Lots of things about the Flower Show are on a grand scale: Forest, castle, giant flowery portal and knot garden, huge exhibits. But I find myself fascinated by the little things. In the jewelry category for exaxmple, artists have made Celtic ring brooches from berries, seed pods, stems and leaves. It's remarkable. Lots of women hovering around these displays.
Hollis Bauer, of the Garden Club of Trenton, won first place _ "magnificent!" was the judges' comment _ for a brooch fashioned from trumpet vine pods, seeds of wisteria, mustard and coriander, and eucalyptus. It's bold and beautiful. How'd you like that on your poncho?
Jane Kilduff, of the Wissahickon Garden Club, won third prize in a category called "necklaces based on a Celtic fairy story" for a piece made of brilliant blue hydrangea blossoms. There are bracelets fashioned from shelf fungi and magnolia leaves, or lentils, pine needles and gourd seeds. I think it takes a special person to look in the garden and see the makings of a bracelet or necklace.
Another group of entries were tiny boxes made from plant material. Lynn Cook and Troy Ray of the Greater Philadelphia Orchid Society took first place with a teeny box that looked like something a miniature Cinderella (on the upside of her evening) would be ferried about in. They created their box from grapevine tendrils, an acorn cap, a poppy pod and twisted rush. You just have to see this one to believe it.
What you or I would toss in the composter, other more artistic souls see as the building blocks for unique artworks. These folks must have patience, concentration and hands the size of ... a leprechaun.
