This is number seven in a series of garden articles from the early 2000s about Walkerton Horticultural Society activities. Articles will be published several times over the next few months in loving memory of longstanding society president, Nancy Bajurny who was always dedicated to beautifying our town.
“2003 was another full year of interesting speakers and gardening events. In April, Bernard Smith took everyone through the steps of creating a Bonsai garden. In May everyone was invited to Brian Folmer’s Landscaping and Garden Centre for a personal guided tour and talk. Nancy Bajurny organized dates for the town plantings.
“The Yellows Ribbon Garden Tour took place June 22, 2003. The first garden was at the home of Wilf and Elaine Lane. Gorgeous hostas, irises, and peonies from Elaine’s mother’s garden made a spectacular showing. The sunny patio looks onto a five-foot waterfall that cascades into a large sculptured pond that contains several pools. Various size stones and pebbles have been strategically placed to give this water feature a mesmerizing appeal. A pumping system and filter keep these waters pristine as goldfish make themselves at home.
“The next garden was that of Susan Rankin and George Dimeck, R.R. 4, Walkerton. These gardens are nicely tucked away from the highway and look out onto green pasture fields. Gorgeous perennials gave a magnificent display of colour. A large compost area and rain barrels give this garden a thumbs-up for environmental awareness. A huge veggie garden is bordered by a wide perennial garden. A farm implement disk turned on its end displays a sundial.
“The gardens of Eileen Taylor are well hidden from the road. Eileen is very handy with wood working, making arbours, birdhouses and many garden accessories. In the backyard, you are greeted by the sound of water from the fountain. A beautiful arbour is the entrance to her veggie garden.
“The gardens of Susan and Harry Haveman have a collection of 50 varieties of day lilies, 12 varieties of ornamental grasses, many roses and a fountain in the rose garden.
“Strolling through the meandering paths in Marlene and Joe Montag’s gardens gave everyone a close-up view of the wide variety of plants that surround the above-ground pool. The pathway made with concrete using rhubarb leaves caught everyone’s eye.
“Gardeners never stop planting, and that certainly holds true for Maureen and Rick Shuler. They have expanded their front garden and also added a ‘Scott’ garden sculpture in honour of their son Scott. Next to the house an inviting patio is surrounded by colourful plants including a Japanese Willow which was a temporary home to a nest of robins.
“The Walkerton Heritage Water Gardens are becoming more beautiful as each year. The pathways are now finished, new trees have been planted and very soon benches will arrive.
In September, Diane and Susan from Silk Purse Farms did a presentation at the library on Hostas and Plantain lilies.
President, Nancy Bajurny, extended a very special thank you to horticulturalist, Bonnie Harley, whose dedication to the beautification of the town was reflected in the success of Walkerton receiving the highest rating of 80.9 per cent in the Communities in Bloom competition in the town, population of 3,001 – 5,000 category. Walkerton was also the proud winner of the Communities in Bloom 2003 environmental award. Although we are a small community, the world is watching how we make an environmental difference within this community. We cannot afford to become complacent on this issue.
“The annual meeting and potluck supper will take place Nov. 2003. The theme will be ‘Fruit of the Land – Wonderful Wines of the World’ with special guest Charlie Bagnato.
“The slate of officers for 2004 was sworn in by District 8 Director Valerie Neile; they are as follows: president – Nancy Bajurny, first vice president – Tim Schnurr, second vice president – Cecil Schnurr, past president – Frankie Nickel, secretary – Nina McTeer; treasurer – Ray Beckberger. Directors are Darlene Bohnert, Joan Weiler, Nancy Gogo, Fran Hill, John Inglis, Patti Johnston, Helen Meyer, Diane Schnurr, Maureen Schuler, Lola Timms and Norma Yundt.”
