(see Photo Gallery below)
The Sturgis Horticultural Society hosted a successful Provincial Horticultural Show with 560 entries from across the province. The show attracted gardeners from Weyburn, Norquay, Windthorst, Yorkton, Kamsack, Assiniboia, Preeceville and the Sturgis areas.
The 38 exhibitors were awarded top points in 13 categories with grand aggregate awards in three categories of flowers, vegetables and juniors. A grand champion was declared for total points in all categories.
The 13 categories included houseplants and outdoor plants, cut flowers, roses, sweet peas, dahlais, gladiolus, fl oral art, flower arranging, vegetables, fruits, photography and garden crafts, canning, and a junior category. All classes in every section offered cash prizes.
Karen Leis of Runnymede and Amanda Ryce of Saskatoon had the difficult responsibility of judging the 560 entries in many different categories.
“Judging at a provincial level is really no different than at a local level,” said Lies. “It is about building communities and showcasing the gardeners’ accomplishments at a provincial level. Hosting a provincial show is great for everyone and invites locals to come out and generate more interest in horticulture.
When we judge we look for specific criteria that includes, uniformity and preparation which can effect the quality and showmanship. Showmanship is a learned art that is very important at a horticultural show level.”
Hazel Urbanoski of Sturgis was the grand champion with 131 total points. Donna Beatty of Sturgis placed second overall with 129 points and Phyllis Koreluik of Assinboine received third place with 126 points. Other exhibitors who were acknowledged were: Cindy Koreluik of Kamsack, president of the Saskatchewan Horticulture Association, with 110 points, Elaine Meachem of Sturgis with 83 points, Carole Hauber of Sturgis with 70 points and Esther Prystay of Preeceville with 66 points.
In the junior category, Bracyn Konkel won for best collection, Trae Peterson won best bouquet and Jake Palaniuk won best craft. All are of Sturgis.
Hazel Urbanoski won best collection of house plants, best annual, best perennial best gladiolus and best collection of perennials. Leona Carlson of Preeceville won best lily. Donna Beatty of Sturgis won best rose. Carole Hauber of Sturgis won best vase of roses, best flower arrangement and best vase arrangement. Shirley Jacob of Weyburn won best dahlia. Carol Parkin of Preeceville won best basket. Cindy Koreluik of Kamsack won best sweet pea, best plate of vegetables and tomatoes.
Phyllis Hanson of Assiniboia won best plate of potatoes and best vegetable collection. Esther Prystay of Preeceville won for her herb collection. Glen Tymiak of Yorkton won the best fruit plate. Carol Miller of Windthorst won best apple crabs, best garden craft and collection of fruit. Lillian Smith of Sturgis won best canning.
Jean Babiuk of Sturgis won best preserves. Margaret Prekaski of Sturgis won best photography. There were 175 in attendance at the show that concluded with the serving of cake, rhubarb punch and lunch.
Executive members of the Sturgis Horticultural Society are: Hazel Urbanoski, president; Lil Smith, secretary and treasurer; and Elaine Meachem, Liz Prestie, Margaret Prekaski, Donna Beatty, John Davis, Esther Prystay, Carol Parkin, Joanne Petrowski, Maureen Johnson, Jean Babiuk, Barb Wagar, Carole Hauber and Kendra Fowler.
