Stephen F. Austin State University

Area gardeners and gardening enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view hundreds of camellia blooms, a popular plant in southern landscapes, at the East Texas Camellia Society show this February.

The show will be co-hosted by SFA Mast Arboretum's Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden and the East Texas Camellia Society in Room 110 of the Agriculture Building on Wilson Drive in Nacogdoches. The show will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, and continues from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

"The collection of over 200 camellias sparks the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden with color each fall and winter," said Barbara Stump, project coordinator for the azalea garden. It is our pleasure to meet with other camellia enthusiasts through the East Texas Camellia Flower Show."

Anyone can exhibit blooms in the show as long as the name of the flower is known. The East Texas Camellia Society welcomes new members.

"Our programs include growing camellias indoors and outdoors, grating, trimming, fertilization, getting flowers ready for shows, native plants, and other subjects," club president Hal Vanis said.

For more information about club meetings or the upcoming camellia show, contact Vanis at (903) 854-4517 or Barbara Stump at (936) 468-4129.