Annual flower and Garden Show

What a heritage!

For more than 68 years, members of the Westmorland Horticultural Society have  worked hard, long and tirelessly, with efforts to produce a beautiful Annual Flower and Garden Show, second to none in this area. And every year, it continues to get bigger and better, or so are the comments of the hundreds of  visitors who now visit the Show from all over New Brunswick, and beyond.

But let's go back many years, to the humble beginnings... A long-standing and still very active member of the Society, Laura McLellan,  recalls some events of the earlier days, before the Society adopted its present name. The present Society evolved from a former Gladiolus Society.

It seems that someone gave gladiolus corms to a farmer in Moncton, who was part of an informal group of like-minded farmers. As was, and still is the practice, corms and other plants, tubers, seeds, etc., were shared among other friends. Little by little, other plants began to enter the scene: more  gladiolus, dahlias and of course, roses. They were so proud of their efforts,  they decided to display their successes by having a little show. Next, many other flowers and plants began to enter the scene. Where would we be without our hardy vegetables? Much of that on the table was home grown, home produced.  Eventually, they became part of the exhibits. The men were having a great time with this "friendly exhibition", and the ladies had something to say about it!

No longer willing to just sit at home, working tediously on their handcrafts,  needle work, caning, etc. while their men were out socializing! the women began to enter the event with their baking, handcrafts, needle point, and all other masterful works of art. Thus, the Show evolved and continued to grow as it is  today, much more than just flowers and vegetables.

We no longer have the little animals on display as in earlier years, like  chickens, rabbits, etc. with the children and young people no longer seeming to have the same interest as they did then. Many used to be eagerly involved, but with the electronic games and the more city-style life, farms and agriculture  became pushed aside. We still do have some children exhibit, and they continue  to be very proud of their efforts.

In former years, the group was much smaller and did not  require a lot of space. Seems then, with less members, everyone did his/her fair share to bring the Show to fruition. Comments heard today, about the past Society and Shows include, "Then, we ALL worked hard and pulled together". With membership ever increasing much of that teamwork is still needed today. Shows have relocated from the former Legion Hall on Botsford Street, to the Beaver Curling Club, to Kent Building Supplies on Trinity Drive, and now  back to the Beaver. We are so grateful for such welcoming beautiful facilities  and to be back "home".

Now there are over 60 Sections boasting of more than 430 Classes to exhibit  and display in the show for fun, "friendly" competition! You think it is "friendly"?? Just watch the eyes and listen to the comments, after the more than 34 trophies and 30 large rosette ribbons are presented, not to mention the  hundreds of 1st. 2nd. and 3rd. place ribbons awarded by licensed professional judges. Ever hear, "Mine was better than that" or "I've got better than that at home"! And more than $4500.00 in prize money, to help successful exhibitors purchase more plants, seeds, materials, etc, for the ensuing year. A good thing, "The judge's decision is final"! Before the Show is dismantled, strategy is begun for the next year.

The Show is much more than mere gardening producing flowers, fruits, vegetables and plants. There are also Sections and Classes for Floral Arrangements; Home Canning including jams, jellies, pickling, preserves, baking;  handcrafts, including quilting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, and  woodworking, to list some. Photography is an area that continues to grow in interest of late by both children and adults.

And not to be omitted, the children have their own Sections and Classes of interest in which to exhibit.

All commercial florists in the greater Moncton area are also invited to  exhibit in that area. Beautiful trophies and ribbons are also awarded in those Classes.

A new Section introduced last year, and continuing, is one where any member  may exhibit any of his/her works, for display purposes only, not to be judged.

There are also excellent Seminars presented during the Show, as well as  performances by local talented musicians and dancers, etc. An afternoon tea and cake walks are also welcomed events, and a lot of fun!

A highlight of the Show is the huge Silent Auction, one of the best around.  Members and merchants from near and far donate hundreds of items for this  anticipated event. This alone is an event not to be missed. Such is the major fundraising project of the year, enabling us to continue with the Show, meet our  financial obligations, thus granting free admission to the Show, all Seminars and events.

Last year, members of the Moncton Art Society joined with us to display their  beautiful creative breathtaking works of art. And several artists even painted on site. Their Society will join with us again this year.

Anyone may exhibit in the Annual Show, providing s/he is a current paid  member of the WHS Society, in good standing, and meets all the Show entrance criteria. A Showbook and other pertinent information is available from the Society at a regular meeting.

Show is held the latter part of August, the date this year is August 19th 2008, 1:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. at the Beaver Curling Club, 73 Capital Ave., Moncton, N.B.

Westmorland Horticultural Society Annual Bursary 

Our Society is once again providing an annual bursary of $500 (five hundred dollars) to a deserving graduating student in Westmorland, Albert, or Kent County, New Brunswick. The award is based on their academic standing and financial need.

 

Interested students must be pursuing post-secondary studies in the fields of horticulture, agriculture, landscaping, or forestry. Students need not be enrolled in a degree granting program. Potential graduates must send an application including a resume to Laura Sarson, WHS Scholarship Committee Chair to the address below.  Deadline: May 1th, 2009.  Information will been forwarded to all high schools in Albert, Westmorland, and Kent Counties and students are urged to contact their guidance councilor for further information during the 2008 - 2009 school year.

 

The resume should include date of birth, phone number, name and address of your high school, a brief summary of hobbies, interests, achievements and your current academic standing. Attached should be a reference letter from both your school and someone in your community.  Lastly, please indicate the institution where you propose to continue your studies and your proposed field of study.

 

A successful applicant will be notified at graduation and the actual bursary will be presented upon successful completion of the first semester.  An official transcript of marks from the post-secondary institution will be required as proof of completion of the first semester.

 

Any further inquiries may be directed to (506) 576-7642.

 

Laura Sarson

WHS Scholarship Committee Chair

Westmorland Horticultural Society

494 Scotch Settlement Road

Scotch Settlement, NB

E1H 1X8

The Millennium Garden

Originally constructed in the year 2000 by the  Westmorland Horticultural Society in cooperation with The City of Moncton and MacArthur’s Nurseries, The Millennium Garden is a special garden created to mark the beginning of the new Millennium.

The Millennium Garden Project became a reality through the generous contributions of the Cadets, the Boy Scouts, and a number of friends and members of WHS. Every spring the Society members, along  with the Cadets and Boy Scouts help with the planting of a variety of annuals and perennials. A special thanks goes out to all of our sponsors!

The garden is located in River Front Park in downtown Moncton, and was established as a place where all people interested in the activity of gardening  and beautification can find a place to come together in a spirit of community. This project has an open potential due to its location which offers extensive possibilities for future expansion.

MacArthur’s Nursery has donated all the plants for the garden since its  inception. In the first two years we planted nearly 2000 annuals and hundreds of perennials. Now as the garden matures, fewer plants need to be added each year. We've also received a lot of support from the City of Moncton which assures the potential success of this plan. They have allotted the land, provided a drip irrigation system and soil amendments as well as consultation on every aspect of  the project.

The monument in the center bed draws many visitors who are always impressed with the Garden's beauty and marvel at the tremendous amount of work that must have been required to first establish and now maintain such a delightful Garden.

To help celebrate the occasion of the 65th anniversary of The Metro Moncton  Horticultural Society, an addition to the garden was made on November 14, 2004.  A White Oak tree, provided by the City of Moncton, was planted at The Millennium Garden site and a granite marker donated by Nelson Monuments was unveiled  recognizing this milestone.

We intend for the Millennium Garden project to be of benefit to anyone in the  community who would like to engage in an outdoor activity that is invigorating and safe for all ages from small children to our seniors and everyone in between. It is our intention to accommodate handicapped people in any way possible.

This project falls well within the mandate of our society which has been involved extensively in the promotion of gardening and community for more than  sixty years. Our membership represents a vast collection of knowledge and expertise in all areas of horticulture.

We feel the benefits of this project have the potential to last well into the  new millennium and beyond. We will be measuring the results of this project by the degree of community involvement and response.

The Mapleton Park and Rotary Pavilion

Comprised of 300 acres of natural beauty in the City at Moncton's north end,  Mapleton Park offers something for nature lovers of all ages. The interpretive panels throughout the park serve as guides, indicating direction and what is  available in the peaceful solitary haven. So much to satisfy the whet appetites of the curious and inquisitive: ample bird watching, wide accessible trails along with the more primitive, rustic ones and the observance of little wild  animals scurrying about.

Winter is also a popular time with cross country skiers gliding along the  well-groomed trails while skaters enjoy the natural ponds, all maintained for winter recreation.

A jewel in the park is the Mapleton Rotary Pavilion located at the east end  of the park, easily accessible from the Mapleton Road entrance. The beautiful facility, constructed in the traditional Norwegian style of log home builders by Atlantic Log Homes Ltd..., uses logs indigenous to New Brunswick. A special feature in design is the interior natural log curved staircase, leading to an  upstairs loft over looking the main floor. A sight to behold and to be admired!

The Pavilion project was funded by the City of Moncton in partnership with the Moncton West Riverview Rotary Club and the Province of New Brunswick.

Since the facility is made available to the public for meetings, receptions  and group events, the Westmorland Horticultural Society thought it very fitting  to hold a meeting there, and was the first group to have the honor! The facility and natural setting was deemed an ideal place for the group to meet.

Since 2004 was the 65th. Anniversary of our Society, the group decided to  take on the development of flower beds in front of the Pavilion as an  Anniversary Project. With the assistance of Society members and Moncton  Community Services staff, the dream came to fruition. Under the capable  direction of Project Co-coordinator, Rowena Corey, plants were donated by the  Superstore, Main Street, Moncton, as well as from fellow members' gardens and  planted by WHS volunteers. Mr. John MacCafferty, store manager, Mr. Jim Mills,  assistant manager, and Mr. Bert Conrad, Garden Center manager, were all very supportive of the project and instrumental in many of the plants including rose bushes donated. The Superstore continues to donate the necessary plants and shrubs annually as a perpetual project.

In recognition of the Society's milestone, two beautiful 65th Anniversary  granite markers were donated by Nelson Monuments of Sussex, N.B., gracing the  gardens of both the Mapleton Rotary Pavilion and the Millennium Gardens at  Riverfront Park.

Our sincerest thanks to Merle Carson, for conceiving and overseeing the  project and ensuring the recognition of this WHS milestone is noted, and to  Rowena and Ron Corey, Wyman Milbury and Eldon and Eleanor Snyder for the  planting and maintenance of the Pavilion Gardens. Special thanks to Mr. Jim Mills and Mr. Bert Conrad of the Superstore for their very generous continued support. Special thanks are also in order to Danny Bannister, maintenance  superintendent of the Mapleton Pavilion and Michelle McAloon, design  horticulturist of the City of Moncton for their input and support.

Reservations for the Pavilion may be made by calling 853-3516