It’s Flower Show Time Again!

By Lynda Richard

“The Good The Bad & The Bug-ily”

Do you know that it takes seven years or longer to develop a new variety of daffodil? How do they get the pollen off of a bee? How do you encourage the “good” bugs and discourage the unwanted pests in your garden? Find out at the 87th annual Bradner Flower Show. 

This year we are celebrating all of Mother Nature’s critters that inhabit our garden and we are hoping to bring you a show that is interesting, informative and fun!  Our guests and activities at this year's show will help you understand some of the aspects of growing flowers and vegetables with a focus on how we can help our gardens naturally, and without chemicals. We will have something different and of interest for everyone each day of the show.

Jim Matteoni - Kwantlen Polythenic University & Institute For Sustainable Horticulture

Join us Friday, April 10th, when Jim Matteoni of Kwantlen Polythenic University and the Institute For Sustainable Horticulture will be our special guest to open the show. After the opening, Jim will be on hand just outside the doors in the “Speaker’s Corner” to answer all of your gardening questions. There will also be a performance by our famed and much loved Bradner Elementary Handbell Choir. Other special guests throughout the weekend include Bert the Mole Man, Chris Bodnar of Glen Valley Organic Farm and Jim Sadowski, an expert on Mason bees. 

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Angie Quaale - Well Seasoned

In keeping with what has proved popular with our patrons, we will have demos from local chefs, including Pamela E. Scott of Chef’s Pantry & Catering and Angie Quaale of Well Seasoned, who is also a newly elected Langley Township Councilor and appears regularly on Global TV. There will also be demos from Singletree Winery, Campbell’s Gold Meadery and Surlie Brewing.

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In addition to the hundred's of varieties of daffodils that local growers present each year, there will be plant sales, crafts, and lots of food.  On Saturday and Sunday we'll expand our venue to include additional displays in the Bradner School gym that will include Gerry Powers of the Central Valley Naturalists who specializes in birds of prey, The Langley Spinners & Weavers and too many more to list! There will also be musical performances from recording artist Ryan McAllister and the always lively Interurban Band.

The show dates are April 10, 11 & 12 from 10 am to 5 pm daily at Bradner Hall, 5305 Bradner Rd, Abbotsford. Admission is still only $2. For more information visit Facebook.com/BradnerHall, [email protected] or call 604-856-8441.  Please note: this is a community fundraiser, in addition, all proceeds from cut flowers will be donated to Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

HEADS UP BRADNER! 
We are looking for donations of home baked goods for the Tea Room. If you can spare the time your donation is badly needed very much appreciated. You can drop off baked goods at Bradner Hall all day long, the day prior to the show, and any time during the show.