​Youth, adults “branch out” at Ripley Horticultural Society March Break event

The Ripley and District Horticultural Society welcomed about 30 youth and 35 members and guests to the March Break event, “Branching Out,” Wednesday afternoon at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre.

Many of the youngsters were members of the society’s “For Our Youth” Club and their leaders led the activities.

Youth leader Heather Newman described several varieties of flowering shrubs, such as forsythia and lilac, and flowering trees, such as cherry and pear. She handed out branches from these shrubs and trees that the group used to make bouquets, keeping them indoors until they bloom in two or three weeks.

The group then made pollinators, including bees and butterflies, out of craft materials to hang on the branches, adding colour to the arrangements.

From there, the youth and leaders went to the auditorium upstairs and enjoyed a Vegetable Relay and Garden Bingo, while the society members conducted their regular meeting in the social room.

They all gathered at the end to enjoy some snacks.