Welshpool Autumn Show flourishes

THE 63rd Welshpool Autumn Flower Show was a visual feast on Friday with stunning blooms on display and an incredible floral scent permeating the air. 

Organised by the Welshpool & District Horticultural Society, the show is a vibrant celebration of horticulture held annually at the Welshpool Memorial Hall. The show is a significant event in the local calendar, attracting flower enthusiasts from across the region with the weather gods throwing everything in growers direction this year from floods and storms to a heatwave. 

The show is host to the Dahlia Society of Victoria’s Rural Championship, showcasing a stunning array of dahlias, a flower known for its diverse forms and vivid colours. The competition is fierce, with entrants vying for the coveted championship title.

This year Trish Newby of Mount Best took home the coveted championship sash, and bragging rights.

“I’m thrilled to have won the championship,” Trish smiled.

“(Show secretary) Fran got me into showing seven years ago, and this is my first championship.

“I have won individually in the past but not a championship.” 

Trish’s incredible display was made up of a spectacular array of cactus, semi-cactus and decorative dahlia blooms, with three blooms required to be staged separately and three containers of three blooms. 

The event spanned two days, with the show officially opening at 2pm on Friday with special guest and show judge Sue Thompson declaring the show open. 

In a very special moment, two life memberships were awarded to 98-year-old Bruce and Kate Crowl.

“It’s been wonderful with a good display of dahlias, fruit and vegetables,” Assistant show secretary Prue Fleming explaining.

“It’s always a good event, the community really gets behind us, it’s a lot of work, but is always worth it.”

Visitors marvelled at the floral displays, engaged with fellow gardening enthusiasts, and voted with their coins in the Rustic Delights Public’s Choice Award with all funds going to Welshpool’s Flood Relief.

Local school children and kindergarteners once again got involved with dried floral crafts and displays in the entranceway with Arlo taking out first place for Prep, Grade 1 and 2 in the Potato Person category.

Best in Show went to Gary Butler for his maidenhair fern.

“(The fern) is kept in a greenhouse all year and fed a blended tea every day,” Gary explained, surprised by his win but aware many have commented on its size.

And whilst there were new faces and visitors to the show, Gary like many are regulars, often exhibiting in the Spring and Autumn shows.

Best in Class went to: Best Dahlia – Bill Johnson, Class A Dahlias – Trish Newby, Class B Cut flowers, shrubs and trees – Shirley McConville, Class C Cut flowers, shrubs and trees in containers – Arie

Bos, Class D Plants growing in pots or containers – Gary Butler, Class E – Floral Art – Dawn Green, Class F Vegetables and Fruit – Rodney Grylls, Class G Produce from home garden – Den Gilheany, and Class H – Snapshots/Visual Arts – Helen Baud.