Bradner blooms with annual flower show

There may be upwards of 300 varieties of daffodils at the 86th annual Bradner Flower Show this weekend.

“They really are the stars of the show,” said show chair Lynda Richard.

The show draws thousands of visitors to Bradner, just east of Langley, to see the blossoms and so much more.

“They come from all around, even the U.S.,” said Richard. “The people love it; the old community feel to it and the daffodils are beautiful.”

The show brings together spring flowers – daffodils, tulips, and more – with local food, celebrity chefs, arts and crafts, and nursery vendors that embody the spirit of the historic agricultural community.

Gardening guru Ciscoe Morris will open the show at 2 p.m. on Friday. The KING 5 TV Gardening with Ciscoe personality will bring his humour and energy to Bradner Hall, and will answer gardening questions.

Friday’s official opening of the Bradner Flower Show will also feature Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman singing O Canada, the Bradner Elementary School Hand Bell Choir, and local singer/songwriter Ryan McAllister.

Once again, the tearoom will be a hub of activity with its homemade baking, soup, and sandwiches.

Saturday and Sunday will feature demonstrations and talks by chef Mark Hills (who appears regularly on Global TV), chef Adrian Beaty of Seasonal 56 Restaurant in Langley (specializing in organic food and local produce), Jeremy Pitchford of Glen Valley Organic Farm, chef Tim Garafano of Say It With Cake (he will demo cake decorating), and Mike Campbell of Campbell’s Gold in Aldergrove, talking about mead (wine made from honey). Liz Avery from Lotusland Vineyards will also be talking about wine.

There will also be the popular garden centre, with arts and crafts in the school gym, the Langley Spinners and Weavers, and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Visitors will also be able to enter a draw for the honour of naming a new species of daffodil.

Sixty to 70 volunteers work together to put on the event each year. “Some people who don’t even live here any more come back to help, because they just love it,” said Richard.

The show runs Friday through Sunday, April 11-13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $2. It is at Bradner Hall, 5305 Bradner Rd., Abbotsford.

Demos & talks

Saturday:

Noon – chef Adrian Beaty

1 p.m. – Mike Campbell

2 p.m. – chef Mark Hills

3 p.m. – Liz Avery

Sunday:

11 a.m. – Bert the mole man (he invented the mole trap)

1 p.m. – Jeremy Pitchford

2 p.m. – chef Tim Garafano

3 p.m. – Liz Avery