A Look Behind the Scenes
Entries
in the "Horticort" range from greenhouse-grown behemoths like
the Nopalxochia phyllanthoides hanging here to windowsill amaryllis.
Here, staff from Mrs. Samuel M. V. Hamilton's greenhouses remove spent
blooms and stray leaves from the Nopalxochia. (I covet this plant.)
Show-quality tulips from exhibitors with backyard greenhouses, grow lights
or well-situated windowsills.
After plants have been "passed" for conformance to their species
and freedom from insect pests and diseases, they are handed over to the
"stagers," who place them on the display shelves. At this point,
the plants' owners may no longer handle them.
Walt Fisher, of "The Inforcers", is an expert at forcing bulbs
and a dedicated Flower Show volunteer in addition to a competitor. Here,
he is changing out a pot of tulips -- and he gave a spent tulip to every
female passer-by during the process. I wore mine in my hair for most of
the morning.
An exhibitor
watering plants in her garden group's "free at last" terrace
entry with a New Orleans theme.
An award-winning miniature garden receives a watering and a misting.