DENMARK -- The newly renovated Denmark Depot was the setting for the "Down by the Station, A Small Standard Flower Show," presented by Palmetto Garden Club, a member of Garden Club of South Carolina and National Garden Clubs Inc., on Nov. 14.

Horticulture Specimen Exhibits -- an array of creative designs featuring flowers, foliage and educational exhibits -- filled the main front room and the old ticket office of the historic train station. Approximately 60 visitors from Denmark and nearby communities enjoyed getting a good look at the depot as they toured the flower show.

Winner of both the Horticultural Excellence Award and the Arboreal Award was an outstanding branch with blooms and buds of Eriobotrya japonica --- loquat tree, entered by Dottie Phelps.

Twenty blue ribbons were awarded to outstanding entries in the horticulture section.

"We are so happy to have this many good horticulture entries in spite of the drought we had and the frost a week ago," said Laura Carlson, flower show chairman. "These entries were grown in the yards of Palmetto Garden Club members with tender loving care."

Questions about the names of flowers and plants in both the horticulture and design sections of the flower show were answered on cards beside the entries, and reference books were provided, giving names and growing information.

Variety and energy radiated throughout the design portion of the flower show.

"I don't know how they think of so many different ways to fix flowers," Michelle Smith of Blackville said as she studied each design.

Mary Rivers received the Designer's Choice Award in addition to the Class 3 blue ribbon for her entry in Design Class 3, "Small Town Treasures/Hamburg to Charleston." Featuring dried palm spaths, dried palm branches, fresh variegated aucuba and fresh croton leaves, the design was anchored by a colorful wooden train engine.

Blue ribbon winner in Class 1, "Ready to Board the Train," was a freestanding creative design utilizing innovative staging featuring an engineer's lantern, tall grass plumes, red carnations and a black iron Palmetto tree, prepared by Jewel Davis.

Mimbee Baker's design featuring model train tracks, small grass plumes, red carnations and rope lights received the blue ribbon for Class 2, "Big City Lights/Miami to New York."

Class 4, "Dining Car Delights," was a functional table design staged on a tray.

Debra Causey's hobo setting with blue enamelware, burlap napkin, yellow daisies, twining vines and sansevieria in a tin can received Class 4 blue ribbon.

The Depot Renovation Committee exhibit gave visitors a glimpse of the plans for completing the depot's restoration. The Denmark Depot is a part of the S.C. National Heritage Corridor. Plans are underway to add exhibits to attract visitors to the depot.

"I'm just thrilled so many people came to enjoy the flower show in our historic depot," said Depot Restoration Committee member Bettylou Terry.

Landscape plans for "Welcome to Denmark" signs were featured in an exhibit by the Denmark Gardeners Association. Pictures of its 2007 Yard of the Month yards were also on display.

"I'm here because I want Denmark to be a great place to live," said Master Gardener Charles Smith. "Attractive, neatly maintained yards with green and blooming plants makes our town better. That's why we have a Yard of the Month program."

Arbor Day, its significance and its history, was explained by Cindy Hurst's Educational Award-winning entry. Printed instructions on planting a tree were available to visitors. South Carolina celebrates Arbor Day on the first Friday in December. An invitation to Denmark's 4 p.m. Arbor Day tree planting was also part of this educational exhibit.

Garden Club of South Carolina Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc. programs and goals were the subject of an educational exhibit focusing on the benefits of membership.

Special to The T&D

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