2014 Jubilee Flower Show at Wassenberg

VW independent/Submitted information

The 53rd Van Wert County Jubilee Flower Show will be held this year at the new Wassenberg Art Center.  The flower show has “come home” to the former armory and will be held June 7 and 8.  Hours for viewing the flowers will be on Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As far back as 1900, peonies were grown in Van Wert.  Contributing to the fine gardens was Clara Anderson, who brought some fine varieties to Van Wert. L.J. German also became interested in the cultivating peonies.

It is well known that Bonnewitz and Wassenberg grew and cultivated the peony, as did many others.  In the 1920s, commercial gardens were established to meet the demand for peony roots, which were shipped all over the country.

The queen of the Peony Festival carries the name Jubilee in honor of The Jubilee, a peony with a large, snow white bloom.

In the 1960s – when the then five garden clubs formed the current flower show – they also named it Jubilee. Shows were started and stopped a number of times since the 1920s.

Entries are open to the public.  It is not required that you be a resident of Van Wert County.  Entries will be accepted that Saturday from 8-10:30 a.m.  Judging will begin promptly at 11 a.m.  There are two sections in the show:  Horticulture and Artistic Design.  Ribbons will be given for special awards.

For more information, phone Paula Stemen. Books may be picked up at Balyeat’s Coffee Shop.

The purpose of the show is to improve the quality and standards of flowers grown and to promote the artistry of flower arrangements for the home.