The sixth annual Sandhills Camellia Festival, sponsored by the Sandhills Camellia Society, will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, in the Pinehurst Village Hall, 395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst.

"We are pleased to announce that the show will be judged by American Camellia Society (ACS) accredited judges," says a spokesman.

Members of the Sandhills Camellia Society and members of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be in place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Village Hall to register and prepare blooms for show entry.

"We encourage professional growers, novice gardeners, and children around the region to enter their camellia blooms," says the spokesman. "If you are new to competing in these shows, do not be daunted by the entry process. Our volunteers will be there to help everyone who wants to enter their blooms. We'll help you prepare your entry, fill out entry forms and identify your bloom, if necessary."

There is no admission fee, and the public is invited from noon to 4 p.m.

Marshall Donathon, of Cardinal Chemicals, will team with Bill Howell, a respected camellia grower from Wilmington, to discuss "Camellias for North Carolina." They will provide advice on plant selection, planting and fertilizing, based on their personal experiences with camellias. This seminar is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Cindy Watson, co-owner of Cam Too Camellia Nursery Inc., is an acclaimed wholesale grower specializing in camellias. Watson's seminar on "Companion Plantings for Camellias" will begin at 2 p.m. She will explain how to enhance the natural beauty of camellias with underplantings for the garden and landscape.

Members of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to answer gardening questions.

A number of varieties of camellia plants from Cam Too Nursery will be sold for $20 to benefit the Sandhills Camellia Society's educational programs and community beautification efforts.

"This is a chance for you to see high quality camellia plants in one setting and pick out the one you find most beautiful to take home with you," says the spokesman. "You can preorder a camellia plant by calling (910) 255-0010."

Raffle items are donated by generous businesses in the Sandhills and outlying regions, and proceeds of the raffle benefit the Sandhills Camellia Society.

Interested camellia growers, those interested in volunteering to help with this event or anyone interested in joining the Sandhills Camellia Society may contact Jane Waldemar at (910) 295-4572 or via e-mail at oswegoohio@nc.rr.com.