Ripley and District Horticultural Society hosts annual flower show

The lobby of the Ripley-Huron Community Centre was filled with the beauty and heady fragrance of spring flowers Wednesday, as the Ripley and District Horticultural Society installed its annual flower show.

Thirteen adult and four youth exhibitors presented a colourful display of specimens and arrangements in 38 classes of competition which included a variety of spring flowers, potted plants and floral designs.

Judging took place in the morning with certified Ontario Horticultural Association judge, Agnes Bregman of Teeswater, giving careful consideration to each entry. When the tally was completed later in the afternoon, Gail Vander Hoek was the overall winner, followed by Gwyneth Farrell in second place, and Tryntje Eisen in third place.

In the junior horticulturalist division, Alayna Middelkamp took first place, with Josie Middelkamp in second, Wade MacKay in third, and Harlow MacKay in fourth.

Special classes this year, included the Second Year Surprise, open only to second-year exhibitors, won by Leanne Farrell; Canada-150 designs, won by Shirley Harris, with Tryntje Eisen in second; 90th Anniversary design competition in deference to the Ripley horticultural society milestone anniversary, won by Gail Vander Hoek, with Tryntje Eisen in second place.

Exhibitors and visitors enjoyed viewing the flowers and discussing the merits of various plants with fellow horticulture enthusiasts and competitors.

The social room was set up for refreshments and decorated in red-and-white - a tribute to Canada’s approaching 150th birthday. Cake seemed a very appropriate dessert accompanied by tea and coffee in exquisite china cups.

While guests enjoyed the refreshments, tickets were drawn and door prizes awarded from a great selection of books, cards, baked goods, decorative items, gift certificates and garden materials, all generously donated by local businesses and horticultural society members.

Exhibitors and the organizing committee are to be congratulated, and thanks extended to the many members of the horticultural society who contributed to the success of this year’s flower show through donations of food, prizes and, of course, considerable time and energy.

For the next gathering, the Ripley horticultural society will partner with the Lucknow and District Horticultural Society for a Summer Garden Tour in the Auburn area. This is slated for Tuesday, July 18, following a potluck dinner in Lucknow.