68 th Annual Camellia Flower Show and Plant Sale Grows
By Suzy Paluzzi
Over 2500 different camellia blooms brightened the Santa Clara Community Center on March 7 and 8 for the annual Camellia Show. And the number of attendees to the free event was higher than last year.
“There is an increase in interest here today,” beams John Mendoza III, Co-Chairperson and President of the Camellia Society of Santa Clara County, Inc., co-sponsors of the show with the City of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department. Mendoza points out the 2009 introduction of the camellia, Tiny Gem, a “good unique border plant that grows up to only two and a half feet in ten years and has tiny white flowers.” This is another addition to the incredible assortment this year.
That is the beauty of the camellia. The varieties range in color, petal form, fragrance, leaf type, and size, to name a few of the distinctions. For example, the Holly Bright camellia has a serrated leaf, reminiscent of the holly plant. And camellia bushes can grow to more than six feet tall. The display at the show also contained Senritsu Ko, a camellia that looks like a rose, which was last year’s introduction.
Both novices and long-time camellia growers can be found discussing the plant and entering the contest that takes place. Novice Carol McCarthy, Assistant City Manager of Santa Clara, put in a bloom to be judged, Silver Waves, which was rewarded with a place at the Head Table of the Court of Honor. Entries were there from all over northern California. Best of Show went to prior winners Don and Joan Lesmeister for Sir Robert Muldoon. The basis for comparison is size, condition, color and how the plant is supposed to grow and look. Judges must be fully trained to take part.
“The purpose for the show is to educate the public about the camellia,” says Mendoza.
Jack Hillan, Co-Chairperson, shares that “Camellias are native to the upper regions in China so they are hardy and used to wet weather and frost.” “Camellias are the only flower that blooms in the winter with such color,” adds Mendoza.
Over 127 types of camellia bushes were for sale as a fund-raiser. Chris Morton, a teenager and Youth Director of the Camellia Society, is quick to point out when asked by first-time Santa Clara attendee, Debra Bocanegra, that “Locally, the easiest camellia to start out with is the ‘Debutante.’”
This year the hand sculptures of Kathleen Horner were also incorporated in the show for the very first time. She is an artist who makes handmade life-size camellia pins, earrings, and hair barrettes, which are often mistaken for the live bloom. Her work is sold in museums. Orders of a minimum of ten can be taken by calling John Mendoza III at 615-3080. The funds assist in putting on the show.
“We are hoping that the excitement from entering in the show as an exhibitor will cause young and old alike to be bitten by the camellia bug to join our club and get the enjoyment of growing camellias as a continuing hobby,” summarizes Mendoza.
This year’s show is dedicated to Roy Swanson, who passed away in 2008.
