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A long-standing Cobourg gardening tradition is returning next month, with the Cobourg Garden Club hosting its annual Summer Flower Show and Tea.
The event takes place Saturday, August 8, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Cobourg Public Library at 200 Ontario Street. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
The popular celebration of gardening will feature entries in several categories, including annuals, perennials, fruits and vegetables, house plants, design and photography.
This year’s Design section has an eco gardening theme, with classes focused on recycled containers, water saving and creating bee friendly gardens. The Photography section features similar themes, including water conservation and pollinating insects.
The club says last year’s summer show featured about 150 entries and attracted approximately 70 visitors, who enjoyed the displays and an afternoon tea with cold drinks and baked goods provided by club members.
The Cobourg Garden Club has a long history in the community. Founded in February 1859 as the Cobourg Horticultural Society, the organization held its first flower show that July. The event attracted approximately 5,000 visitors to see displays of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Today, the club holds flower shows in May, August and December and organizes a range of other community activities. Those include an annual plant sale, monthly guest speakers and a scholarship for a Cobourg high school graduate pursuing post secondary studies in horticulture or a related field.
The club has contributed to several local beautification projects over the years, including the Edwin Haynes Memorial Rose Garden in Victoria Park and plantings at the Golden Plough Lodge and Northumberland Hills Hospital.
The organization continues to maintain the Five Corners Garden, a Millennium project that includes a small free library of horticultural books.
The Cobourg Garden Club says this year’s show is an opportunity for residents to celebrate local gardening and the creativity of fellow garden enthusiasts.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
