Hopes of attracting youth blooms in Sears Court

Judges Michelle and Rheo Courchesne examine the entries.

The Sears court in the North Bay Mall was transformed into a colourful garden Saturday as the North Bay Horticultural Society held their semi-annual flower show.

According to June Charette, Chair of the show and a member of the North Bay Horticultural Society, all the flowers are grown in local gardens and are arranged by members of the horticultural society.

“It’s just fun to get out and show people what we’ve done,” Charette said.

There were 140 arrangements divided into three categories; beginners, intermediate and advanced.

“If you have ever won a flower show than you have to become an intermediate. You can’t always stay in the beginner category,” Charette laughed.

The North Bay Horticultural Society is a non-profit organization founded by members interested in beautifying North Bay and fostering the love of gardening in the community.

Charette explained that the club is trying to appeal to a younger demographic in hopes of recruiting younger members.

“Gardening is huge. Even with young people. We are trying to dispel the image that the society is just full of old people,” Charette said.

“We also have a new youth program going this year. It’s great. We had ten kids go to the library and do all kinds of gardening activities and then they planted stuff at the back of the library,” she added.

According to Charette there are 145 members in the society. The membership fee is $10, which goes towards creating flowerbeds around the city.

Michelle and Rheo Courchesne were the two judges for the flower show.

“There are very nice flowers here. They are good quality,” Michelle said.

Michelle and Rheo explained that there are very many factors to take into consideration when judging a display.

“We look to see how vivid the colours are. We make sure that they are not wilted or fading. We look at the overall neatness and how they are groomed as well,” Rheo said.

For more information on The North Bay Horticultural Society visit www.geocities.com/northbayhort/index.htm.