Flower display
The Montserrat National Trust (MNT) opened its first Flower Show and Garden Tea Party beginning on Friday morning, December 6, 2013, with the support of the Trinidad & Tobago Orchid Society, following a lecture delivered on Tuesday, primarily on the growth and care of orchids, and tips on preparing for and conducting a flower show.
Patron Sujue Davis cuts ribbon
The MNT organised the show, dampened by the almost continuous but brief showers particularly on Sunday, was held under the kind patronage of Mrs Sujue Davis, the Governor’s wife. It took place at the Botanical Gardens in Salem/Olveston, under the theme “Still Blooming.”
The Honourable Minister of Agriculture Easton Taylor-Farrell said the flower show was sending the message “to those who still believe that this lovely island… is still buried in ash that [Montserrat] is once more decked with rich Flora and Fauna, which signals the process of rebirth and regeneration.”
Director of the trust Mrs Sarita Francis chaired the opening ceremony on Friday. She said the work that the Trinidad delegation has given over the past week to prepare for the show has been invaluable. She commended Anthony Tang Kai, president of the Trinidad Orchid Society for his energy and help in putting their first flower show and competition together.
Tang Kai said when the request to send a display first came in, they knew immediately they wanted to do more than just send an arrangement but to lend their support to the trust. He added that he appreciated the efforts of the exhibitors who were at first tentative of bringing in entries but they were
Chairlady, Sarita Francis
National Trust president, Dulcie James
Minister of Agric Easton Farrell
Opening prayers for the opening ceremony was led by Rev. Dr. Ruth Allen, with Trust president Dulcie James, Minister of Agriculture Farrell giving brief remarks. Patron Sujue Davis and chair of the Flower Show Committee, Mrs. Lauretta Daley also made brief remarks.
Anthony Tang Kai, president T’dad Orchid Soc.
Lauretta Daley, Horticultural Soc. president
Entries for the competition were in several sections including cut flowers, potted plants, floral art, fruits vegetables and herbs. Students from local schools under the age of 14 entered the creative art with flowers and/or fruits and vegetables category. Outstanding entries included sheep made from cauliflower and a cucumber shark.
A fundraising garden tea party was held on Saturday, December 7 from 2pm.
The show which closed on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. did not only exhibit flowers and plans, but included locally grown fruits, herbs and vegetables; theme interpretations, by individuals and community groups. There was also a section of creative art with flowers and/or fruits and vegetables.
