Greene thumbs take honors
One of the many horticultural exhibits at the Town and Country Garden Club of Rices Landing's 2013 Standard Flower Show.
The “Memories of Grandma” theme is reflected in this exhibit at the 2013 Standard Flower Show, held by the Town and Country Garden Club of Rices Landing in June at the Carmichaels American Legion.
The 62-year old Town and Country Garden Club of Rices Landing claimed national and state awards during its Standard Flower Show, held in June at the Carmichaels American Legion. The theme for the show, “Memories of Grandma,” was evident as one reached the entryway of the legion. A sign next to a grandmotherly mannequin, placed among a colorful array of flowers directed guests into the show.
Standard Flower Shows are the official title of shows that conform to the standards of National Garden Clubs, Inc. The Rices Landing club is a member of the NGC, Central Atlantic Region and District X of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. The purpose of standard flower shows is to educate club members and the viewing public. The shows are also designed to stimulate interest in horticulture and floral design as a creative outlet.
Members of the Rices Landing Club were awarded multiple top ribbons in horticulture, design, and special exhibits by the panel of nine accredited NGC area judges at the show. All of the horticultural and artistic exhibits emphasize the usage of fresh plant material where appropriate. No artificial plant material is permitted to be used in any division.
A “Tea with Granny” exhibit featured a flower arrangement on a tea tray with a place setting and memorabilia from grandma’s era. Classes, “Grandma’s Handiwork,” and “In the Attic,” showcased vintage clothing and quilts, as well as an antique sewing machine. A “crazy quilt,” dating back to 1877, was among the six quilts showcased.
Three educational exhibits were on display from area gardeners; Susan Swala of Waynesburg, Betty Robison of Scenery Hill, and Rachel Miller of Mather.
Swala’s, “Reptiles and Amphibians – Our Backyard Friends,” showed that gardens share space with many beneficial creatures that are often feared and misunderstood. The display identified common varieties and educated viewers of their role in the environment to increase tolerance among the gardening community.
Robison’s, “A Day in the Life of a Butterfly,” talked about the important function butterflies serve in the pollination of plants. It illustrated the impact of butterflies in the environment and described the typical day in the life of a butterfly.
Miller’s, “Backyard Herb Garden,” showed the medicinal, culinary and aromatic uses for herbs.
Judges have asked these exhibitors, space permitting, to showcase their exhibits at the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Convention in Monroeville April 6-8, 2014. Following judging of the standard flower show, the show was free to the public. Twenty-three members of the Town and Country Garden Club participated in one or more of the 163 horticulture entries and the 30 design entries, according to club president, Kay Bair. The show was co-chaired by Bair and Swala.
Winners from the Horticulture Division were:
Awards of Merit:
• Rachel Miller – Delphinium
• Jean Scott – Knock-out-Rose
• Kas Maddich – Torch Flower
• Linda Shefcheck – Rhubarb
•Jean Scott – Lamb’s Ear
Arboreal Award:
• Susan Swala – Forest Pansy Redbud
• Susan Swala – False Holly
Grower’s Choice Award:
• Terri Laird – Orchid
Award of Horticulture Excellence:
• Rachel Miller – Delphinium
Award of Design Excellence:
• Norma Kline – “In the Attic”
Petite Award:
• Rose Maskil – “Nana’s Jewelry Box”
Designer’s Choice Award:
• Norma Kline – “In the Attic”
NGC Educational Top Exhibitor Award
• Susan Swala – “Reptiles and Amphibians”
Award of Appreciation:
• Rachel Miller – “Backyard Herb Garden”
Design Division:
“Nana’s Jewelry Box”
• First place – Rose Maskil
• Second place – Jean Scott
• Third place – Suzanne Swinchock
• Fourth place – Betty Robison and Marion Walker
“Mimi’s Pretties”
• First place – None awarded
• Second place – Norma Kline
• Third Place – Betty Robison
• Fourth place – Linda Shefcheck and Kas Maddich
“Granny’s Bakery”
• First place – Sue Swala
• Second place – Norma Kline
• Third place – Dianne Nicholson
• Fourth place – Linda Shefcheck
“The Old Rain Barrel”
• First place – Norma Kline
• Second place – Rose Maskil
• Third place – Marion Walker
• Fourth place – Ralph Nicholson and Rachel Miller
“Grandma’s Handiwork”
• First place – Linda Shefcheck
• Second place – Renee Sahady
• Third place – Norma Kline
• Fourth place – Dianne Nicholson
“In the Attic”
• First place – Norma Kline
• Second place – Ann DeVito
• Third place – Carol Harrison
• Fourth place – Dianne Nicholson
“Tea with Granny”
• First place – Kim Barbetta
• Second place – Helen Barbor
• Third place – Rachel Miller
• Fourth place – Terri Laird
Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Awards:
• GCFP Education Award for special exhibit – “A Day in the Life of a Butterfly,” Betty Robison
• GCFP Special Recognition Award for design – “Tea with Granny,” Kim Barbetta