Honeywood (Dr. A.J. Porter) Heritage Nursery near Parkside held another successful Lilies in Bloom event July 17 with over 400 guests visiting the site.
The huge tent area was a relief from the heat of the sun to the many that attended. Guests had opportunities to walk through the many lily gardens and to purchase nursery stock from one of the outdoor buildings or to take a wagon ride through the heritage site. Food and refreshments were available all day while visitors re-acquainted themselves with friends or listened to the many talented local entertainers.
Six exhibitors set up their wares including local glass blower Ron Anderson, wood turner Art Jones, nature photographer Patricia Wiebe, unique deer antler jewellery designer Richard Stieb, Metis artist Lucille Scott, and a stained glass artist.
Lilies in a range of colors and varying heights decorated the landscape along the road leading into the Heritage site. The fields were speckled with many guests as they made 'wish' lists of the lilies they wanted to purchase. The excessive amount of moisture this year has been a challenge for site manager Judy Harley, her staff and volunteers as they attempt to keep the fields dry.
Many lilies are of the heirloom variety and a result of Bert Porter's tireless work at Honeywood. Gardeners and floral lovers are assured that their prize selections are climatized and can withstand prairie weather conditions.
