A SHOW without flowers is not a show, according to this year’s Mount Gambier Spring Show horticulture exhibit supreme champion Leonie Schutz.
With a total of 52 entries, Ms Schutz won the green sash along with five other champion titles and had entered the hotly-contested competition for more than 20 years.
“I have always enjoyed gardening except for the weeding and sometimes terrible weather conditions,” she said.
“Over the years, I have had around four houses which have had full gardens for me to work with.
“When I started visiting with my daughter around 20 years ago, I realised I could probably start putting together my own entries.”
Ms Schutz said her entries slowly grew from five to 10 entries to several dozen at a time.
“My mum counted over 100 flowers were involved with my 50 odd displays this year,” she said.
“I love the moment when you enter the hall, you madly look around for your entries and see whether you have won anything.”
The long-time entrant was excited to be awarded the major Supreme Champion title.
“I always get excited when I see a blue Champion sash next to my name but Supreme Champion is a first for me,” she said.
“My garden designs usually involve an array of ornaments and fairies throughout.
“I love spring flowers and a multitude of colours.”
Ms Schutz said she loved the spring season the most and loved watching her flowers bloom.
“It is great when you see new ones popping up which you sometimes forget you planted,” she said.
“I always say I am going to cut down in show entries next year, but then I am back here again.
“It is nice to support it.
“It is not just for us, people are coming to have a look.”
Ms Schutz said she looked forward to filling the hall next year with her creations.
“You have people who know your name from the years of entering and tell me they are looking for mine when they come and look,” she said.
“If we did not do it, there may not be much for people to look at.”
