The United Lutheran Church of Sunbury became a haven for floral enthusiasts on Wednesday afternoon as the Tulpehocken Garden Club hosted its 51st annual flower show. This year’s event, centered around the theme “Christmas in July,” showcased a vibrant assortment of floral arrangements, house plants, and horticulture pieces that adorned tables throughout the hall. Each display served as a testament to the dedication and passion of local gardeners and their commitment to creative floral artistry.
Co-president Kay Carr highlighted the show’s popularity, noting a strong turnout from both the public and local garden club members, including representatives from Overlook and Elysburg. The event not only offered attendees the chance to admire the diverse array of blooms but also included a meal and raffle, where visitors eagerly participated for a chance to win door prizes.
Proceeds from the event contribute to a scholarship fund benefiting students pursuing studies in horticulture or landscaping at Pennsylvania College of Technology, alongside support for charitable initiatives throughout the year.
Judy Barnes, a long-time member of the Elysburg Garden Club, praised the show for its ability to inspire creativity and showcase the talents of amateur gardeners. Reflecting on her own gardening journey, influenced by her mother and grandmother, Barnes emphasized the show’s role in providing ideas and fostering a sense of community among gardening enthusiasts.
Deanna Deibler, attending from Muncy, expressed her continued fascination with floral displays despite reducing her own gardening activities. She appreciated the artistic expression and vibrant colors evident in each arrangement, noting the creativity and skill displayed by local participants.
The show’s thematic entries included imaginative displays such as white flowers arranged in boots and sleighs, creatively interpreting the “Christmas in July” theme with flair and ingenuity. Entries were exclusively sourced from homegrown flowers, showcasing the dedication to natural beauty and craftsmanship among participants.
According to Diane Latranyi, the club’s advertising and outreach coordinator, this year’s show featured 67 themed floral arrangements, 14 horticulture pieces, and 12 house plants, all meticulously judged by Susan Adam Brouse and Chelsea Lahr earlier in the day. Lahr, herself a former scholarship recipient from the Tulpehocken Garden Club, exemplified the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent in floral design.
In essence, the Tulpehocken Garden Club and its annual flower show stand as a testament to a shared passion for gardening and community spirit among its members and the broader public. As Carr aptly summarized, “It’s about sharing our love of gardening with each other and with the public.”
The event not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also underscores the importance of community involvement and the enduring appeal of creative expression through floral artistry.
