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Grower's show

Better weather usually means good times for gardeners. The warmer temperatures and longer growing season have thrown off schedules this summer, advancing the growing schedule ahead by three weeks or more.
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Anne Newbold had about 30 entries in this year's Thunder Bay Horticultural Society’s annual fruit, flower and vegetable show Monday. (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com)
Better weather usually means good times for gardeners.

The warmer temperatures and longer growing season have thrown off schedules this summer, advancing the growing schedule ahead by three weeks or more.

That didn’t stop 18 enthusiasts from submitting entries, some in as many as 30 categories at Monday’s Thunder Bay Horticultural Society’s annual fruit, flower and vegetable show.

Organizer Paul Sebesta said it’s a chance for growers to display months of hard work and let the public see what can be done in the city.

“I take pride in what I grow, and I like to show what I grow to other people, hoping it will get other people interested in becoming either members of the Horticultural Society or just going out and getting some new plants and beautifying their yards or beautifying the city,” Sebesta said, surrounded by sensual aroma of fresh flowers that permeated the air at the Oliver Road Community Centre, home to the 87-year-old society.  

It’s also a chance to surprise fellow growers by producing plants and vegetables that aren’t normally recommended for the harsh Northwestern Ontario climate.

“A lot of people have micro-climates in their yards. People who live farther away from the lake, it’s a little warmer … so we have a wide range of flowers. Basically the annuals and perennials are our biggest sections.

“This year, because of the nice weather we’ve had a good section of vegetables,” Sebesta said. “The really big thing is the design group. People make up arrangements with the flowers they grow in their yard. That one is really competitive.”

Anne Newbold had about 30 entries, and said it’s the difference from year to year that keeps her interest.

“You get to see what other people have grown and other cultivars that people have selected and brought in. It’s not the competition at all,” said Newbold, who nonetheless took home the best-in-show prize.

It’s not easy, given the climate, she added.

“It’s definitely a challenge in Northern Ontario. You always try to push the limits. We’re a zone 3B and you might try to some stuff that are (graded) zone four. It’s just trying different stuff every year ,” she said, noting she’s had success with several shrubs and varieties of lilies that aren’t recommended for Thunder Bay.

The show, which includes a youth category, is open to the public Monday and Tuesday starting at 2 p.m.




Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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