The Bond Head/Bradford Garden Club wrapped up its 2018 season with an evening that saw the election of officers at its Annual General Meeting, the presentation of awards to those who entered the club’s spring, summer and fall flower shows — and an evening of Christmas centrepiece crafts.
Gloria Pengelly brought the supplies for the workshop.
“All of the greenery is from my property. I didn’t have to buy anything,” she said, pointing to the piles of evergreen boughs, cedar branches and red osier dogwood twigs.
Pengelly did purchase the various containers — “I pick them up on sale,” she said, at less than half-price — and the decorative red and gold balls, silver angels and Christmas trees that members could add to their arrangements.
She demonstrated how it’s done, and the members set to work.
Pengelly was one of those honoured with an award on Thursday evening, at the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
She was nominated for and received the prestigious Ontario Horticultural Association’s Certificate for Meritorious Service to Horticulture, recognizing her lifelong commitment.
Other awards were presented for best designs in the flower arrangements at various shows through the year, best exhibits, and most points — won, once again, by member Sherry Morrow, for the third year in a row.
Morrow also won the plaque for best design in the Fall Show. “Fifth year in a row,” she said.
“My goal is to finish this,” Morrow said, pointing to the last four blank spaces on the plaque, representing the next four years. “I kind of go nuts on best design.”
Other award winners were:
- Gladys Fieldhouse, for annuals and best rose in show
- Janet Mills for perennials
- Giselle Gutsche for arrangements/designs and best design in the June show
- Marilynne Williams for vegetables
- Lorna Atkins for best exhibit in June
- Bill Bishop for best exhibit in the September show — his two, perfectly-matched squash.
“It’s just my home garden,” said Bishop. “I’m not a farmer!”
Meanwhile, centrepieces took shape as members added finishing touches.
“I have so much fun,” said Mary Kavchak. “No matter how it turns out.”
Members will meet again on the second Thursday in December at 6 p.m., for a social time, followed by the annual Christmas potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m., and then the garden club takes a break until March.
