Members of the New Zealand Camellia Society from all over the country will be gathering in Rotorua this month for their annual convention and it’s an excellent opportunity for Bay of Plenty locals to get involved in the beauty.

Camellias are a genus of flowering plants popular for their colours and attractiveness. The New Zealand Camellia Society formed 60 years ago to create a strong community around growers who are fond of the Genus Camellia. Their annual convention is an excellent excuse to bring that collection of people together and invite others to see what they do.

A Reticulata Frank Houser Variegated camellia.

This year, the event will be held in Rotorua from Friday, August 11 to Saturday, August 13. Every year the society holds this event in a different town or city, giving the members an opportunity to explore the gardens all around New Zealand.

On the Saturday from 12pm-5pm, the show and awards will take place in the Novotel Hotel ‘Batten Room’. The show is a donation on entry.

Competitive growers from all over the country are expected to come, alongside judges of high reputation. People outside the society can also participate in the fun with novice classes open to non-members and new growers, with an opportunity of winning a trophy. Competitors may submit their entries on the Friday from 4pm-8pm and Saturday from 7am-8.30am. Judging will be from 9am on Saturday.

“During the event, we will have members wearing name badges. If anyone has any questions, we will be more than happy to help,” says society member Derek Beard. Stewards will also be available to assist if necessary.

As well as a competition, there is also dinners on Friday and Saturday night at the Novotel that people can get involved in, an excellent opportunity to talk flowers with the members and get to know the society.

This event is open to anyone enthusiastic or curious about growing and tending camellias. For more information about the society and this event visit www.nzcamelliasociety.co.nz/national-show