A GARDEN WITH WINGS

A GARDEN WITH WINGS

There have been floods, droughts and cyclones but successful flower shows have continued in Proserpine for eight decades.

The Forties

In 1942, the first Presbyterian Flower Show was held in the Eldorado Theatre (now the Proserpine Pharmacy). Mrs C E Mazlin gained the highest score taking home the coveted Presbyterian Rose Bowl Trophy.

In 1949, the show was held in the Grand Theatre and the makers of Aunt Mary’s Baking Powder donated one guinea for the best sponge.

The Fifties.

Mr Eddie Gray donated a prize for the best-kept garden to encourage people to have lovely gardens.

The Sixties

One year, there was a police guard for a very valuable sapphire and an orange-coloured pear-shaped crystal in a display by Porter’s Jewellery. There was also a diamond cutting demonstration.

1961 - The Best Setting of a Table for Two for Luncheon competition was popular.

1962 – The special attraction was the spectacular orchids from Mr and Mrs H Perske - flown in from Sydney.

The Seventies.

Themes included ‘Fantasy Land’, ‘Four Season’s Fantasy’ and ‘Tiptoe through the Tulips’.

1972 - well-known floral artists, Gwyn Johns and Edna Clarke, mounted a spectacular display of Australian History called ‘Voyage of Discovery’ including a canoe with flower sails representing the ‘Endeavour’ and an ingenious combination of folded and shaped leaves depicting Sydney Opera House.

The Eighties.

Themes commemorated a ‘Salute to the Commonwealth Games’ and ‘Our Life Our Land’ which celebrated the Bicentennial and featured a huge map of Australia made with 1500 yellow and orange marigolds on the floor.

The Muller girls started the Busy Hands stall which featured for more than twenty years.

1986 - the ‘Around the World’ theme featured floral art from seven countries, the centre piece being a huge balloon globe surrounded by replicas of the nations’ flags. International food was enjoyed. Mrs Edna Clarke demonstrated microwave cookery, something new at the time.

The Nineties.

Mrs Desley Hill arranged a parade of wedding gowns for ‘Memories’ and a challenging competition “Name the Sixteen Songs” from clues hidden around the hall for the ‘Magic of Music’ theme.

Beautiful gladiolas were flown in from Brisbane one year.

The 2000s.

Kathy Bernett’s ‘Garden Centre’ was the place to buy that special plant; Susie Fraser and her Girl Guide helpers started the Sugar Shack selling sweets, drinks, cold cups and fairy floss and the Dreadnought Stall (now called Mystery Gift) was re-introduced. Sue Blair and family provided interesting activities for children.

2002 - Corned meat was served to celebrate the ‘Year of the Outback’. Other themes included ‘Enchanted Garden’ with fairies and elves and the ‘Carnival of Colours’ with Rev Leo Newel and his young helpers dressed as clowns. There was the wonderful representation of the ‘Titanic’ in flowers for the theme ‘And the Bands Played On’.

There was an airing of doll collections and of 150 Fabulous Frocks for Queensland’s 150th birthday.

The 2010s

Everyone had fun at the Garden Party in 2011 when the Floral Art ladies created the most spectacular garden.

The 70th anniversary celebrations (2012) wound through the seven decades.

Of great interest was a display of people’s collections.

During all these years, there has been some wonderful entertainment provided by local artists such as Elspeth Scotford’s Junior School Choir, the Citizens’ Band and the Proserpine State High School Band.

So, just what could the 80th flower show possibly have in store for us?

Well, just pop along to the cyclone shelter in Sterry Street on September 10 and see for yourself!

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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