Fun With Flowers At The Library This Weekend

By Shannon Hicks

It’s all fun and games for members of Garden Club of Newtown.

At least, it will be “Toys & Games” this weekend when the garden club presents a flower show at C.H. Booth Library from Friday, May 18, to Sunday, May 20.

When the garden club held its monthly meeting earlier this week, those who attended took part in a workshop led by member Pat Benkovich. Mrs Benkovich is the organizer for “Toys & Games,” which will offer lively floral arrangements in three categories by the club’s members.

Mrs Benkovich’s workshop on May 15 was, she said, “a practice run for the show and its judging, which will take place Friday morning.

“It takes time to practice and get used to the techniques of putting together our arrangements,” she added.

Members will be using fresh flowers and greens to present their ideas of “Tiny Tots,” “Wheelies” and “Memories of Childhood.” The first category will present small designs, not to exceed eight inches in any measurement (including flowers), with the designer’s choice of materials. “Wheelies” will be arrangements staged on the floor featuring a wheeled vehicle, with the floor covering not to exceed 30 inches wide or 30 inches long, also using the designer’s choice of materials. And “Memories of Childhood” will include an arrangement of all-fresh materials featuring a favorite toy staged on a countertop, no wider than 22 inches but as tall as the designer feels is necessary.

The designers will be following rules from the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc., Design Division. The emphasis throughout the show will be on fresh plant materials. No artificial flowers, fruit or foliage will be allowed, and fresh material may not be treated in any way. Accessories are permitted in all classes, however.

The garden club will set up its arrangements early Friday, and a certified judge will be visiting Newtown to offer critiques of the individual works that morning. The judging is expected to be finished before the library opens at noon, and the show will then remain on view through the end of business hours on Sunday.

During Tuesday afternoon’s workshop, Mrs Benkovich discussed different containers that can be used, and how to prepare them so flowers stand up straight rather than droop off to each side. She demonstrated how to prepare flowers with large heads, such as gerber daisies, so that they do not droop a few hours into a show.

Mrs Benkovich covered the topics of ferns and greens, rules of cutting, and vase arrangement techniques during the workshop. She also discussed things that need to be done the day of a show, including the cards designers need to fill out for judges.

“Don’t forget to list every single material you have used in your arrangement,” she gently urged.

The results of the workshop, and the few days of practice garden club members have had since then, will be visible this weekend. C.H. Booth Library is at 25 Main Street in Newtown. It is open from noon to 5 pm on Friday, 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and 1 to 5 pm on Sunday.