CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 29 Would your family know what to do in the event of your death? One of the kindest gifts you could give your family is to make your own funeral arrangements before they are needed. To ensure that your wishes are fulfilled, schedule an appointment for a no- obligation consultation with one of our preneed specialists. Highland Funeral Service & Crematory Funeral Services ~ Cremation ~ Preneed 610 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301 910.484.8108 | www.sullivanshighland.com SULLIVAN'S K AR EN SULLIVAN MERCER EDWARD MERCER The garden of Judy Capps' home was full The garden of Judy Capps' home was full of camellias when she moved in in 1996. of camellias when she moved in in 1996. Capps says the Camellia Club attracts avid gardeners, but for some of the 50 or so members it's more of a social club. Camellia growers will bring their blooms to Cape Fear Botanical Garden for the March 4 show. throughout China and later across Asia. e emperor's brew came from the leaves of the camellia sinesis shrub, native to southeast Asia. It was introduced in the West in the early 1700s. Today, the camellia shrub grows in abundance throughout the American Southeast and has become a symbol of Southern gardens. e temperature, acidic soil, good drainage, and partial shade provided by pine trees allow the shrub to thrive. Initially, the shrub was imported to the American colonies for its tea properties, but early plantation endeavors failed. Today, only one camellia tea garden survives from that area, on Wadmalaw Island, a barrier island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. e camellia shrub is an evergreen with lush, glossy leaves and beautiful blooms that come to life in cold weather. White, pink and red blossoms bloom from November through early April. Today, there are about 3,000 varieties of camellias, Capps says. e Fayetteville Camellia Show has about 20 categories covering varieties that are grown both outside and in a greenhouse. Categories are based on size and color. ere's even a category for novice growers who have never won an award. If someone entering the contest doesn't know the name of the variety, club members will help identify the bloom. Blooms that are unrecognizable will be judged on their own merits. Judges for the show come from throughout the South, Capps says. "ey're looking for perfection," Capps adds. As any camellia lover would.

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