For a small town organization to attain 65 years is quite an accomplishment, and to help celebrate this anniversary the Harriston Horticultural Society has created a new initiative.
Commencing this year there will be a “Garden of the Month” designation for exceptional grounds within the Town of Minto.
“Everyone who has a beautiful home landscape puts a lot of time and work into maintaining their little piece of paradise and the horticultural society wishes to acknowledge their efforts,” society officials state.
Signs, designed by society member and graphic artist Irmgard Kuersten-Kirkorian, will be placed on the front lawns of three home owners each month. The signs will remain for one month and will be awarded during the summer from June to September.
The society hopes to have friends, neighbors and relatives contact them with a recommendation. Mail carriers have the perfect opportunity to report on the rural areas, they note, as do delivery workers, service people, and Sunday afternoon drivers.
“If you see a front garden that makes you take a second look – nominate it. Turn it into a Minto horticultural challenge to find the best,” organizers urge.
While the society is hoping for strong public input; a team including president Sue Bridge (519-323-1642 george.sue.bridge@gmail.com), vice-president Jean Anderson (519-505-5914 jeanurse1@gmail.com) and Minto landscape coordinator Paul Judge (519-327-8930) will do drive-bys throughout the towns and country to seek out potential nominees.
For 2017 the village of Clifford will be excluded. The horticultural society in that community is partnering with the 2017 Clifford Homecoming Committee to hold a competition of their own.
That contest is by registration and offers cash prizes.
The town of Palmerston has no horticultural society and as part of Minto will be included in the Harriston drive-by challenge.
The public is asked to keep a eye out while traversing local roads and streets and notify one of the above officials if they see a noteworthy front landscape or report the nomination to horticultural society member.
Submitted by Willa Wick
