A flower by any other name . . .

“Flowers are just something that I have always liked to be around, and I just love learning about them,” said Donna Wasykowski about her recent decision to go back to school to learn how to be a garden show judge.
Last September, Wasykowski, along with 36 others from around the area, gathered in Thunder Bay under the direction of Harry Wyma from Ridgetown, Ont. to learn the ins and outs of flower and vegetable judging.
The first classes, which took place over three days, had the students learning everything from judging practices to the proper containers to use when making floral designs.
“I had taken a class in floral judging about 30 years ago,” Wasykowski noted. “I thought that it would be a good idea to take a refresher course.
“I am the only certified judge in the town, and I thought it would be a good to make sure I was up-to-date with the current practices that are involved in judging.
“After taking this last class, I can tell you that things have changed quite a bit,” she added.
Having completed the first classes, Wasykowski will be returning to Thunder Bay in the spring to attend the second of three sessions that will be held throughout the year.
Though she comes to the classes with a extensive background and many years of experience in floral judging, Wasykowski feels it’s never too late to learn more about something you’re passionate about.
“When I first got involved with garden shows, there were three women in the community who were doing all of the judging,” she recalled. “I started to do some of the judging myself, and now that they are older, I am doing it alone.
“I never thought that something I love so much would eventually take over my life. I guess that is what happens when you really like something,” she reasoned.
Although the drive to Thunder Bay is tiring and the days in the classroom are long, Wasykowski has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and learn things she never knew before.
“While I was attending my classes, I got to meet a number of master gardeners and people who love plants as much as I do,” Wasykowski said. “We are all in the same boat when we are there because we are all learning new things.
“It is nice to be with people who have the same interest as you do,” she added.