This is the final meeting of our 75th Anniversary Year. At this meeting we highlight our Photo Competition. See pg 13 Yearbook. (Take note of the 2015 categories as well! Start planning those photos now!)
It is also our AGM. If you would like to run for a position on our Board or nominate someone else to a position, please contact President Heather or Past President Carol. Our Board is a very active group and we have a lot of fun planning your yearly program. We welcome all volunteers – whether they work on the Board or on a committee. Let us know if you are interested.
The Speakers for the evening are long time favourites – Joe and Hazel Cook. Their topic is “Blossom Hill – Then and Now”. Joe & Hazel’s speaking career began when they gave their very first presentation on “Delphiniums” to our group, many years ago. So, for our final anniversary meeting, we hope to hear excerpts from that talk as well as a little about how they started their business and what they are doing now. (But with Joe, one never knows what might happen!)
Come and join in the fun! Let’s end our 75th Anniversary year with as much fun as we began last February!
Joe and Hazel Cook with their daughter Amy have operated a family owned business, Blossom Hill Nursery since 1994, specializing in the hybridization and propagation of British Delphinium elatum. A second passion has resulted in an extensive peony collection of over 600 varieties including species, tree, herbaceous and intersectional peonies. The Cooks are propagating the peonies, including grafting 100 varieties of tree peonies.
Blossom Hill is located just north of Peterborough in Selwyn Township and has perennial display gardens as well as 5000 peonies and trial beds in the field for over 1000 delphiniums.
Blossom Hill delphiniums and peonies have won awards in both Canada and the United States.
Hazel is a director and the corresponding secretary of the American Peony Society.
Their interest in horticulture and nature has led to the third passion of bee keeping. This presentation will include some interesting facts about honey bees; their habits, hives and care but will also reveal some humorous stories of the Cooks’ adventures.