The City of Coronado and Coronado Floral Association present “Dig, Design & Dine,” the 86th annual flower show on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17 at Spreckels Park.
The Flower Show, reputed as the largest standard flower show presented under a tent west of the Mississippi, is the foundation for a Coronado’s biggest spring weekend. In addition to the show, activities include the Coronado Friends of the Library Book Faire and Art in the Park, both at Spreckels Park. On Sunday, the MotorCars on MainStreet revs up on Isabella Avenue and the Rotary Club of Coronado flips pancakes at Village Elementary School.
But at the heart of the weekend is the Flower Show, with participation by all ages from school children up to seniors. And every house in Coronado is automatically entered in the show, by way of the annual HomeFront judging, to be conducted this year Apr. 4 6, complete with certificates to all homes that rate a first, second, third or honorable mention. Attendees at the flower show are given self-guided tour maps of the top ten homes.
It’s a show that is based on pride of community and the good feelings that come with sharing tips on growing and designing with nature’s bounty.
The show shares the best in horticulture from roses, roses and more roses to container-grown plants, herb, bonsai and Hon Non Bo, arboreals, succulents, cut flowers from annuals, cut flowers from annuals and more.
Schedules will be out in late February and available at the Coronado Public Library, Visitors Center, Chamber of Commerce and banks throughout town.
The Dig, Design & Dine theme is interpreted in many ways in the design section of the show. For example, “Miniatures” of less than 5-inch design have a theme of “From plot, to pot, to palate” with three classes: Asian Fusion; a Feast for the Eyes and A Pinch of Herbs and Spices.
“Floral Designs” have a theme of “Diner Jargon.” Some of the colorful classes include “Ball of Fire” (diner slang for shot of whisky) for a creating hanging design; “Black and White” (chocolate soda with vanilla ice cream), a creative design staged at table height and “Paint a bow-wow red” (hot dog with ketchup) for a creative design at table height.
Admission is $5; with children 12 and under and Coronado Floral Association members admitted free. There is no charge to enter the show, and first-timers are welcome. Plant drop-offs are Saturday morning along C Avenue.
Show hours are 1 5 pm. Saturday and 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Sunday, with trophy presentation at 3 p.m. Sunday. An evening party will be held Saturday evening.
This year’s Flower Show chairman, Laura and Rob Crenshaw, are excited to announce the addition of a new beer garden inside the tent, featuring a variety of Coronado Brewing Company beers on tap. A food pavilion will also be housed on the Flower Show grounds.
The annual plant sale will take place in a tent opposite the main tent on Saturday from 9 a.m. noon. A cut flower and rose sale begins on Sunday at 4 p.m.
The 2011 Flower Show Committee includes the Floral Association’s elected officers: President, Leslie Crawford, First Vice President, Laura Crenshaw, Second Vice President, Mona Kelly; Secretary, Ginny Osgood; treasurer, Bob Cooley and Membership, Nancy Helsper. the Floral Association board of governors, (2008-2011) Loie Wilkens, Rob Crenshaw Karen Knudsen, Marilyn Williams, Sharon Lowry and (2011-2014) Gregor Shanks, Diana Drummey, Terry Bolander, Beth Bakke and Deanne Latendresse.
Affiliate members of the Flower Show include National Garden Clubs, Inc., Pacific Region; California Garden Clubs, Inc., Palomar District.
Coronado Flower Show Official Website: http://www.coronadoflowershow.org/
