Contact: Christy Gentry [email protected] (707) 545-4200 ext 202 For Immediate Release Michael Golas Landscape Design wins Hall of Flowers Best of Show Wonder back in time through gardens revolutionized by iconic music from the ‘60s SANTA ROSA, Calif. – July 25, 2014 – The Sonoma County Fair officially kicked off with the Grand Opening Celebration of the famed Hall of Flowers exhibit Wednesday, July 24. The sneak preview event commenced with a full house of floral enthusiasts eager to peruse the ten beautifully designed landscapes inspired by the 1960s; a time when style, fashion and music embraced the full spectrum of color. This year’s theme, Flower Power, goes hand and hand with the Fair’s overall theme, “Peace, Love & Fair” – a tribute to the ‘60s. Both a reflection and celebration of the vibrancy of the time, Hall of Flowers’ master designer, Greg Duncan, and his talented team of gardeners envisioned a perfect parallel to capture the era. Taking over 120 days to construct, the entire 27,000 square foot building has been transformed to bring this magnificent floral showcase to life. Competitors have until midnight the eve of the Grand Opening Celebration to complete their exhibits, which were judged Wednesday morning. The excitement and energy was palpable this year and in one garden specifically. Michael Golas Landscape Design of Santa Rosa, took home the Best of Show award for “White Rabbit”, an adaptation of the famous Jefferson Airplane song. Golas’ design will send fairgoers on a trip to Wonderland in this whimsical display of floral extravagance and beauty. Other gardens depicting famous 60’s era songs include “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles, “Purple Haze” by Jimmy Hendrix, “Green River” by Creedance Clearwater Revival, “Blue Bayou” by Roy Orbison, “Scarlet Begonias” by The Grateful Dead, “Crimson & Clover” by Tommy James & The Shondels, “Red, Red Wine” by Neil Diamond, “Black Magic Woman” by Santana, and “Goldfinger” by Shirley Bassey—10 songs brought to life in a magnificent exhibit. Water features, bold murals and special lighting effects enhance the journey. The following are the complete results of this year’s garden judging: PROFESSIONAL GARDENS Best of Show White Rabbit by Michael Golas Landscape Design Exhibitors Choice White Rabbit by Michael Golas Landscape Design Best Use of Theme Black Magic Woman by Marty & Debbie Thorsson Best Garden Design Crimson & Clover by Men’s Garden Club Best Use of Mums Green River by Landscape Restoration by Dan Pozzi Best Use of Hydrangeas Red Rubber Ball by Edward J Rogina Best Use of Dahlias Purple Haze by Amanda & Tiffany Thorsson Best Use of Azaleas Yellow Submarine by Daniel R Gibbs Botanical Artist Best Use of Begonias Scarlett Begonias by Rebecca Pozzi Best Use of Multi Flowers Blue Bayou by Steven & Jenna Rogina Best Use of Fuchsias Green River by Landscape Restoration by Dan Pozzi Best Water Feature Crimson & Clover by Men’s Garden Club Best Use of Yellow Goldfinger by Paul & Kelly Swanson AMATEUR GARDENS Best of Show: Yellow Submarine by Pamela Hansen Exhibitors Choice Blue Bayou by Michelle Farley Best Use of Theme Yellow Submarine by Pamela Hansen Best Garden Design Green River by Latisha Tristano Best Use of Mums White Rabbit by Nelson & Justus Best Use of Hydrangeas Colors by Matt Rogina Best Use of Dahlias Blue Bayou by Michelle Farley Best Use of Impatiens Purple Haze by Courtney Tkacz & Kelly Cronin Best Use of Geraniums Blue Bayou by Michelle Farley Best Use of Roses White Rabbit by Nelson & Justus Best Use of Summer Annuals Goldfinger by Jeannette Boyd Best Water Feature Scarlett Begonias by Carly Stinson Best Use of Yellow Colors by Matt Rogina JUNIOR GARDENS Best Garden by a Group Groovy Garden by Green Valley 4-H Best Garden by an Individual All You Need is Love by Haley Rogina Exhibitors Choice Don’t Worry, Be Hippie by Bella Hayes Best Use of Color Groovy Garden by Green Valley 4-H Best Use of Edible Plants Tie Dye Terrace by Isabella Tristano Best Use of Summer Annuals Golden Gate Park by Elsie Allen FFA Best Planting Design All You Need is Love by Haley Rogina Best Water Feature All You Need is Love by Haley Rogina Best Use of Yellow Mellow Yellow Yard by Mark Terra Best Backdrop by a Group Golden Gate Park by Elsie Allen FFA Best Backdrop by an Individual Don’t Worry, Be Hippie by Bella Hayes Fairgoers won’t want to miss this year’s spectacular display of floral wonders by the professional designers and the amateur gardeners alike. The Hall of Flowers is free with Fair Admission and will be open daily from 11:00 am till 10:00 pm. The building will close at 8:00 pm on August 10. Celebrate “Peace, Love & Fair” during the 2014 Sonoma County Fair from July 24 – August 10, 2014, closed on Mondays. Enjoy the thrill of live horse racing, a giant carnival, live entertainment, delicious food, fun contests, games and more! For details, visit www.sonomacountyfair.com or call (707) 545-4200. Like us on Facebook to keep up with all the Fair fun. .