There is still an interest in growing and showing camellias in the area if the show held Saturday in Franklinton is any indication.

Over 75 blooms were entered by residents around the parish when the Washington Parish Master Gardeners hosted the first Camellia Show and Symposium on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the LSU Ag Center.

Judges for the show were Henry Harrison, Ag Center Agent, Mickey Brondum and Mary Anthony. They had the difficult job of choosing winners among the many entries, despite the cold weather earlier in the week which affected many blooms in the area.

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The first program on the schedule was on Camellia Floral Design, given by Joyce Proffitt, Master Gardener, member of Mt. Hermon Garden Club and student Flower Show Judge, and Rachel Lanford, of the Mt. Hermon Garden Club, Home and Garden Club and Flower Show Judge.

They gave a presentation which included two designs by Susan McNeese of the Mt. Hermon Garden Club. One of the designs was multi- rhythmic and featured “Blood of China” camellia blooms and the other was an underwater design featuring “R.L. Wheeler” camellia bloom which looked even bigger under water.

Following that program, James Wales spoke about the process of making camellia jelly. Through many different experimental recipes he finally came across one which not only looks beautiful, but tastes wonderful too. After the talk, participants were treated to refreshments of camellia jelly and crackers and biscuits along with “camellia” tea. Wales also generously treated everyone to a jar of his delicious camellia jelly with its uplifting scripture quote on the label.

With the judging over, the blooms were then open for viewing and everyone checked their blooms for winning ribbons.

Mickey Brondum, camellia enthusiast then gave the concluding program with hints on different propagation techniques such as cuttings, air layering and grafting. He described the proper planting requirements and other important cultural information.

Another interesting feature was a display containing the camellia bloom “Mary Latane” which was a seedling camellia given to Robbie Snell from Latane Alford, both members of Home and Garden Club. This seedling produced a bloom worthy of a name due to its many lovely characteristics of size and color. The plant was registered with the American Camellia Society in April of 2003.

The group thanked all who entered blooms and the speakers for a great day!