“A Century of Design” Small Standard Flower Show, presented by Desert Designers, was a tribute to the memory of the Arboretum’s Founder, William Boyce Thompson, and a celebration of the Arboretum’s Centennial (1924-2024). Held at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona, the Flower Show was open to the public on February 3rd and 4th, 2024.
Standard Flower Shows play a crucial role in educating club members and the public, stimulating interest in horticulture, and providing an outlet for creative expression. They also align with the objectives of the National Garden Club. The “A Century of Design” flower show featured 35 classes in the Horticulture Division and 3 classes in the Design Division.
The Horticulture classes included Flowering Annuals/Perennials, Herbs, Citrus, Combination Plantings, Container-grown Succulents, and Shrubs. The show proudly displayed more than one hundred entries in the Horticulture Division.
In the Design Division, three classes were featured:
- “Roaring Twenties”—Creative Line Design
- “Out of this World”—Designer’s choice of materials and design type
- “Going Green”—Reflective Design
The Blue-Ribbon winners in the Design Division were:
- Amy Emary for “Roaring Twenties”
- Mickie Rustad for “Out of this World” and recipient of Designer’s Choice Award
- Rea Heesch for “Going Green”
The show boasted twelve unique Design entries for visitors to enjoy.
Carol Parrott, General Chairman of the “A Century of Design” flower show, played a pivotal role in ensuring the show’s success through her enthusiasm and dedication. Mickie Rustad, President of Desert Designers, also contributed significantly to the event’s success by serving as the Design Division consultant. Carol and Mickie reported that the “A Century of Design” flower show welcomed 867 visitors, with the Arboretum promoting the show to its members.
Desert Designers is an affiliated garden club that meets from October to April. Mickie Rustad explained, “Members of The Desert Designers Club come together to expand their knowledge and skills of floral design. They study different design types and present designs at our meetings according to the “Principles and Elements of Design”. They observe nature through the eyes of a designer.” If you’re interested in joining Desert Designers, new members are welcome.
The flower show adhered to the standards established by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC) and utilized The Handbook for Flower Shows, 2017 edition, with revisions available on the NGC website.
Small Standard Flower Shows are judged using the NGC Standard System of Awards, allowing the following awards in each class or sub-class:
- Only one First Place (scoring 90 points or more, Blue Ribbon)
- Only one Second Place (scoring 85 points or more, Red Ribbon)
- Only one Third Place (scoring 80 points or more, Yellow Ribbon)
- One or more Honorable Mentions (scoring 75 points or more, White Ribbon).
By Renee Waite
Renee is a flower show judge and a member of Desert Designers and Weeders Garden Club.
Photo 1 Renee Waite
Arrangements for “Roaring Twenties” were created (L-R) by Chris Wolff, Wanda Collins, Barb Brumley, and Amy Emary.
Photo 2 Renee Waite
Arrangements for “Out of this World” were created (L-R) by Lydia Reibel, Mickie Rustad, Sharon Davis, and Kathie Henderson.
Photo 3 Renee Waite
Arrangements for “Going Green” were created (L-R) by Rea Heesch, Renee Waite, Mickie Rustad, and Judy Kennedy.
Photo 4 Renee Waite
Mickie Rustad was awarded a blue ribbon for her creative design for the title “Out of this World”. She was also awarded the Designer’s Choice Award.
Photo 5 Renee Waite
This unusual succulent received the Excellence Award in the Horticulture Division. Its common name is Namaqua Porkbush, and its Latin name is Portulacaria namaquensis. It is a succulent shrub native to S. Africa.
Photo 6 Renee Waite
Entries in the Herb and Citrus classes at the flower show.
