Colour, shape and space

The basic elements of design used to create a harmonious garden setting are colour, shape and space. As guest speaker at a recent meeting of Chester Garden Club, Gena Rafuse, owner of Pumpkin Patch Farms, illustrated the optimum use of these components while discussing the attributes of various plants and garden accessories. She stressed the importance of balance in the use of these elements when planning the design, whether it be for a single garden bed or for a more extensive landscape. Gena's qualifications include a diploma in landscape horticulture from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College as well as as extensive training and working in landscape design and maintenance in England and in several Nova Scotia communities. Gena is also proprietor of the Pumpkin Patch Farm Market in Chester.

Chair Raffle
As with most not-for-profit organizations, fund-raising is a necessary part of balancing Chester Garden Club's income and expenses. Through the hard work of several members of the club, a raffle on an artist's decorated lawn chair brought in some much-needed funds this summer. Artist (and club member) Sharon Boyd created the colourful design, and club member Mavis Quigley headed up the ticket sales. Mavis also trucked the chair around to a variety of venues in the Chester area during the last few months to give it visibility and stimulate sales. The draw was held at the close of the Flower Show and Tea on July 9th and the lucky winner was Barb Munroe, another club member.

Another winner...

The lovely arrangement at the left was the winner of the annual Popular Choice vote at the recent Flower Show and Tea. The outcome of this vote is determined by counting the ballots deposited by all the viewers who attend the event. As stated in an earlier blog, the winner of the award this year was Joanne Jellett.