First place winner Mandy Babbey of XQZT Floral Design of Tillsonburg, Ont.

This year, pickOntario hosted their very first floral design contest. Florists from all over Ontario were invited to submit a floral design that best showcased the beauty of Ontario grown flowers.

In February 2010 the top ten designs were posted at pickOntario.ca and voted on by over 1,000 consumers. The three designers whose arrangements had the most votes were invited to Canada Blooms in Toronto on March 18 for the final round of voting.

At Canada Blooms, Kay’s Petals and Plants of Corunna, Ont., Alma Florists of Toronto, and XQZT Floral Design of Tillsonburg, Ont., all showcased their Ontario grown arrangements. Consumers and florists alike that visited Canada Blooms were asked to vote on their favourite design. At days end, the votes were tallied, naming XQZT Floral Design as the winner of pickOntario’s floral design contest. Honorable mention went out to Kay’s Petals and Plants and Alma Florist for their beautiful designs and their involvement in the contest. 

Mandy Babbey, from XQZT Floral Design, was overjoyed to receive her plaque, along with a one night stay at the Sheridan on the Falls, a lovely dinner package, and a limousine tour of Ontario Greenhouses. This tour will allow the florist to see exactly where her Ontario flowers and potted plants are coming from. 

A special thank you to all florists who participated in this year’s contest!

Here's a look at the designs by the three finalists:

Design by XQZT Floral Design of Tillsonburg, Ont.
Design by Alma Florist of Toronto.
Design by Kay's Petals and Plants of Corunna, Ont.