The Rimbey and District Horticultural Group’s rose and lily show was a lovely testimonial to the talented green thumbs of Rimbey and area.
Tom Turnbull completely took over as winner in the lilies (over 20 category), winning first, second and third place.
It is obvious that for Turnbull and his wife, Sandy the beautiful lily has become their flower of choice.
“It’s a hobby gone mad,” said Sandy Turnbull, of her husband’s lily gardens.
The couple lives on a farm north of Bentley, a picturesque location that takes a casual observer by surprise with its delightful lily gardens.
The Turnbulls sell lilies and bulbs and also have a U-pick Saskatoon operation and berry pickers can take home an ice cream pail of the delicious berries for $5.
Sandy, walking among the rows of lilies which seem to stretch out onto forever in every colour imaginable; creams to yellows, to deep purples, pale pinks and every shade of tangerine possible, seemed very at home in the gardens.
“It is Tom that does all this,” she said waving her hand across the huge gardens. “I am just his gopher.”
A mother and daughter took first and second prize for lilies in the under 20 category.
“My mom encourages me to enter (the rose and lily show) all the time,” said Mary Olson, who won first prize. I did win over my mom,” she said with a chuckle. “It was a surprise to both of us.”
Grace Den Engelsen, Olson’s mother, was also pleased with her win.
“I do like lilies and I have a nice little lily garden. You can get them in so many colours.”
In the rose on a stem category, Joy Bruca took first, the Rimbey Historical Society won second and Irene Kurta-Lovell took third.
Joy Bruca also won first for her rose in a bowl entry.
Gail Hood, president of the Rimbey and District Horticultural Group said there were 35 lily entries and seven rose entries.
“We really appreciated the historical society allowing us to have it at the school at the park this year.”
The horticultural group is holding a competition for the best community garden and judging will take place on Aug. 12 at the community gardens at 10 p.m. The Rimbey and District Horticultural Bench Show will be held Aug. 15 and 16. The show is open to the public on Aug. 16.