St. Joseph Island flower and vegetable exhibition hosts 331 entries (15 photos)

The St. Joseph Island annual Flower and Vegetable Exhibition is the largest in the region and saw 331 flower and vegetable entries in the adult and children categories this year, down from 439 in 2015.

The number of entries depends on the exhibitors dedication, weather factors, the encouragement of children, and other factors said past president and Master Gardener, Maria Smith. 

"The result of the extreme, persistent heat and humidity was far more advanced," said Smith. "A lot was all ready finished (growing) as far as the flowers go. The exhibition flowers were down in numbers. However the specials, those numbers were up because entrants could utilize what flowers they had." 

Smith said the heat did make a difference.

"The weather did improve on those that needed the hot, dry weather such as tomatoes and corn," she said. "People did comment, the weather did make it difficult to find flower entries for the show."

The late summer rain, Smith said, did more harm than good.

In some cases, the heavy rain beat the petals off plants making it difficult to find show quality entries.

The aster, the society designated flower, as well the dahlia both saw a shockingly few entries.

One member of the St. Joseph Island Horticultural Society will receive its highest honour, the Dr. J. A. Nattress Award, at its regular meeting Thursday night at the Harmony St. Mark's United Church Hall.

Dr. Nattress, was a founding member and the society's first president. The  Award was first presented in 1977.

The award is presented annually to the member with the highest scores from the Flower and Vegetable Exhibition which this year was held Aug. 27. Several members will receive prize money for their entries and special awards.

Among those that will be recognized include Leah Phillips who had the most entries for a first time entrant with three. 

Best single Rose in Show was Helen Ann Betts. 

Best Aster in show- Kitty Dustin.

Judges Choice Best in Show, Section 1 Flowers - Christine Leith Adams (single Gladioli).

Judges Choice Best in Show Section 2 Vegetables - Dave Tyrrell (blue Hubbard squash). 

Judges Choice Best in Show Section 3 Specials - Marigje Cooper (fairy garden).

Other highlights included seven-year-old Georgia Burns who, in her second show, entered seven categories.

"Georgia really enjoys entering the show," said Georgia's Grandmother, Lois Burns. "She is able to apply her creativity."

Burns was one of three children who entered.

Returning judges from this year's show were Jim and Nancy Cibbles of Sault Ste. Marie.

The Horticultural Society was officially organized on March 25, 1974.

The first flower show was held August 1974 and in 1980 the first annual combined show was held.

Presently the St. Joseph Island Horticultural Society has 47 members.