On March 21, 2026, the Smith Interpretive Center at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum was transformed into a floral wonderland. The “Spring Fever” Flower Show, a National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show, brought together a stunning array of talent, showcasing both the technical precision of horticulture and the boundless creativity of floral design. With over 100 horticulture entries and three distinct design classes, the competition was fierce and the displays were breathtaking.

The Art of the Arrangement: Design Winners
The floral design division challenged exhibitors to interpret spring through various styles, from time-honored traditions to modern, interpretive works.
Class 1: “Colors of Spring” – Traditional Mass Design
This class celebrated the abundance of the season with lush, symmetrical silhouettes where the quantity of plant material creates a powerful impact.
Blue Ribbon: Micki Rustad
Red Ribbon: Kathie Henderson (90+)
Yellow Ribbon: Kelli Congero
White Ribbon: Sheila Parcel

Class 2: “Floral Fantasy” – Line or Line Mass Design
In this class, restraint was key. Designers used strong lines to create striking silhouettes, letting the negative space speak as loudly as the blooms.
Blue Ribbon: Judy Kennedy
Red Ribbon: Wanda Collins (90+)
Yellow Ribbon: Rea Heesch
White Ribbon: Linda Sundene

Class 3: “Art in Bloom” – Designer’s Choice
Perhaps the most interpretive category, “Art in Bloom” saw designers creating living responses to visual art. The creativity on display was truly next-level.
Blue Ribbon: Chris Wolff (Designer’s Choice Award Winner)
Red Ribbon: Amy Emery (90+)
Yellow Ribbon: Renee Waite (90+)
White Ribbon: Sharon Davis (90+)

Excellence in the Soil: Horticulture Highlights
The horticulture division was a testament to the dedication of local gardeners. With over 100 entries ranging from delicate herbs to hardy cacti, the judges had their work cut out for them.
The Award of Horticultural Excellence—the show’s highest honor for a horticulture exhibit—was awarded to Kelli Congero for her stunning Rosa ‘Neil Diamond’. Its vibrant, variegated petals were a showstopper against the rustic stone walls of the Arboretum.
Top Horticulture Awards:
Award of Merit (Class A): Kelli Congero, Rosa ‘Neil Diamond’
Award of Merit (Class B): Kelli Congero, Menthae (Apple Mint)
Award of Merit (Class C): Gary Rustad, Citrus aurantifolia (Limes)
Grower’s Choice Award (Class D): Renee Waite, Herb Garden
Grower’s Choice Award (Class E): Kelli Congero, Albuca spiralis (Frizzle Sizzle)
Arboreal Award (Class F): Kathie Henderson, Eucalyptus

A Growing Community
Whether it was the whimsical spiral of a “Frizzle Sizzle” plant or the calculated precision of a “Floral Fantasy” line design, “Spring Fever 2026” was a beautiful reminder of the passion within our gardening community.
A huge thank you to all the exhibitors, judges, and the staff at Boyce Thompson Arboretum for making this event such a success. We’re already looking forward to what next year’s seeds will bring!

By Renee Waite, Vice President, Desert Designers