Spring flower show at Broughshane

Ballymena Garden Club is holding its 89th Annual Spring Flower Show on Saturday, April 30 in Broughshane Community Centre.

The show, which is organised in conjunction with Broughshane and District Community Association Ltd, will be open for viewing from 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm with the prize distribution at 3.00 pm.

Special guest this year islocal man, Richard Reade, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Co Antrim.

Having had only a few warm days this spring, growth and flowering has been delayed with the result that many of spring flowering bulbs will be at their best for our show which is one of the latest in the spring series. Around half of the exhibits will be daffodils and the majority of members of the Northern Ireland Daffodil Group are expected to compete. This year it is the Club’s turn to host the “Amateur Championship of Ireland” award.

As well as numerous daffodil classes there are classes devoted to foliage and flowering pot plants, cacti and succulents, and cut flowers.

The Floral Art Section is well supported by local floral art enthusiasts including Women’s Institutes.

A new class has been introduced restricted to Young Persons. The ‘Schools and Young Persons Section’ provides an opportunity for young people to express their creative talent by producing a creature made from vegetables and/or fruit, construct a miniature garden or grow mustard or cress in an unusual container.

Afternoon teas will be available and there will be an opportunity to purchase plants from a well-stocked plant stall where an extensive range of garden, house and greenhouse plants grown by members will be available for purchase at bargain prices.

You don’t need to be a Club member to exhibit. Bring your favourite pot plants, cut flowers and flowering shrubs to the Community Centre on Friday 29th April from 6.30 pm to 9.00 pm or Saturday 30th April between 8.30 am and 11.00 am when an official will help you put them on show. Vases will be supplied for exhibiting cut flowers and flowering shrubs.

However, it is important that exhibits must have been grown by the exhibitor for at least three months prior to the show. The entry fee is only 20p for each exhibit with free entry for school-aged children.

A free Schedule of Classes and further information can be obtained from the Show Secretary, Mrs Heather Meban; Tel: 2565 2442.