The Pink Perfection camellia is featured in this year’s Camellia Show sponsored by the Camellia Society of Sacramento. The photo contest is focused on this particular variety.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - It’s not every day that nonprofit organizations celebrate a centennial so Camellia Society of Sacramento members are especially excited about its Camellia Show on March 2 and March 3.

The nonprofit gardening organization’s first Camellia Show, highlighting the plant that is a member of the tea family, was in 1924. 

This year’s 100th show includes hundreds of camellias to view, floral arrangements, camellia waxing, plants for sale, raffle, collectable camellia buttons and a Matsuyama, Japan display. The Japanese city is the organization’s sister city. The Sacramento History Center will have an informational table with memorabilia about camellias, the show and the former Camellia Festival.

“Our 100th is going to be a big deal for us! We are hoping lots of people attend,” said Camellia Society of Sacramento President Julie Vierra this week.

Vierra has more than 100 of the flowering plants in her West Sacramento front and backyard.

“Did you know the flower of Sacramento is the camellia?,” Vierra stated. “We will be going to the State Capitol on the 29th. Our 100th resolution will be presented to us by Kevin McCarty (California Assemblymember, 6th District).”

Camellia Society of Sacramento members will dip fresh flowers into paraffin to make the flowers last longer at the Camellia Show on March 2 and March 3 in Sacramento.

New this year is a partnership between the camellia society and the Camellia Coffee Roasters at 12th and R streets in Sacramento. That includes Camellia Coffee Roasters Instagram “infomercials” with club members describing how to care for the plants. The cafe and coffee wholesaler company has also named one of its coffee blends in the society’s honor. The Camellia Coffee Roasters will be at the Camellia Show on March 3.

Camellia Show hours are from 3 to 6 p.m. March 2 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3 at the Scottish Rite Temple, 6151 H St., Sacramento.

Admission is free both days.

“If you enjoy gardening, you will love the show. We are all gardeners,” Vierra said.

The Camellia Society of Sacramento meets once a month from October to April. Northern California Camellia Society President Justin Bergamini will speak about grafting techniques at the Feb. 25 2 p.m. meeting at Sierra 2, 2791 24th St., Room 12, Sacramento.

The society’s 60 members are from Sacramento, Orangevale, West Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Folsom, Davis, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Gold River, Lincoln and Woodland. New members are always welcome.

“We have fun, we have food and we have lots of knowledgeable camellia people if you have any questions,” Vierra said.

For more information about the 100th Camellia Show or the organization, call Vierra at 916-812-3202 or visit https://camelliasocietyofsacramento.org.

The trophy table in the 2022 show included yard art and gardening items. In honor of the 100th-year celebration, this year’s trophies will be crystal and cut glass.