Great Spring Flower Show

The Malta Horticultural Society will be organising the 107th annual 'Great Spring Flower Show' at San Anton Gardens on May 1 from 2 to 10 p.m. and May 2 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This show gives the opportunity to all those who are fond of flower arrangements, cut flowers, plants in pots, fruit, vegetables, homemade preserves, and so on, to exhibit their talents. This year, three local flower arrangement schools will be participating. The Bonsai Culture group will exhibit different types of bonsai in a greenhouse.

The society is inviting Elaine Middleton from the UK, who in 2009 was the winner of the Gold Award and Best in Show at one of the best flower arrangement shows in the world - The Chelsea Flower Show. She will be doing a replica of her winning arrangement.

The society is also inviting Gin Rebaudi and Carla Giometti from the Istituto Italiano di Decorazione Floreale per Amatori based in San Remo, Italy.

From Fairway Flower Arrangement Society of London, Sheila Bishop and Sue Larway will also exhibit their flower arrangements.

There will be a homemade wine competition consisting of four categories: white wine, red wine, rose' and wine made from other fruits. Participation is free of charge. Every category has a first, second and third place. Judging will take place on May 1 from 5 p.m.

There will also be other activities such as fashion modelling, dancing, a performance by the Police Jazz band, shows by the Police Dog Section, music from the Attard Brass Band - Stella Levantina - and the Xgħajra Scout Group.

On the evening of May 2 the patron of the society, President George Abela, together with Minister George Pullicino, will present trophies and certificates to all participants.

Entrance fee is €1 for adults and free for children under 12. For more information call Gabriel Ebejer on 7998 5237 or e-mail the-willows@onvol.net.