Even though recent weather hasn’t been great for gardeners, the 2019 Flower and Garden Show was a rousing success, says the event’s convener.
“We didn’t know with the weather we’ve had what we would have here … but I think we even have more items than normal. There is a tremendous amount of plants and other stuff,” said Clarice Schulz.
“Considering our weather I think this is a big success – very big. There are beautiful flowers, fruits and everything else.”
The Red Deer and District Garden Club, which was founded in 1911, opened Festival Hall’s doors to the community for a public viewing and tea party at its annual show Thursday afternoon.
There were 872 entries in this year’s show, which is up from last year.
Schulz said she believes the Red Deer gardening community is growing every year.
“The city has added a lot more gardening spots for people to use,” said Schulz, who has been a part of the show for five years.
“It’s about beautifying your yard and loving to grow flowers – for myself, I grow all my own vegetables. I think that’s part of it; people want to enjoy what you can grow and eat.”
The event featured more than 200 classes, including a number of adult categories: gladiolus, roses, lilies, dahlias, sweet peas, cut flowers, potted plants (indoor and outdoor), decorative arrangements and bouquets, cultivated fruits, vegetables and photography.
There were a number of classes for the junior division, for gardeners 14 and younger, including flowers, vegetables and photography.
One table at the show featured small animals created with vegetables and toothpicks. Alfred Prins, with the Red Deer and District Garden Club, said the animals were made by entrants as young as five.
“It’s nice to see the effort these young people are putting in and it’s nice to see their parents involve them too,” said Prins.
If people get invested in gardening at a young age, they’ll be “hooked” for life, Schulz added.
For more information on the local gardening club, which has more than 80 members, visit www.reddeergardenclub.ca.
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