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Peonies to blossom in Castlegar

BC Yukon division of Canadian Peony Society will host a peony show in Castlegar June 11.
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One of the many beautiful entries in last year’s peony show.

Flower lovers are in for a treat as the Canadian Peony Society BC Yukon Division will be hosting a peony show on June 11 at the Castlegar Community Complex. This will be Castlegar's second show, last year's popular event saw over 300 entries, some from as far away as Regina.

This year's show is planned a little earlier in the hopes that locals can just go out into the yard, cut their blooms, and enter them into the show. The show is an amateur, entry level show in which everyone is invited to participate. Entries must be delivered on Friday, June 10. There are about 60 classes and four ribbons per class will be awarded.

Last year quite a number of the entries were from out of the region, and organizers would really love to see locals walk away with a lot of the ribbons this year. "We need the locals to buy in and help us make a fabulous show," said organizer Holly Pender-Love. "One bud, one arrangement, ten or fifteen flowers, we don't care. We want them to feel that the show belongs to Castlegar."

The show will be held at the Castlegar Community Complex and along with the competitions, will also feature seminars and workshops. Seminars will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 and cover such topics as basic peony care, floral designs using peonies, flower selections to compliment your peonies and how to get seven weeks of bloom out of your peonies.

Even if you are not a gardener, the show itself is something you won't want to miss. Starting at noon on June 11, a ribbon will be cut, and the public will be welcome to view not just the winners, but all of the entries. Admission is free. When the show is over, any owners wishing to take home their entries will be allowed to collect them, and then all remaining blooms will be up for sale at 6 p.m.

If you would like more information about the show including information on how to cut your peonies early and store them for the show or how to ship peonies, contact Holly Pender-Love at hplove8@telus.net.



Betsy Kline

About the Author: Betsy Kline

After spending several years as a freelance writer for the Castlegar News, Betsy joined the editorial staff as a reporter in March of 2015. In 2020, she moved into the editor's position.
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