Annual Steiermark Flower Competition

Every year, our 'state', Steiermark, has a flower competition. It's called Landesblumenschmuckbewerb.

That translates to State Flower Competition. I don't know why it all has to be one big word, but that's what they like to do here.

The competition is a showcase of Steiermark pride and an expression of joy (as they say). This state {known as The Green Heart of Austria} is known for its landscape diversity, cultural creativity, valuable raw materials, unspoiled countryside, fresh air and unadulterated food. It really is a lush lovely land of beauty and we are lucky to be living here.

I read about the contest and saw these pictures in the local paper and thought I'd share the beauty.

And, here at the big event where winners were announced...I think this is the Grand Prize winner on the left

or the Princess of the competition. I couldn't tell. I do love her Dirndl dress. I would get one, but they are

expensive to the max!

We could get Art some lederhosen too. Again, expensy.

The announcer has to take a break for a beer...naturally.

Maybe next year we'll enter...but we have a whole lot of work ahead of us as this is the extent of our garden:

{Photos from Kleine Zeitung}