Visitors and guests of the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites were treated to a roomful of flowers Friday when the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa held its annual flower show in Fort Dodge.
This year the show, which was in Fort Dodge for the second time, has as its theme "From Iowa with Love."
"We wanted to emphasize Iowa-grown flowers," Jan Krass, co-chair of the flower show, said.
Entrants in the flower show come from all over Iowa. Four entries are accepted for each class, according to Marilyn Peterson-Shipp, co-chair of the flower show. There are two main categories: horticulture and design.
"We have lots of designs, all fresh or dry," Peterson-Shipp said. "Educating people is what it's all about."
The Garden Club educates by allowing free admission to the show. Small cards on every entry, listing not only who the plant belongs to but also its category information and the name of the flower also serves to inform attendees.
According to Krass, this year 13 trophies were awarded, and 14 other top awards were given out.
When choosing the winner in each category, there are several criteria.
"For horticulture, we look at perfection and form, cleanliness, and lack of insect damage," Krass said. "For design, we look at principles, balance, rhythm, contrast, scale and color. We also look at creativity and originality."
The show takes about a year to plan and organize.
"This week alone, we had to draw a layout, set up tables, take entries, and tally awards," Krass said. "It cannot be done by just a couple people."
"We've gone to businesses for donations," Peterson-Shipp added.
Besides the flower show, the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa also held its annual meeting Friday.
"Today we've had a program on design, reports from our committees, seating of officers, and the formal presentation of awards," Krass said Friday.
With new officers being elected, the location of the show will likely change.
"The location depends on where our state president is from," Peterson-Shipp said. "They serve two-year terms, and the incoming officer will decide where the show will be for the next two years."
The outgoing president, Yvonne McCormack, is from Webster City.
Krass added that the Garden Club looks foward to the show every year.
"It's one of the ways we enjoy our hobby."
Contact Peter Kaspari at (515) 573-2141 or pkaspari@messengernews.net
