Some of New Zealand's best camellia growers will have their blooms on display at this weekend's Western Bay of Plenty Camellia Society show in Te Puke - but they're keen to see newcomers join the show.
Sisters Caroll  Anderton and Ailsa  James of Te Puke brought back four trophies from the recent national show in Gisborne. Mrs Anderton won the trophy for the best overall small and miniature seedling, while Mrs James, who two years ago had the supreme bloom at the national show, won trophies for best japonica seedling, six different japonica blooms and six different hybrid blooms.
Mrs Anderton, chairwoman of the Western BOP society, says those new to showing camellias are encouraged to enter. 
"We'll have stewards on hand to help newcomers prepare their flowers for judging," she says. "Flowers in the novice class don't have to be named so anyone who thinks they have a lovely camellia should bring it along - it doesn't matter if you don't know what it is."
Entries will be accepted at the Settlers Lounge at Te Puke Memorial Hall between 11am and 1pm on Friday  with judging beginning at 2pm. There is no entry fee.
The show will be open to the public on Saturday from 9am-5pm, $3 entry. For more information phone society secretary Janette McLeod, 544 5279. And watch out for Friday's Bay of Plenty Times garden page which will feature the camellias of Matapihi grower Colleen Ross.