The Camellia is an incredible plant, so much so that it has been celebrated for nearly 70 years at the Fayetteville Camellia Festival by the Fayetteville Camellia Club. For the unaware, it is natural to wonder why so much attention is given to this specific flower.03-04-15-camellia.gif

“Due to the different types of camellias available, the season of bloom is quite long. Many gardeners in this area grow and love them, so it’s a natural fit. It makes sense to have a group devoted to the propagation, showing and education of this iconic flower. The festival seeks to expand the appreciation and knowledge of camellias to all who may want to learn more,” said Adriana Quiñones, Cape Fear Botanical Garden Director of Horticulture & Education.

“There are 267 species of camellia spread throughout the world. None are native to North America, but they have been here so long that they are iconic and synonymous with great southern gardens,” she continued. “At the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, we have more than 250 different camellias. Most are the Japonica and Sasanqua types along with some of the hybrids.”

The Festival is held March 7 -8 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and brings with it ample opportunity for lovers of flora to spend time in their favorite habitat. There will be a tremendous amount to do at this year’s Camellia Festival, which has been expanded to two days. Of utmost importance is the ever-anticipated Camellia Show. This is an opportunity for camellia cultivators from the area to show off their skills and for observers to witness a nearly perfect camellia specimen.

This year, Cathy McCamish, the president of the Fayetteville Camellia Club, expects there to be around 1,000 blooms on display. She also explained that judges are certified by the American Camellia Society, judging on four criteria: form, color, size and condition.

In order to participate in the show, gardeners must deliver their blooms to the garden between 7 and 10 a.m. on Saturday. The show will officially open for the public at 1p.m.

In addition to the Camellia Show there are several speakers through out the weekend. At 10:30 a.m. on March 7 and 8, Hal Broadfoot will present “Talk and Walk Among the Camellias While Birds Sing & Fly.” Saturday afternoon, Pam Beck will speak on “Hanging Out with Shady Characters.” Later that same day, Brie Arthur will present “Cover the World in Camellias,” which deals with propagation. On Sunday afternoon, Roger Mercer, who has 30 years of growing experience, will host a question and answer session.

The speaker sessions and Camellia Show are just the tip of the iceberg. This may seem overwhelming, but to get the most out of this festival Quiñones advises,

“Check out our website for information of what is happening and what educational events are available and plan on spending the day at the garden learning about the culture and care of camellias. Visit the vendors and information booths, go on a tour of the McLaurin Camellia Garden and ask questions of the experts on hand, look at the displays of blooms and check out the awards that are given for the different divisions.”

The Festival is March 7 and 8 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday in the Cape Fear Botanical Garden Orangery. The garden is located at 536 N. Eastern Blvd. The festival is free to garden members and for visitors who pay garden admission, which is $10. For more information, visit www.fayettevillecamelliaclub.org/Camellia-Show.html or call 486-0221.

Photo: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden will host the Camellia Festival March 7-8.

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