Daffodil tribute
Due to the lockdown, since December, every spring flower show in the land had been cancelled. However, back in October, one of the Isle of Wight’s top daffodil exhibitors, Eric Green from Freshwater, sadly passed away. As a fellow exhibitor and friend of Eric, I spoke to Eric’s wife, Sheila, and offered to grow Eric’s bulbs that he’d ordered for 2021 and exhibit them in his name. Who would have thought that we’d still be in lockdown by spring?
With the easing of restrictions on the horizon, I got to work and had to find a way to show off Eric’s blooms for the last time. I was determined to find a way to give myself and other daffodil enthusiasts on the island a venue to show off their blooms, especially after the disappointment of all of last year’s shows being cancelled at short notice. I produced a schedule and arranged a pop up show in my front garden on March 31. With the gazebos up and perfect weather, many of the island’s daffodil exhibitors descended upon the show. With the rule of six strictly adhered to, the show went smoothly. I was thrilled to be able to show off Eric’s blooms and was even more thrilled when the judge awarded one of Eric’s blooms the Best Bloom award in its category. Eric’s wife, Sheila, was guest of honour for the afternoon and was overjoyed to see the results in what was a very emotional day. Here are some pictures, plus Sheila Green with her late husband’s winning blooms. Darren Everest, by email
Simon says: Well done Darren - a very fitting tribute to Eric,
who I’m sure would have been proud that his flowers were award-winners. A little determination goes a long way!