Gardening greatness

BY AMY SMITH

The blooms are blooming and the flowers are flowering.

This can only mean one thing: it's summer, time for the Valley Gardeners Club's annual horticultural show. This year is the show's 25th anniversary, and the club is ready to celebrate.

Each year, Valley gardeners come out to showcase the best they have to offer. This year, the competition will be held at the Kentville fire hall August 18 and the main categories are cut flowers, floral arrangements, children's, cooks, vegetables and houseplants.

There are a few new additions. The photographic competition was a great success last year and, this year, the club has added a children's section. The competition is closed to non-members, but spectators have found both the viewing and the chance to gather tips from the judges worthwhile.

Also for kids are several categories made especially for them. A prize will be awarded for the best animal made of veggies, fruits and plant material; the largest sunflower head, the best arrangement of flowers in a child's toy and creation of their choice using natural and or recycled material. For children under six, there is a competition for the best drawing or painting of a flower, house, or train on letter-sized paper. The children's section is open to the public and the club hopes to see many entries. “We'd like to see more children enter,” says Della Harris, show committee chairwoman. “The children who do it just love it. Children just love mucking about in the dirt.”

Also new this year is a reinvented men's category. While last year the men's competition was more varied, this year they have a more focused task: building the best scarecrow.

Event organizers have been planning all year for this one August day. It is the show’s anniversary, but it is not the club’s. In 1982, the first horticultural show took place, but it wasn't until the following year the club was formed. The club will be raising money for the club’s 25th anniversary celebrations at this year’s show with a garden-themed white elephant table, with everything from pictures and books to furniture and clothing. Also on sale will be the famous jams, jellies and chutneys the show has become known for. The show will also give out door prizes, serve refreshments and have a beautiful knot garden as this year’s corner display.

There is something for everyone - young or old, spectator or participant, green thumb or not. Bring entries to the fire hall on the day of competition and call Della Harris, 678-5227, with any questions.