The Battlefords and Area Horticultural Society finished their spring meetings with planning for the annual horticulture show.
The houseplant and lily sale and bake table were successful, and the bedding and perennial plant sale did well. The society thanks the public for their support.
The horticultural show will be held at Agriplex at the Exhibition Grounds Aug. 14 to 16 during Territorial Days. Sharing the space will be other domestic exhibits including baking, needlework, crafts and photography. Show books are available at the Ag Society office or call 306-445-9638 for information. Books and entry tags can be picked up at the Agriplex when we set up for the show Thursday, Aug. 8 from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Help from all members and exhibitors is welcome.
Entries will be accepted at the Agriplex Aug. 13 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and Aug. 14 from 7 to 9 a.m. Judging will start at 10 a.m.
For new exhibitors, and as a refresher to veterans, here are a few details.
There are changes in some classes, mostly in cut flowers and vegetables. Plates are supplied for fruit and vegetables and milk bottles for gladiolus and flowers with large stems. Dahlias are shown with at least two leaves.
Floral art is a colourful part of the show and always of great interest. The flower arrangement is shown in a niche (supplied) but the exhibitor adds the backdrop. These are usually cotton or silk to fit the centre part of the niche. Black or navy and basic colours are best. Containers are also basic colours and the display should fill about two-thirds of the niche. Flower arrangements do not need a backdrop but the same principles apply as to colours and size.
Vegetables are nearly always a large part of the displays and are somewhat easier to prepare as many of them can be done a few days ahead and, except for tomatoes, kept in a cool place. There are always a great many entries in the tomato section.
All vegetables need to be clean, uniform with good colour. Rhubarb does not have to be on a plate, just placed on the show table. Herb collections are displayed on a tray using six separate varities in smaller containers.
Cole plants are shown with at least two wrapper leaves. Celery and lettuce can be displayed in a jar with a bit of water at the root part.
The fruit class is never big, but is nice to see what can be grown here. There is usually a good variety of small fruit. These are all displayed on plates.
Exhibitors are urged to bring what they can. Entries were down significantly last year. New exhibitors are especially welcome. There is a special award for the highest points.
We do enjoy the junior entries with their imaginative displays. There are ribbons to be won as well as some money.
We welcome all visitors to sign the guest book. It's nice to see where visitors come from, especially from far away places. Come to see the show and domestic exhibits. Bring your family and friends.
Hope to see you at the fair.
