Ocean City Flower Show Celebrates 47th Year
By Steffen Klenk
This time of year often presents an array of colors in gardens everywhere. Flower shows are a great way for people to learn what type of flowers are most popular, get expert gardening advice and spark creativity.
This weekend, The Garden Club of Ocean City is presenting its 47th Annual Flower Show at the Music Pier. Founded in 1973, the Garden Club has taken a role in local horticulture and conservation projects. The club also takes an active role in supporting community programs. The club is also a member of the National Garden Club (NGC). The benefits of these organizations include garden tours, horticulture photography and floral design workshop, all of which are shared during the Flower Show.
The Garden Club of Ocean City organizes the annual event. Kathy Wheatcroft, President of the Garden Club, says it’s the cooperation between the organization and the city that keeps the show going strong. “A lot of garden clubs don’t have the kind of support that we do. Without the help of the city and the Music Pier, we couldn’t do all that it takes to set the show up.”
The theme for this year’s Flower Show is “Celebrating the Holidays.” There will be artistic arrangements ranging from simple and elegant to elaborate and breathtaking. Guests will have the opportunity to learn decorating tips as well as a variety of styles to brighten your home for any special calendar date.
Attendees are welcomed to take part in a variety of activities throughout the three-day event. One encouraged activity will be taking place in the “Horticulture” area. You can bring your plants and cuttings from your gardens to decorate a window box for your home. There will also be activities for children.
Also on display throughout the weekend, guests will be able to look at orchids. Orchids only bloom once a year, typically during the summer. There are over 25,000 recorded orchid species in the entire world. Bonsai trees will also be showcased throughout the weekend. These types of trees are special in that. In the Japanese language, the word bonsai is translated in as “tree in tray” because of its size. If properly cared for, a bonsai tree can live up to 800 years!
The annual Flower Show is a much anticipated event for the Garden Club. It gives the opportunity for visitors to see the finest specimens of our local horticulture and flowers, perennials, bulbs, and floral designs. There will also be special educational exhibits and demonstrations on how to start your own herb garden. Experts and volunteers will be on hand throughout the weekend to assist you with any questions or concerns.
The Ocean City Flower Show takes place runs Friday, May 31st – Sunday, June 2nd. The show is free and open to all ages Friday from 2-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
