitors with an equal number of votes in Visitors Choice’.
Most notable exhibits in the flower section were Kevin Beautement’s bryophyllum daigremontianum, also known as a friendship or good luck plant, which had grown to about three feet with a cluster of blooms on top, and Angela Wade’s red amaryllis, which was almost as tall.
Wokingham town mayor and WHA vice-president, Sally Gurney, congratulated everyone on their exhibits and presented the prizes.
She was assisted by Wokingham’s mini mayor, Leah Vas, a pupil at Floreat Montague Park Primary School.
The kitchen team served tea and home-made cakes and biscuits, and visitors were also able to buy plants and crafts.
The group enjoys outings and social events as well as seasonal shows, with members and non-members welcome.
Their Summer Show will take place on Saturday June 22.
For more information, visit: www.w-h-a.org.uk
