Everything Coming Up Roses For Floral Festival
Illawarra Mercury
Friday August 30, 2002
They call it the Wesley Festival of Flowers but Illawarra florists see it as as the equivalent of a fashion show in Paris or Milan.
``That iris arrangement is stunning - must be Primavera ... love what Janice Payne did with the Aciatic lillies," are comments wafting through the Wesley Uniting Church this week.
The festival is an annual event which started with a few volunteers and now involves 44 professional florists who give of their time to raise money to keep the heritage building in the Mall in top notch condition.
Flower lovers come from far and wide for the $5 show which includes 55 stunning bouquets, an art show in the church hall and a cuppa.
Wednesday night's opening featured ABC commentator and journalist Bruce Elder.
This year the talking point is the fruit and floral arrangement on twisted metal representing hope following the September 11 disaster.
Wesley member June Mathews said she and husband Eric, together with Margaret and Reg McBarron dreamed up the idea of the flower show six years ago.
The festival ends on Sunday.
© 2002 Illawarra Mercury
