YORKTON - The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society was involved in a big project recently! Our society hosted the SHA (Saskatchewan Horticultural Association) Convention and AGM here in Yorkton. Gardeners from all across the province converged on Yorkton to share reports about their individual societies, exchange ideas for gardening futures, and or course, talk gardening!
We had a variety of speakers, and thanks goes out to our presenters: Prairie Dome Seed Potato Growers; Jackie Bantle speaking about prairie gardening in our changing climate; Howland’s Honey Farm; and Candace Karkut speaking about foraging and herbs for medicinal purposes. You all had great presentations and wonderful information to share! Thank you so much for sharing your time and expertise with us!
It was encouraging and inspiring to hear about the many ways that horticultural societies across the province are continuing with their mandate of educational and horticultural involvement in their communities. The way people garden may be different…the way they obtain information may be different…but one thing that remains constant is the passion and enthusiasm that gardeners have at all ages, and the great desire to share this enthusiasm with others! I spoke with some members of the Tri-City Horticultural Society, and we talked about how the wants and needs of gardeners has changed in respect to joining a “club”. Their society had many great and innovative ideas, kudos to them, and to all the societies for being so inventive and creative with gardening ideas! The goal is always to get people involved in gardening, a pastime that can be enjoyed for a lifetime!
I’d like to extend a bouquet of thanks to many people for making this convention such a success. First of all to Liz and Allona, the ‘energizer bunnies’ who did so much pre-convention work on a multitude of tasks that all combine to make a great event. Next, to John, our technical wizard who kept machines and presentations running smoothly over the convention, for both sight and sound! Next, to Melody who kept track of all things financial connected with the convention. And of course, to all the “convention committee” who did many important tasks behind-the-scenes. Many hands made light work!
Thank you to our local society members who took part and supported the event: it meant a lot to have you there, so finely representing our society! Your participation shows your interest in the group, both locally and provincially.
Thank you to our many sponsors who supported us with silent auction items and door prizes: all our guests were thrilled with the fine selection of items from our local businesses. Thank you to our friends at the Western Development Museum for all their kind help all through the convention; and thank you to our friends at Grumpy’s for keeping us all very well fed!
Last but not least, thank you to all our gardening guests, the societies who travelled rom all over the province to be with us: it was wonderful to share that gardening time with you, and share the energy you have for horticulture! We wish you all success in your future projects!
Yorkton is a great gardening city: all you have to do is drive down any street in town, and you will see beautiful yards, lots of hard work, and amazing gardening ideas! Keep gardening, friends, and we hope that you might join the hort society and be part of a province-wide network of gardeners!
Thank you to our friends at YTW for their fine work each week. Visit the hort society at Have a great week! Happy Birthday to my squash-blossom, Keith!