Canadian Peony Society CPS April Report

Preparations are being finalized for our Annual National Show and Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory on June 14 and 15, 2014. On June 13, 2014, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy will be celebrating National Gardening Day featuring the Canadian Peony Society and our show.

We will be having a featured speaker, Dr. Fang-Yun Cheng from the Beijing Forestry University to give a presentation about his hybridizing program with hardy rockii type tree peonies. Dr. Cheng is one of the foremost hybridizers and authorities on tree peonies in China. Everyone has their fingers crossed that all of the necessary official authorizations will be received in time for him to give his presentation at the annual show and meeting.

Also of great significance and meaning to our society, will be the first year the Michael Denny Trophy for the best hybrid peony will be awarded at the annual show in Winnipeg. The trophy is in honour of a long time Canadian Peony Society member, supporter and advocate for peonies, Michael Denny who passed away this last year. The Canadian Peony Society will continue to honour the memory and contributions of Michael Denny for years to come.

The annual show in Winnipeg is co-hosted by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. Over the years, the Canadian Peony Society has donated peonies to the Assiniboine Park and they have a wonderful perennial garden. The peonies contributed by the Canadian Peony Society are central to this wonderful display. The Assiniboine Park also has a sculpture garden and many other features that make an attractive place to have our annual national show and our AGM. The residents of Winnipeg are very proud of the Assiniboine Park. It is well used by the public on a daily basis in winter and summer and I was very impressed by the gardens when I was there three years ago in July. It is a wonderful venue and I am looking forward to meeting many members of the Canadian Peony Society in attendance at Winnipeg.

Yours
David Maltby
President of the Canadian Peony Society