By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



The Big Apple was well-represented in Gardendale this week, complete with a 10-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty.

The Federated Garden Clubs of North End Council hosted its 58th Annual Flower Show at the Gardendale Civic Center Thursday and Friday. The theme was “New York, New York.”

The civic center’s Exhibition Hall was filled wall-to-wall with potted plants, horticulture exhibits, special-design pieces, table arrangements and much more.

“We’ve had more participation this year than we usually have,” said Betty Thompson, judge’s chairman for the show. “We have more club members this year and more who are willing to help and enter the show.”

Thompson is a member of the Garden Dale Garden Club.

Kitty Ricks, also a member of the Garden Dale club, won the flower show’s top prize, the Award of Horticulture Excellence.

She won the award with a Dutch iris.

According to Thompson, the iris was unusual because of its variegated color.

“I’ve never seen one like that,” said Thompson. “They’re usually just one color.”

Ricks also won the Arboreal Award with her George Tabor azalea.

Fifteen certified judges from across the state served decided on the flower show’s winners.

Look for a complete list of winners in Wednesday’s The North Jefferson News.