Brantford, ON – On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Brantford Garden Club will mark its 169th annual summer flower show at the Lions Park arena auditorium, promising a celebration of horticultural excellence and community spirit.
Established in 1852, the Brantford Garden Club stands as Ontario’s oldest horticultural society, currently boasting 258 dedicated members. The upcoming summer show will showcase a diverse array of botanical wonders, with participants vying for recognition across more than 100 classes featuring both annual and perennial plant specimens.
Carol Sterkenburg, President of the Brantford Garden Club, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s event, highlighting the breadth of offerings visitors can anticipate. “From A to Z, astilbe to zinnia, attendees will marvel at over 60 horticulture specimens,” Sterkenburg remarked, underscoring the show’s comprehensive scope. Entries will span categories ranging from flowers, herbs, and vegetables to flowering shrubs, vines, outdoor plants, and houseplants.
Sterkenburg detailed the timeline of the day’s events, noting that members will deliver their entries between 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Judging will commence promptly at 11:30 a.m., followed by the public opening from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
The highlight of this year’s show lies in its design competition, themed “Little Ditties from the Garden.” Sterkenburg elaborated on the creative challenges facing participants, describing how designs inspired by nursery rhymes will compete under specific criteria. “For instance, ‘rub-a-dub-dub, three men in a tub’ entries must incorporate fresh plant material in a container two-thirds filled with water,” she explained.
Recognition awaits those who excel, with trophies and awards slated for distribution to top performers across various categories, including youth and adult divisions. The President’s Award, alongside numerous accolades, will commend outstanding achievements.
Beyond the competitive aspect, Sterkenburg emphasized the show’s role in fostering environmental stewardship and cultivating a passion for gardening among attendees. “It’s not just about competition; it’s about sharing knowledge and inspiring each other,” she affirmed. “Visitors will encounter familiar favorites and discover new botanical treasures, sparking ideas for their own gardens.”
The annual summer flower show not only celebrates Brantford’s rich gardening heritage but also serves as a testament to the enduring community spirit of the Brantford Garden Club. As preparations continue apace, anticipation builds for a day brimming with floral splendor and horticultural ingenuity.
