Ripley Horticultural Society enjoys sights and scents of fall flowers

Members of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society enjoyed the sights and scents of fall flowers at Wednesday’s meeting, held at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre.

The business portion included reports and updates on district and society activities, such as the Garden Tour, Aug. 21, at the Meeting Place Organic Farm where participants made bouquets and later learned about coffee-roasting from the owners of Coastal Coffee.

Heather Newman reported on the activities of the youth group and featured the experience of creating insect hotels at the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens in August.

The draft constitution of District 8 was discussed, as well as future fund-raising projects and meeting plans.

Fran Farrell, Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA)-accredited floral judge and Ripley Horticultural Society member, gave a brief workshop on floral design elements and tips for arranging.

Members had been instructed to bring flowers and small containers or hollowed-out pumpkins to the meeting. Many brought extra flowers and fillers to share and their generosity allowed participants to make several displays and take extra blooms home.

Everyone enjoyed the relaxed social atmosphere, sharing, creating, snacking and visiting, which culminated in a mini-flower show of two categories: Class 10 – A Weed by Any Other Name – An arrangement of plants containing “weed” in the name, and Class 11 – Putting You on the Spot – A fall arrangement. Judging for both was a difficult choice for members.

The winners of Class 10 were in order of placement: Christine Roberts, Linda Jaynes and Vicky Culbert. Class 11 winners were in order: Linda Jaynes and Shirley Galloway (tied for first), Diane Clifford and Alice Gamble.

The next meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in the social room at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre. Members are asked to bring baking, bulbs, preserves and produce for sale. Christine Roberts will provide an update on the Ripley-Huron Pollinator Garden Project and a contest of members’ photos will be held.

Contact Information can be found at gardenontario.org/society-listing/entry/140/ or through the society Facebook page: @Ripleyhorticulture.