One of Manitoba’s longest-running horticultural traditions will reach a milestone this month as the Miami Horticultural Society celebrates 135 years with its annual flower and garden show.
The Miami Horticultural Show takes place Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Miami Community Hall, with public viewing beginning at 3 p.m. The show will feature more than 600 exhibit classes, honouring the society’s roots dating back to 1890.
“Our first gathering was held on the lawn of Mrs. Eva Campbell, where local women showcased their geraniums,” noted volunteer Lynn Sprott. “We’re proud to continue that tradition of community and beauty more than a century later.”
Exhibitors are encouraged to submit entries in a wide variety of categories, including cut flowers, houseplants, floral arrangements, fruits, vegetables, planters, photography, pottery, stepping stones, wind chimes and more. Junior gardeners will also have many age-appropriate classes to enter. Everyone is welcome to bring exhibits — organizers hope to fill the hall — as well as to come view the displays, enjoy a visit with friends over a cookie and coffee, and take in the informative evening program.
The full prize list is available online at rmofthompson.ca under the horticultural club section, and print copies can be picked up at stores in Miami as well as libraries in Miami, Morden, Carman and Winkler.
Entries can be dropped off Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m., or Thursday morning between 8 and 8:45 a.m. Judging will begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. by certified judges from Winnipeg.
An evening program begins at 7 p.m., with greetings from dignitaries, an awards ceremony, and two guest speakers: Kelvin Hildebrandt, who will present on the “Little Orchard on Mount Nebo,” and Wendy Pearson, who will speak on “Acts of Kindness.” Raffle draws, cake and a photo tribute to society members over the age of 90 will round out the evening.
One longtime supporter who knows the show inside and out is 81-year-old Shirley Zacharias, a former Miami Horticultural Society president who still exhibits each year despite living in Morden. Known for her skill in teaching others the art of floral arrangement, Zacharias has won the trophy for most points in the show multiple times, sometimes entering up to 40 exhibits.
“I love the arranging — that’s my thing,” she said. “I came by it honestly. My mother was in the Manitou Horticultural Society for years. Flowers have always been part of my life.”
Her favourites? “The toss of a gladiola and a dahlia,” she said, adding that she can’t choose a single favourite colour — “they’re all good.”
Over the years, Zacharias has valued the camaraderie most. “Everyone is so outgoing. You make lots of good friends working together,” she said. “If you need a batch of cookies, someone brings them. If you need a door prize, someone donates one. People are always willing to help.”
She’s also known for offering gentle advice to newcomers. Her top tip: “Season your flowers — don’t just set them in water. Some like sugar, some like salt. Some like cold water, some like warm. Do it right, and your arrangement can last a week.”
She’s proud of Miami’s strong junior program, which makes up about a fifth of the exhibits, with entries from children as young as four. “They even have a mud pie class decorated with flowers. Some of the kids just love that,” she said.
Even now, Zacharias plans her entries right up to the last minute. “This year, I’ll definitely exhibit my patio pots and maybe my annual baby’s breath,” she said. “It took longer than usual to bloom, but it’s beautiful now. I never know until the day before exactly what I’ll bring.”
Organizers expressed gratitude to all sponsors, raffle donors, and exhibitors.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to make this the most perfect show left in the Pembina Valley,” they said. “Here’s to another successful 135 years.”
