The eagerly awaited second Floral Art Show, held in the Princes Royal Suite at Ayr Racecourse, was a huge success.

Run as part of the Ayr and District Flower Show 2024, it saw 25 participants from across Ayrshire busily creating stunning floral exhibits from large pedestal displays to petite, neat arrangements

Caroline Ward being presented with her Award for 'Best in Show' by George Bartling Chairman Ayr & District Flower Show, with Ian Gibson Vice Chairman looking on  (Image: Floral Art Team)

The free to enter competition, organised by six members from local flower clubs, was judged under NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) rules and guidelines by Lilias Hoskins, National Judge, and NAFAS National President.

The entrants interpreted their chosen class and title from the schedule “Earth Song” produced by Brian White Area Judge NAFAS.  

The judging took place early Friday morning, prior to the Ayr and District Flower Show opening to the public.

Johan White won People's ChoiceJohan White won People's Choice (Image: Floral Art Team)

Lilias took the time to write comment cards for each exhibit, giving invaluable hints, tips with words of encouragement and of course the opportunity for the public to agree or disagree with the judge’s decision ~ all light-hearted of course.

Susan McLellan showed how to make a posy of flowers in a teacupSusan McLellan showed how to make a posy of flowers in a teacup (Image: Floral Art Team)

Along with the Special Awards, sponsored by Scottish Association of Flower Arrangement Societies via the Dorothy Lowrie Award, the organisers were delighted to add an extra Special Award for the ‘People’s Choice, giving visitors giving them the opportunity to choose their favourite arrangement.

George Bartling, chairman and Ian Gibson, vice chairman of Ayr and District Flower Show presented the awards.

Caroline WardCaroline Ward (Image: Floral Art Team)

The Best in Show went to Caroline Ward  who also won 'Most Innovative’ for her exhibit “4thought”.

Linda Soutar's food and fibre entryLinda Soutar's food and fibre entry (Image: Floral Art Team)

The ‘Runner-up to Best in Show’ was Linda Soutar, SAFAS area chair, who also won the Best Use of Texture for her interpretation of Class 6 ‘Fruit & Fibre’.

The ‘Best use of Colour’ was Johan White for Class 2 ‘Going Green’ . She also won first prize in this category.  

Pamela Galloway going greenPamela Galloway going green (Image: Floral Art Team)

The ‘Best use of Foliage’ was awarded to Pamela Galloway for Class 2 ‘Going Green’

James GemmellJames Gemmell (Image: Floral Art Team)

The ‘Best Interpretation’ was awarded to James Gemmell for Class 9 ‘Urban Edge’

Finally, the winner of the ‘People’s Choice, kindly sponsored by the Ayr & District Flower Show was awarded to Johan White for ‘Going Green’ who was delighted to receive the prestigious Ayr & District Flower Show 2024 Cut Glass Bowl from George and Ian

Ripple EffectRipple Effect (Image: Floral Art Team)

Hilda Cameron, Floral Art Co-ordinator said: "It was a great couple of days and a very successful show.

"The public, volunteers and exhibitors have all remarked about how well it was organised, how informative it was for those who had not in the past been associated with competition work, how helpful and friendly they found those at the show ... and how magnificent the exhibits were.

The NocturneThe Nocturne (Image: Floral Art Team)

"Our very grateful thanks for all the help and support given in many ways from local businesses, community centres, local churches, groups, individuals, not forgetting all the participants along with an army of volunteers who helped to make the Floral Art Show a success, which was enjoyed by all who attended either as a participant or visitors.

With a Song in my HeartWith a Song in my Heart (Image: Floral Art Team)

If you are interested in joining a Flower Club local to you, please contact Floral Art Team member Brenda Johnstone email brendajohnstone1951@icloud.com.