Coronado resident Stephanie McAlister plans to walk around her home and cut a fresh bloom from her garden’s geranium plants – with one stem and two or more attached leaves – in less than one month.
“But who knows?” says the 43-year-old homemaker. “I might not have any flowers.”
If spring comes to full bloom, McAlister will submit the specimen from her J Avenue home in the annual Coronado Flower Show returning April 18-19.
The Coronado Floral Association welcomes exhibitors throughout San Diego County to showcase floral arrangements and plants. Established in 1922, the event is Coronado’s longest running tradition presenting the largest tented flower show in the U.S.
The show will return to Spreckels Park in 2026 with its 104th year theme, “Welcome to the Jungle,” inviting exhibitors of all ages and skills to participate in a variety of divisions and categories.
Last year, McAlister received several ribbons, including a first place ribbon for a geranium entry.
In April, McAlister will be among contestants striving for awards for a roundtable design display.
Show information
The show will be open to the public from 1p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 19.
McAlister, who serves as vice president on the association’s board, said people can enter different sections in the show.
“Some you have to sign up for in order to be judged because there’s only a specific number of spots that we have to fill, mostly because of space within the tents,” explained McAlister.
McAlister encourages people to visit the show’s online website to learn about available categories, deadlines and rules.
According to the schedule, all entries will be judged in accordance with National Garden Clubs (NGC) standards.
“When the flower show opens and the public goes through then you’ll see names on the displays,” said McAlister.
The schedule says all entries must be picked up on Sunday, April 19 at 4 p.m., except for roses and cut flowers, which will be sold.
McAlister said she hopes to make people happy with her design and other potential entries.
“It’s really just bringing joy,” said McAlister.
Brainstorming inspiration
In late March, McAlister brainstorms ideas for her “Eye of the Tiger” entry, a table designs entry classified as functional.
The NGC handbook for flower shows says functional table designs include a completed floral design with accessories according to the type of service.
For this year’s table, cocktails for two, McAlister is drawn to vibrant jungle colors for her selection of flowers, glassware and table runner.
“I’m definitely drawn to the reds and the greens and the oranges,” said McAlister.
After browsing online for inspiration, McAlister plans to buy fresh flowers closer to the show and borrow or buy other accessories.
“I have an idea what I want, so I’m always looking,” said McAlister. “In my arrangement, I will have all real flowers and real greens.”
McAlister said she will bring her floral arrangement and set up her table on April 17, and will not touch it again until after the show.
At the same time McAlister also plans to submit cut flowers if they bloom as she desires. In the past she has submitted many such as the camellia, bird of paradise and roses.
For McAlister, her garden pride is the roses decorating her yard. Last year, she got a blue ribbon in the homefront judging, which she proudly displays on a window facing the street.
“It’s like my therapy,” she said of gardening. “I love it.”
“I’m learning as I go. I certainly do not know everything. It brings me joy and it makes me happy,” said McAlister.
To learn more about the Coronado Flower Show, visit: https://www.coronadoflowershow.com/.
