President Vic Palmer welcomed close to 60 people to the Clifford and District Horticultural Society summer flower show on Aug. 23 at the community centre in Clifford.
Murray Garrett shared a look at how he and his wife Audrey experienced life in South Africa, a country rich with deposits of gold, platinum and diamonds and a history of civil unrest. The said they found the people a happy bunch of dwellers and the wildlife plentiful. They confidently kept their cool when they encountered a male lion at rest six feet from their tour jeep.
The vast, Barren landscape featured elephants a wide waterfall with “magnificent” sprays. Hotels built in the bush, botanical gardens, islands, mountains, and caves were all there to explore. After dining on a traditional South African meal, they bid their hosts a fond farewell with a champagne toast in the setting sun.
Landscape architect Paul Judge explained how his liaison position has transitioned into a full time job to offer consistency and a direct link from the Town of Minto to the community. The job has expanded from seasonal watering, weeding, and edging to encompass a full year to include landscaped areas, community gardens, trees for wind breaks, and unity within the trail system. Clifford is lucky to have such an active Society.
Barb Harris announced the flower show winners and shared tips from judge Donna Wilson of Shelburne who noted the quality and number of entries was impressive. Over 200 exhibits were entered by 24 exhibitors.
Blanche Freeman and Isabel Senek presented gifts to the winners with the most points in each category. Jean Yenssen won for cut flowers, designs, and the president’s special. Marg Reidt won for gladiolus; Isabel Senek for grasses; Ethel Weber for roses, potted plants, and second in the president’s special. Gardeners were glad to see Carol Lange back entering the show and winning most points in the fruits and vegetables. Barb Harris won most points in photography.
The next meeting will be held September 27 when Mary Cuculich will discuss a flower design. Everyone is welcome to the information meetings held the fourth Tuesday of most months. Information about the society can be found on Facebook.
