A holly jolly Christmas

By Amy Saunders

saun0081@algonquincollege.com

Beautiful blossoms, fabulous flowers, and pretty plants – that’s what the florists and horticulture students showcased in their annual Christmas floral show titled Jolly.

The show, which began on Dec. 2 and will run until Dec. 14, isn’t just to raise a little bit of money for the horticulture and florists programs, but more to show off what the students have learned and accomplished over the past four months of school.

“This isn’t done as a fundraiser per sae,” said co-ordinator of the florist program, Lyn Whyte. “This is for entertainment and for sharing the student’s talents with the community.”

The show features most of the plants and blooms that horticulture students have been growing all year, as well as some of the floral designs the florists have learned about. In light of the upcoming Christmas holiday, the students have also cultured some poinsettias that will be for sale.

Along with the showcased florals and poinsettias, the florist students have also prepared some Christmas themed decorations for sale to give people the opportunity to add some extra cheer to their surroundings.

“We have small things for sale, mostly crafts,” said Whyte. “Wreaths and centerpieces for the public coming through.”

The show is being held in the horticulture centre on Algonquin’s campus and is open to the public until 8 p.m. Monday to Friday. Saturdays and Sundays the building is open until 4 p.m. People are able to stroll through and find different ideas for their houseplants and gardens next spring. Students are on hand to answer questions and give advice.

Those interested are invited to come down and see the spectacle. Whyte suggests coming in the evening when all the lights are on to see the set up in all its splendor.