There is beauty everywhere in flowers
- Brenda Moser
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Brenda Moser
Advocate Correspondent
I never turn down an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of flowers and nature, so an invite to the Annual Waterford & District Horticultural Society’s Flower and Vegetable Show at Waterford United Church was just what the doctor ordered.
Members brought their flower cuttings and vegetable samples to be judged by guest Diane Elliott, member of the Delhi & District Horticultural Society. Entries were due for judging at 6:30 and the meeting proceeded at 7 p.m. While Waterford members discussed their business at hand Elliott took to her judging duties.
The number of entries this year was most certainly down but Mother Nature did not cooperate so well this summer, with drier and hotter than normal conditions. Elliott said, “I’ve judged at some fairs, but I find some of the smaller shows are quite interesting. Entrants can be proud of what they brought in. People can learn from the entries nonetheless.”
The meeting continued with updates on the flower beds and gardens planted throughout the town of Waterford and surrounding rural area, as part of their Canada Day campaign. Feedback has been nothing but positive from community members who have enjoyed the colourful beds in the area. Staff and visitors to the Waterford Public Library have commented on the interest their bed has received. People love standing at the window, being able to stand inside and watch the bees that are attracted to the plants. How gratifying to know that all the hard work… and getting down and dirty… has paid off! The Waterford & District Horticultural Society meets the first Tuesday of the month, September to June, at Waterford United Church Hall, Main Street, Waterford. Meetings get under way at 7 p.m. and cover a variety of topics and upcoming projects. Membership is just $10 annually per person and has its perks, such as discounts at local participating greenhouses and nurseries.
The club is a member of District 6 and has been running since 1957. Bob Williams is the chair of the organization and Trudy McMillan is the spokesperson. McMillan describes their club as, “A thriving community of energetic gardeners who share a passion for growth – both in their own gardens and their community.”
She added that the tulip tree is their floral emblem.
After the business was finished, the meeting was adjourned and it was time to check out the results of the competition. While not as big as some shows in past years there was still a variety of vegetables and a large number of beautiful blooms and arrangements. Their green thumbs and hard work paid off – in spite of the weather – and most, if not all, entrants had some nice ribbons to take home.
You don’t have to have a large garden or a vast knowledge of plants to join the horticultural society but rather a love of plants and the eagerness to literally ‘get down and dirty.’ After a few meetings you will be hooked on gardening and the beauty it brings to any garden or home.
The club is dedicated to maintaining all of their beds, adding to and improving them each year. This past spring they chose to promote the ‘Red and White’ in their beds in conjunction with the Waterford Chamber of Commerce’s red and white planting campaign and the amazing Canada Quilt display at Waterford Heritage Agricultural Museum. They certainly did their part – and so too, many businesses and households.
Future plans include adding mulch and plants to the existing gardens and bikes with grants and/or funds received. These bikes and beds can be found at several locations both coming into Waterford and throughout the town and community beds.
They invite you to come out and enjoy their seasonal programs, guest speakers, flower show, plant sales, bus trips and their ‘ever popular’ potluck nights. As their website states, ‘Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or just planting your first seed, all are welcome to dig in and grow with us.’
Be sure to check their website for the latest updates on meetings and events.
Comments