“What an awesome day,” was one of many positive comments heard at a recent meeting hosted by Mapleton Buds and Blooms (MBB).
Mapleton Buds and Blooms belong to the Ontario Horticultural Association which is divided into 19 districts and has a membership of more than 28,000 people. The organization belongs to District 7, which represents 14 societies in Wellington and Dufferin.
It was Mapleton Buds and Bloom’s turn to host the fall meeting of District 7. The venue was the Drayton Christian Reformed Church hall.
Nearly 100 members of District 7 were ready to begin the meeting at 9:30am. The judge was already busy studying the cut flowers, designs, and plants that were entered in the flower show, trying to discern which one should get a ribbon.
Donna Hirtle and Hanna Veld both entered impressive paintings, organizers report.
Jo Houston entered a little red wagon decorated with sunflowers. There were many entries that showed designing talent and green thumbs.
Dorelene Anderson, past District 7 director, welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mayor Neil Driscoll was introduced and welcomed everyone to Drayton. He brought congratulations to Mapleton Buds and Blooms for their 90th anniversary.
“We will proudly display the plaque Neil presented to us on behalf of Mapleton. Thank you,” organizers state.
Several draws were held throughout the day for prizes. Mapleton Buds and Blooms expressed thanks for the prizes and donations that were provided by individuals and businesses for the draws and for the gift bags handed out. Donors included: Blooming Dale’s, Dobben’s Hardware, Drayton Festival Theatre, Edge Mutual, Lee Valley Tools, Mapleton’s Organic Dairy, Mar-Span Home Hardware, Ploughman’s Choice, Royal Bank, and Studio Factor. Each gift bag included a few official tulip bulbs for Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Members were suprised with a special visit from Jean and Lukas Dobben. They have been active members of Mapleton Buds and Blooms for many years. Members applauded because it was their 61st wedding anniversary.
Jean cut the beautiful cake made by Hannah Veld to celebrate MBB’s 90th anniversary.
Members heard from two speakers. In the morning Ted Zarudny from the Communities in Bloom project spoke.
Members learned many interesting things about this program, which involves more than just planting a lot of flower gardens. There are different areas such as checking if the community is tidy, what it is doing for the environment, how its heritage is preserved, etc. Categories are judged with a bloom rating with five blooms being the highest.
Vic Palmer spoke in the afternoon on Trees: Life and Death and Between. He shared information about trees in general and also on specific trees, regarding their health and growth and what kills them.
