Ripley horticultural society youth club poster winners awarded; society hosts plant sale

The “For Our Youth" Ripley Horticultural Society’s youth club, held its first outdoor meeting, Saturday, May 13, under perfect weather conditions in the lovely setting of leader Heather Newman’s yard.

Everyone worked hard at the Ripley and District Horticultural Society's 90^th anniversary banner, picking a letter, choosing a flower colour and cutting flowers from a seed catalogue under the supervision of leader Mary Rose Walden. The banner turned out beautifully and was presented at the 90^th anniversary celebration, Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, back in the Newman yard, with Mother's Day just one day away, mothers needed surprising with a hand-planted flowerpot. To this end, leader Heather took the children into her greenhouse and gave planting tips, while “Grandma J”( leader Linda Jaynes) taught them how to make a nice pink bow. Linda also gave out seed packages for the planting season and entry in the Ripley Fall Fair. Leader Tryntje Eisen promised that the club will also award prizes for the largest potato and zucchini.

The results of the Ontario Horticultural Association poster competition, “Canada 150,” were revealed. Josie Middelkamp placed first and Natalie Newman second in the Grades 1 and 2 category. Alayna Middelkamp won first and Tessa Neitzel second in the Grades 3 and 4 category. All of Ripley’s entries were praised by competition organizers.

At the close of the meeting, a scavenger hunt sent everyone running. Especially one item on the list, a bug, proved hard to be convinced to come along. The winners graciously allowed all club members a dip in the treasure box, so everyone went home with a smile on his/her face.

The next meeting will be held Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to Noon, at the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens where youth entries for the June 21 Flower Show and Tea will be prepared.

Meanwhile, the adult members of the Ripley Horticultural Society hosted a plant sale, Saturday, in the gazebo at Lewis Park in Ripley.

The sun was shining, but inside the gazebo, members wore winter coats and ear muffs to stay warm. Besides a generous amount of flowers and plants for sale, patrons were invited to warm up with delicious homemade muffins and coffee.