The Zimbabwe contingent, consisting of Judge Felicity Ambrose, and competitors Neels Scott and mother and daughter, Lorette and Kayla Smith, entered four categories and walked away with awards in each.
Lorette Smith’s Fireworks and Neels Scott’s Wheels were both awarded bronze medals (third place) in their classes for their designs.
Kayla (13) was awarded a bronze medal in her age group for her overall points gained by her Caterpillar (1st ribbon) and Butterfly (2nd ribbon).
It was the first time any of the team had competed at the World Flower Show and the first time Felicity Ambrose had judged at an international show.
The Zimbabwe team was also asked to produce an honorary exhibit to represent their country and, although there were no awards for this section, the Zimbabwe exhibit was so well-received that it is now on permanent display in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Neels Scott was then invited to participate in the 16th annual prestigious Newport Flower and Garden Show at the exclusive Rhode Island mansion, Rosecliff House. He incorporated the same design used for Wheels with a traditional Mass and was awarded a first place competing against one of America’s top floral designers, Tony Tedesco.
Thirty-five countries were represented at the Boston show including the USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Italy, Australia, Pakistan and France.The next world flower show will be in Ireland in 2014 and Zimbabwe is hoping to send another talented team.
— Our Correspondent
