LADYBUG: FLOWER SHOW HIGHLIGHTS GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME

Has there ever been a lovelier season? Trees, shrubs and grass are a luscious green. The flowers are magnificent with vibrant colors, healthy foliage and new introductions on the market are irresistible.

To show off these wonders of nature, the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri and the National Council of State Garden Clubs has selected the title, "In the Good Old Summertime" for their flower show to be held Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 3 at the Family Life Center, Centenary Methodist Church, 333 N. Ellis St. Mrs. Morris Osburn is general chairman of the event.

Anyone may enter any phase of the show. The division of flower arrangements and horticulture specimens each has several classes, where special awards will be given. Mrs. Timothy Dodd and Mrs. Edward Crites are in charge of the design classifications, and Mrs. William Kuss, Mrs. Byron Foust and Mrs. Don Koehler are in charge of the horticulture.

"It is not essential to be a member of the garden club to enter in the show," said Mrs. J. Ronald Fischer, "but it is essential that the plant or plants are grown by the exhibitor. And all container grown specimens must to have been grown by the exhibitor for at least three months."

All design entries must be pre-registered. The use of protected plants on the state conservation list is prohibited. No artificial flowers, fruits, or foliage are permitted, but accessories are permitted.

These are the divisions of the design: Shady Lane, Picnic, I Love a parade, A Bicycle Built for Two, Thunder and Lightning, Summer Sunset, and Vacation. (The last one is for anyone who has never won a blue ribbon in a Standard Flower Show.)

"June Is Bustin' Out All Over" is the heading of the Horticulture Division.

All entries must be botanically named. All entries must be clean and groomed. Clear glass bottles (without printing) for cut specimens are to be furnished by the exhibitor. More than one entry per class may be made, provided each is of a different cultivar, type or color.

Classes of perennials include, peony, Oriental poppy, hosta, lilies; annuals, larkspur, petunias, dianthus; roses, hybrid tea, climbers, floribunda; flowering branches (not to exceed 30 inches) shrubs and trees; broadleaved evergreens, magnolia, mahonia, holly; needled evergreens, pine, yew, hemlock; container grown plants; foliage, African violets, flowering, ferns, cacti and succulents. All of the above have an additional class for any other than those listed. Also, a special section is for those plants propagated by the exhibitor.

Mrs. Barry Davis is in charge of special exhibits, which include: "Just a Matter of Thyme" for herbs; "Getting To Know You" explains the National Council Objectives, and "Looking for the Silver Lining," Recycling.

All entries will be received from 7 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Judging will begin at 10 by National Accredited Amateur Flower Show judges. Mrs. Jim Robison is in charge of judging.

Schedules may be obtained from those garden clubbers listed or other committee members, including Mrs. Ron Wikel, Mrs. James Allen, Mrs. James Garner, Mrs. Gayla Gunter, Mrs. Alvin Haas and Mrs. Edward Kaiser.

Hints for Cutting Flowers

The longevity of cut flowers can be increased by following a few simple rules.

Generally speaking flowers should be cut in the morning or evening when they are plump with water. Flowers cut in the middle of the day are often somewhat wilted and once cut, have difficulty absorbing water.

Always use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to make a clean cut.

Take a bucket of water into the garden and plunge the stems into water immediately after cutting.

When ready to arrange flowers, remove any foliage from the bases of the stems because these foul the water in the container very quickly. Professional flower arrangers often cut the stems a second time before putting them into a container. For the longest life, cut the flower stems underwater, making the cut at an angle.

Place the arrangement in a cool room, away from direct sunlight.

Cut flower additives are available at florist or garden centers. These are added to the water to help prolong the blossoms.

If there are choice blooms in your garden, won't you groom them properly and share them at the Flower Show, "In the Good Old Summertime," this weekend.

Although there is no set admission charge for the visitors at the show, there is a free will donation to maintain the Rose Garden in Capaha Park.