Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
When the 51st Annual Windthorst Horticultural Show gets rolling on August 18th, there will likely be a few former village residents who will make a pilgrimage of sorts to the most venerable tree in town: a glorious Scots pine everyone around seems to be proud of, according to show organizer Carol Miller.
“If you are not from Windthorst, this may sound slightly unusual, but there is something special about that tree,” Miller says. “When the highway upgrade came through town about 20 years ago, everyone thought the tree would be uprooted. It was planted when the railway section house was built long ago. For the longest time, there were the elevators, the train station, the section house and the pine and spruce along the railway track. Now all are gone, but our lone pine tree is still there, growing straight and tall.
“Town Council had meetings with the Department of Highways to ask them to save the tree. There are even license plates and a village sign commemorating the tree. No other Scots pine can compete with ours in its splendour,” says Miller. “There are plans for it to become a roadside park and a Christmas tree.”
That is the kind of spirit that animates the colourful Windthorst Horticultural Show.
“Our horticultural society has actually grown in size over the years, with 30 adult members and 20 juniors—not bad for a town of 250. If our younger members grow a garden, we take the time to go visit and judge it. Their efforts deserve reward.”
Freedom of horticultural expression is a fundamental principle in Windthorst.
“Some junior members create garden dioramas with vegetable animals. The senior lady members derive particular enjoyment from this artistic treat,” quips Miller. “This may not be the largest community in the province, but it still has a lot going for it. Our Society is already planning special events for Windthorst’s 100th birthday in 2006.”
Windthorst has a large farm machinery dealerships, a grocery store, a bar, a café, service stations and a bank, as well as an elementary school. Thanks to its golf course and curling and skating rinks, the community has always been active in sports.
“My daughters have learned how to synchronize skate in Windthorst. Our village and the population are committed to community beautification. The yards are well looked after and there are plenty of mature trees around. This place is alive and well.”
… And ready to welcome young and old, former or would-be residents at the Windthorst Horticultural Show. Don’t forget to take in the splendour of the Scots pine while you are there.
For more information, contact:
Carol Miller
Windthorst Horticultural Society
(306) 224-4444
When the 51st Annual Windthorst Horticultural Show gets rolling on August 18th, there will likely be a few former village residents who will make a pilgrimage of sorts to the most venerable tree in town: a glorious Scots pine everyone around seems to be proud of, according to show organizer Carol Miller.
“If you are not from Windthorst, this may sound slightly unusual, but there is something special about that tree,” Miller says. “When the highway upgrade came through town about 20 years ago, everyone thought the tree would be uprooted. It was planted when the railway section house was built long ago. For the longest time, there were the elevators, the train station, the section house and the pine and spruce along the railway track. Now all are gone, but our lone pine tree is still there, growing straight and tall.
“Town Council had meetings with the Department of Highways to ask them to save the tree. There are even license plates and a village sign commemorating the tree. No other Scots pine can compete with ours in its splendour,” says Miller. “There are plans for it to become a roadside park and a Christmas tree.”
That is the kind of spirit that animates the colourful Windthorst Horticultural Show.
“Our horticultural society has actually grown in size over the years, with 30 adult members and 20 juniors—not bad for a town of 250. If our younger members grow a garden, we take the time to go visit and judge it. Their efforts deserve reward.”
Freedom of horticultural expression is a fundamental principle in Windthorst.
“Some junior members create garden dioramas with vegetable animals. The senior lady members derive particular enjoyment from this artistic treat,” quips Miller. “This may not be the largest community in the province, but it still has a lot going for it. Our Society is already planning special events for Windthorst’s 100th birthday in 2006.”
Windthorst has a large farm machinery dealerships, a grocery store, a bar, a café, service stations and a bank, as well as an elementary school. Thanks to its golf course and curling and skating rinks, the community has always been active in sports.
“My daughters have learned how to synchronize skate in Windthorst. Our village and the population are committed to community beautification. The yards are well looked after and there are plenty of mature trees around. This place is alive and well.”
… And ready to welcome young and old, former or would-be residents at the Windthorst Horticultural Show. Don’t forget to take in the splendour of the Scots pine while you are there.
For more information, contact:
Carol Miller
Windthorst Horticultural Society
(306) 224-4444
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