If you want to see beau- tiful flower arrangements, plants and photography, take a trip to the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library.

Yes, the public library.

Indianapolis Garden Club members will exhibit more than 80 entries for public viewing during the Garden Club of America Flower Show.

The free event will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.

“It’s the first time the club has tackled one of this size,” said Jean Quinn, publicity chairman for the local garden club.

“We’re making it more accessible, and we want to draw people to the event.”

Judges from other Garden Club of America groups from all over the country evaluate members’ entries, which are judged according to strict guidelines that control the types of plants, sizes, containers and displays.

Entries also are designed to illustrate certain themes based on famous books or plays.

For example, the “Alice in Wonderland” category asks for flower arrangements contained within a 12-inch glass bubble bowl, and the “Memoirs of a Geisha” category asks for arrangements utilizing the layering or terracing technique.

Some of the entries will be individual hostas, asters, woody plants, houseplants and container-grown plants.

All of the photography, on display now through Sept. 29, must include plant material.

“It should be very creative,” said Quinn. “It’s really an educational event. You will be able to see what it’s supposed to resemble based on its category.”