Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer 
THIS YEAR'S Manchester Horticultural Society Flower Show was not the competitive event it usually is. Held over the Labour Day weekend at the society's show grounds on Ward Avenue in Mandeville, the emphasis this year was on showcasing the offerings of gardens and a new layout of the stalls.
Society president Vlora Alberga told The Sunday Gleaner that in light of the
passage of Hurricane Ivan,
followed by a prolonged drought, extensive bush fires and the current spate of
flooding, they decided to
switch to exhibits only.
"We still planned the show with overall excellent quality plants and flowers in mind and it was executed quickly. The members are great even when they are despondent, but we did not think it fair to do any
judging this year," Mrs.
Alberga said.
TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE
This year, the Jaycees from Mandeville were joined by Land and Environent Minister Dean Peart in a tree-planting exercise on the grounds. And, for the immediate and long-term future, a baroque garden and a promenade in the sky are going to be established there.
Mrs. Alberga said the assistance of good corporate citizens would be sought for these
projects.
But even in the absence of competition, several plants and floral arrangements stood out, as seen on this page. Worthy of mention is Mrs. Edith Gentles' Golden Treasure Phalanopsis Beldan's Kaleidoscope an orchid whose spikes in full bloom drew many admirers. This is a testimony to the
healing capabilities of nature, considering that this reporter saw how Mrs. Gentles'
greenhouses were flattened by Hurricane Ivan last year.
It was a good show, the showers held themselves in check for most of the day and patrons were able to replenish their plant stocks. But if vendors are going to sell the exotic lychee at $300 per pound, they should at least allow them to ripen first!
