2017 SE-ARS Flower Show

Despite the mild winter and warm spring this year causing many of the varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons in our gardens to bloom out early, our chapter managed to put on a very nice show.     Overall, the number of entries was down this year- 126 vs. 174 last year, most notably in the category of evergreen azaleas. 
A lot of work goes into this endeavor and for everyone who helped, from those involved in the the setup and take down of the show, to the judges, and to those who brought entries, you have my heartfelt thanks.

On to the winners:
For those wondering, in keeping with standards adopted by other flower shows, the Best in Show category has been dropped.

Best Rhododendron- 'Vivacious' exhibited by Doley Bell
Best Deciduous Azalea- 'Clear Creek' exhibited by Audrey Stelloh
Best Evergreen Azalea- 'Yubai' exhibited by Audrey Stelloh

Notable Best in Section winners were:
Best Lepidote Rhododendron- R. minus 'Bowie' exhibited by Ray Head
Best Floral Arrangement by Marilyn Haynes

Sweepstakes
Congratulations go out to all ten exhibitors who entered this year's show. Like last year, everyone who submitted entries received points. The top five vote getters for Sweepstakes votes were:
1. Audrey Stelloh- 72
2. Doley Bell- 65
3. Marilyn and Don Haynes- 45
4. Ray Head- 30
5. Jackson McCarter

The votes cast by the general public for People's Choice was down considerably this year. Nevertheless, the votes cast still count and the winners are as follows:
Rhododendron
1. Bell- 'Dexter's Pink Sparkler'- 6
2. McCarter- 'Anna Rose Whitney'- 5
3. Pace- 'Blue Peter'- 3
4. Bell- 'Vivacious'- 2
    Pace- 'Vivacious'- 2
    McCarter- 'Henry's Red'- 2
Azalea
1. Sanborn- 'Ben Morrison'- 7
2. Bell- 'Gibraltar'- 2
    Gothard- 'Mandarin Light'- 2
    Pace- 'Great Balls of Fire'- 2 


Submitted by April Sanborn