More than 200 attend flower show at Cape public library

The Cape Girardeau Council of Garden Clubs presented its annual flower show this weekend at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Flower show chairwoman Sarah Cope said this was the first year the show was at the library and she thought the location contributed to the show's high attendance.

"There were at least 200 people [Saturday]," she said. "That is more than we usually get. I believe that is because the location in the library. It is a wonderful place to have this. It showcases flowers wonderfully. The lighting is good and the access to the public is good."

While the location for next year's show is still undecided, Cope said she would love to return to the library.

Cope said the show is intended to give the public the opportunity to take a break and enjoy floral designs.

"We want people to see the joy and beauty that's available to us just in simple things," she said.

"Mostly we want to educate everyone on the beauty of and appreciation of horticulture and flowers and how they can enrich our lives all the time."

There were four components to this year's show: floral design, educational exhibits, horticulture (single blooms) and craft exhibits featuring photography and floral hats.

The entries were judged on design, artistic concept, expression, distinction and conformance to class requirements. Following the show, a book of photographs and information about all the entries will be compiled and sent to a national judging committee, where submissions may be awarded national ribbons as well.

Cope said this year's three judges were impressed with the quality of the submissions and held each one to high standards.

One of this year's blue-ribbon winners, Nadine Davis of Cape Girardeau, said a lot of work goes into growing and preparing entries, but winning a ribbon is rewarding.

"I feel proud. It's an achievement," she said.

In addition to receiving blue ribbons in both horticulture and design, she also won the horticulture sweepstakes ribbon for the most blue ribbons in horticulture.

For the design part of the show, the contestants incorporated children's toys, books and dishware into their work to carry out the show's theme, "It's Child's Play." Davis won a blue ribbon for her tabletop design featuring children's dishes and toy alligators among bright greenery and yellow lilies.

For Teresa Tobar of Cape Girardeau and her 5-year-old daughter, Sidney, this was their first time at a flower show. They came across the show by chance.

"Originally we were coming for the library. I brought my oldest daughter, who is almost 17, here Friday and the ladies were getting prepared, coming in and setting up the tables for the flower show. [Sidney] decided to come today. We just didn't know what to expect with a flower show. I have never been to one before. Nice setups are on the tables," Teresa said.

While she appreciated the creativity behind the designs, she said the presentation merely added to the beauty of the flowers.