聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 Esther Prystay of Preeceville has made a lifetime career out of her passion for growing flowers. Her husband Ed Prystay is her faithful volunteer companion who helps her with all the work involved with caring for the countless flowers that line their driveway and surround their home.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "Flowers have always been a huge passion for me that has exploded into a career choice," said Esther Prystay. "It really skyrocketed with a simple gladiola. The gladiola is my favourite flower. My passion did not stop at gladiolas. It expanded into countless different types, breeds and an array of flowers.
鈥淓very year I incorporate a new flower into the gardens,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is a lot of work tending to all the flowers but I find it very relaxing and therapeutic.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "When I first started, I admit I didn't know a lot, but over the years I have learned how to grow things better,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e have been volunteers who help plant flowers at Camp Easter Seal. Each year we travel to the camp and enjoy planting flowers for others to appreciate. I also make up basket bouquets that I display around the community for others to enjoy."
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Prystay has over 50 different varieties of flowers in her yard that include perennials and annual flowers. Her vegetable garden is also a source of pride for the couple. It is surrounded by an assortment of fruit trees and herbs.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "My garden is my special place to go when I am having a bad day. It has helped me overcome having cancer and major surgery,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t makes me happy to spend time in my garden.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 The couple has incorporated a gazebo and replicas of angels and birds into their gardens.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Esther reached new heights with her flowers when she achieved 27 first-place ribbons, 13 second-place and four-third place ribbons in the Sturgis Horticultural Show. She received 11 certificates for having the most points for cut flowers and first place in the vegetable display. She has been a member of the society for over 15 years and enjoys displaying her flowers and garden produce at every show.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 The couple moved to the farm in 1968 and farmed, like all young couples raising their children and farm animals. They both worked off the farm, providing financial assistance. Esther worked in numerous fields including being a home economics teacher at the Sturgis Composite High School for a one-year period. She moved on to be a teller at the TD Bank for three years and at the Preeceville Bakery for 25 years. They farmed for 67 years before retiring.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Esther's flower passion kicked into high gear after the couple鈥檚 retirement and her work in the garden continues to be a source of enjoyment and pride for the couple.
