Written by Carrie Beth Wallace
Images courtesy of Chattahoochee Valley Camellia Society
"Everyone's favorite camellia is the last one they saw."
I have Sam Wellborn to thank for sharing this Southern adage with me many years ago. Now, every time I see a camellia bloom, I am reminded of his smile when he said it.
A giant in our community, Wellborn's love of camellias has kept him involved heavily in horticulture organizations around town long after he retired from the corporate world. The former president of Columbus Bank & Trust, Wellborn has played an active role in the development of many of our city's organizations- including the Chattahoochee Valley Camellia Society. An avid camellia grower, Wellborn is the namesake of the camellia garden at the Columbus Botanical Gardens.
After many years serving as the President of the Chattahoochee Valley Camellia Society, Wellborn will pass the torch to Cameron Bean this year. Bean, who is highly active in local arts organizations, is thrilled to take on the new role.
Bean with Wellborn and his winning bloom from the CVCS 2013 show. | Image by CVCS.
"I am excited to serve the CVCS and look forward to a great show this year! The weather has cooperated," said Bean. "Now we just need our camellia-growing friends to cooperate by entering their blooms in the show."
What Bean is referring to, is that CVCS shows are not limited to professional growers only. Each year, the public is invited and encouraged to enter their own blooms into the competition for free. You don't even have to know the type or the name of your bloom.
"It's very easy and is a great way to get your blooms identified by our professionals on site," Bean suggested. "Blooms can be entered between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. We will have a team at the Columbus Museum loading dock to assist local growers with their entries."
In addition to the large display of local blooms expected to be in the show, floral art by local artists from the Gallery on Tenth will also be present. Expect to see work by local artists Geri Davis, Susan Dolan, Arlaine Morrison, Renner Loney, Rebecca Conner, Betty Jean McLendon and Gloria Toelle on display.
Visitors can also purchase camellia plants at the show. Local and regional growers will be onsite to educate visitors about certain plants for sale, and will be available to help buyers select the right plant for their space.
The show will take place all weekend at the Columbus Museum located at 1251 Wynnton Road. Hours are Saturday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more information. ◼︎