Te Anau's annual Spring Garden Show has opened today with a spectacular treat for the senses covering colour, shape and scent.

More than 1800 daffodils are on display, along with cut flowers, children's entries and floral art exhibits

Show convener Judy Matthews said the number of blooms was impressive, especially given the recent spell of bad weather, which hit local gardens with rain, wind and snow.

Advertisement

Advertise on the Southland App

The novice section had been particularly well supported, with a large number of first time entrants.

The Fiordland community has been particularly hard hit by the economic fallout of COVID-19 so show organisers opted this year to make entry to the show free for both competitors and spectators. Instead they'll aim to recoup the costs of staging this year's event through an on-site raffle and plant stall.

In addition to strong local support, there were also a good number of entrants from further afield, including Malcolm Wheeler, a national daffodil exhibitor from Southbridge, near Christchurch.

Novice entries make up a large part of this year's show.

Top honours went to Boggyburn daffodil grower Bill Cowie, whose large cup yellow and orange 'Aloof' daffodil was selected as the champion bloom.

Mrs Matthews said a huge debt of gratitude was owed to the many people who stepped forward to assist with this years event - some of whom had recently lost their jobs and wanted to volunteer their time. The local Scout group was also an asset, managing to set the entire hall up within an hour ready for the arrival of the entries.

"I'm pleased we've got them in training," she said with a grin, hinting at future partnerships.

The 2020 Te Anau Flower Show boasts more than 1800 daffodils plus cut flowers, children's entries and floral art displays.

Organisers will certainly be looking for another team of willing helpers next year when they host the National South Island Daffodil Show, which is expected to fill both the stadium and hall spaces of the Fiordland Community Event Centre.

This year's show reopens tomorrow (Saturday, October 3) from 9am, with prizegiving at 2.30pm.

Mrs Matthews urged people to take the opportunity to enjoy the relaxing ambience of the displays before the show's close at 3pm.

"Take time to smell the daffodils," she said.

Children's entries are an important part of the show.