If you have a green thumb, enjoy growing flowers, or want to try your hand at an arrangement, you are encouraged to enter the third annual Mennonite Memorial Home flower show. This year's event is Saturday, Sept. 24.

Cash prizes will be offered.

There are two categories and themes for the Creative Division:

Theme (1a) is "October Splendor." It includes any fresh floral either purchased or from your garden.

Theme (1b) is "Fall Expressions" where your arrangement should contain fruits, vegetables and/or grains. The arrangements must be 1 1/2 to 2 times taller than it is wide and may not be more than 29 inches wide. The arrangement must be able to set on a table.

Cash prizes will be awarded for best designs. During the show the public can vote on their favorite design. That person will win the "People's Choice Award."

Traditional Designs are an art form IN space; creative designs are an art form OF space, with solids and space becoming one. Both classes follow the basic principle of design.

The scorecard for judging flower designs:
Traditional Designs Creative Designs
Design 25 Conformance to Schedule 15
Color Combination 25 Principles of Design 30
Suitability, interpretation expressiveness 20 Creativity 25
Distinction and Originality 20 Expression 20
Condition 20 Distinction 10
Total 100 Total 100

The second part of the flower show includes specimens and plant divisions. Entries will be taken in five divisions:
o Roses,
o Annuals,
o Perennials and Biannual,
o Hostas,
o Container grown plants (containers can be no larger than 12").

Cash prizes will be awarded in each category, plus a Best of Show for the overall winner.

Bring entries to the Mennonite Memorial Home, 410 W. Elm St. on Saturday, Sept. 24. Floral will be received from 8 to 10 a.m. Judging will be at 1 a.m. with awards given immediately after.

The judge is Elenor Long who is an Ohio Association Garden Club (OAGC) judge and has competed and won first place in many local contests as well as winning Best of Show at the Ohio State Fair.

The public is welcome to attend. This contest is open to amateurs of any age while professionals may display only. The entries may be viewed in the Mennonite Home Chapel on Saturday, Sept. 24 during the Fall Festival.

There is a onetime registration fee of $5 per person. To register or for more information call Bessie Bassitt at The Mennonite Home at 419-358-1015.