Ripley Horticultural Society, youth get teary-eyed learning about bulbs

It wasn't meant to get emotional, but that's how things turned out for the group of youth and adults at the March Break event, hosted by the Ripley and District Horticultural Society, Wednesday afternoon at the Ripley Complex.

With "For Our Youth" leader Tryntje Eisen in charge, the group set about learning about bulbs. And the first thing was for young and old to peel and cut onions; hence, the crying part. Eisen held up coloured eggs she made, using onion skins (from peeling the "coat" off the onions) mixed in boiling water for the dye.

With the crying part over, it was on to sweeter things, including bulbs that don't make you cry, such as amaryllis, paper whites and daffodils. The group put pebbles in the bottom of mason jars, added just enough water to cover the pebbles, and then put a bulb in each jar. You can't put too much water in or the bulb will rot and not bloom, said Eisen.

From there, the group played Flower Bingo, and then Eisen took the youth upstairs and they used onion halves dipped in paint to make designs on cards, while the horticultural society conducted its business meeting.

Members of the youth club had also created "Celebrate Canada 150" posters to be entered in the Ontario Horticultural Association contest.

The youth club welcomes young people, ages six to 12. It meets on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to Noon, May 20, June 10, July 15, Aug. 29, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21. The club enjoys many great activities throughout the season; for more information, contact Eisen at eisendeel@hotmail.com.