Two days of wine and roses

Annual flower show brings blooms, bouquets and beverages

By LESLIE CRAWFORD

For many, April in Coronado is synonymous with the Coronado Flower Show, the city’s longest running tradition.

It’s come a long way since the early years when tents were borrowed from the Navy, the Hotel del Coronado provided trellises and tables, and the Boy Scouts camped in Spreckels Park to provide security for the show and earn merit badges.

It has been 101 years since the first flower show, and new leadership is setting the stage for the next 100 years by bringing in a new generation of volunteers and expanding the show’s social aspect.

“There's something special about an event that brings us together year after year. This show has been an integral part of my life and continues to motivate me to be a more active and productive member of my garden and the community,” said Jessica Mushovic, this year’s flower show chairperson. “Enter whatever you have that’s looking good, enjoy our amazing live music, try the bespoke Coronado hibiscus beer by CBC (Coronado Brewing Co.), check out all the garden-related vendors and remember to stop and smell all the roses.”

« The Coronado Flower Show is a two-day event in Spreckels Park. It's the city's longest running tradition, celebrating 101 years this April.

Two weeks before the show, the Coronado Floral Association sponsors Home Front Judging, which is March 31 to April 2 this year. Coronado is probably the only place in the country that organizes a citywide landscaping contest to spur residents to beautify the neighborhoods.

New this year is the Earth Friendly Gardens category, a collaboration between the Coronado Floral Association and Emerald Keepers to spotlight gardens that focus on earth-friendly practices.

The flower show, which runs April 15 and April 16, is a collaboration between the city of Coronado and the Coronado Floral Association. This year’s theme is “Hollywood in Bloom.”

The show has five divisions — Horticulture, Design, Special Exhibits, Youth and Botanical Arts — and is open to everyone is San Diego County.

In contrast to Home Front judging, where all the judges are volunteers, the flower show judges are trained and accredited by the nonprofit National Garden Clubs, following a rigid set of rules.

In the Horticulture division, you might hear judges using terms like “cultural perfection” and “condition and grooming” to describe the level of condition and care of the plants. Judges also pay attention to plant labeling on the entry form, looking for proper genus and cultivar to be listed. Don’t worry; there are volunteers at the show to help you figure it out. Judges look at balance, rhythm, proportion and scale in the Design section arrangements.

Educational displays, part of the Special Exhibits, include a section on wildflowers, which have been gathered around San Diego County by volunteers who have permission to collect protected plantings. The Special Exhibit men’s section is always a crowd favorite with the winner chosen by popular vote.

The Youth Section always brims with excitement as kids look for winning ribbons on their entries. Entries include bean plates from preschool and kindergarten classes and Zoo’s Who animals made with fruits or vegetables. A Middle School Youth section has been added this year. Botanical Arts highlights floral photography and is a great opportunity for middle and high school students to participate.

There will also be musical entertainment, a beer and wine garden, and lots of vendors.

For details on how to enter, go to coronadoflowershow.com, or send inquiries to info@coronadoflowershow.com. ■

What: Coronado Flower Show

Where: Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave.

When: 1 to 5 p.m. April 15; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 16

Tickets: $10; free for children 12 and under and Coronado Floral Association members

Home Front Judging: March 31April 2

Entries: Items can be brought to the show 4-6 p.m. April 14 and 7-9 a.m. April 15.

Information: coronadoflowershow.com