Tradition keeps Southbridge’s 120th flower show blooming

One of New Zealand’s oldest annual flower shows has attracted hundreds of entries.

The Southbridge Horticultural Society is holding its 120th flower show at the Southbridge Hall today.

Secretary Warren Greenwood said the show began in the heyday of such events, soon after the society was established in 1899.

“The community flower show is now becoming a rarity. However, there is still a number throughout the country, run by proud committees, determined not to let the tradition disappear,” Greenwood said.

The show generally attracted hundreds of entries, and this year was a “bumper show” as residents flocked back after a two-year hiatus.

The show could not be held in 2021 and 2022 due to Covid, and renovations under way at the hall.

Anyone was able to enter the show, and entry is free. Schedules available at Southbridge and Leeston premises reveal there are 65 flower classes, including for carnations, fuchsias, roses, sweet peas, pot plants and floral art.

There are also classes for vegetables, fruit, cookery, home produce, junior arts and crafts, and photography.

Among those planning to enter is the society’s immediate past president Isabel Cooper and her husband George, a former treasurer of the society.

The couple, aged 83 and 85 respectively, have been exhibiting at the show for about 50 years.

Isabel’s favourite classes are those for flowers, but she said this summer had been a particularly challenging one.

“Plants are like us, they wilt in the hot weather,” Isabel said.

Nevertheless, she was hoping flowers from the more than 10 rose bushes in her garden would be looking good come show day, alongside dahlias and gladioli. In addition, she would be getting creative combining various blooms for the floral art section.

She and George were also busy in their vegetable patch and planned to enter classes for tomatoes, onions and beans.

Isabel said the couple had enjoyed being involved in the show and its organisation over the years. She had been president for 16 years, while George was treasurer for 10 years.

“It’s our passion to keep it going, and not let it disappear, so many things in country districts disappear,” she said.

The society also holds an annual garden competition, for which a presentation will be held alongside the flower show presentation. The main garden competition prize is the D. H. Goulden Memorial Trophy, named in commemoration of Doug Goulden, who beautified Southbridge by planting trees along its streets.

• Southbridge Horticultural Society Flower Show 2023 is at Southbridge Hall on Friday. Doors open 2pm, presentation 7pm. Admission is $5 adults, free for children and members.