District Reports of District Directors. Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, Russell, Stormont. District Director - Pat Stachon

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1 District Reports of District Directors Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, Russell, Stormont District Director - Pat Stachon Alfred had a very successful plant sale in May and also cleaned the town park and planted flowers. They enjoyed a pot-luck supper and great speaker in June, their garden tour in July, and a trip to Upper Canada Village in August where they were disappointed to find that the rose garden had been destroyed due to renovations. September s auction sale and the annual Christmas pot-luck supper and gift exchange rounded out the year. Cornwall reports that the highlight of their year was not an event but rather a phenomenon: PARTICIPATION. Their membership grew from 85 in 2008 to 126 in 2009, but even more amazing was the large number of people who regularly participated in events. Monthly attendance averaged in the 60s; forty-three members assisted at Bark and Compost Day; nineteen helped out at Canadian Tire and Planting Day; thirty-seven joined in for Weeds and Weenies; the Coach Adventure bus was full. And the election saw their Board of Directors grow to ten eager and willing members. We have a good thing growing! Martintown installed a stone retaining wall at the Community Centre, held a fundraising Auction and Bake Sale, and Annual Garden Party and Auction. There were spring and summer competitions, Thanksgiving and Christmas Decorating contests, and participation in the Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Lights on the tree, bridge and Mill. Members planted and maintained the flower boxes on the bridge, the flower barrels and the four gardens at the village entrances and assisted in landscaping the Habitat for Humanity house in Cornwall. Maxville enjoyed five interesting and informative speakers, and went on a bus trip to Rideau Woodland Ramble and Make It Green nursery. The Society maintains flower beds and boxes at the entrances to the village and received a plaque from Community Corners for Beautification of our Village. Two plant sales, with the Bank of Nova Scotia matching the May sale, provided funds that were used to have the flowerbeds professionally trimmed. Members decorated for the Holstein Show at the Maxville Fair, placed poinsettias in local churches at Christmas, and also did Home Judging in the community, where there was great variety in the competition. 15

2 Russell celebrated its 90th anniversary. They did the usual hort society things and their junior society had three new leaders. There was the first Living Locally Fair in January but it was Rebuilding the bridge from our past to our future that consumed them during the year with the building of a dry stone arch bridge in MacDougall Park. A dry stone waller from Scotland (builder to the Queen Mother) christened the bridge with a few drops of pure Canadian Rye Whiskey which was shared with all in the crowd who wished for some. The bridge went from a bridge over nothing leading nowhere to a destination. Come see for yourselves!! Vankleek Hill hosted the 2009 District 1 AGM, the highlight of the year. They had four excellent speakers, two pot-luck suppers, two plant auctions, a bus trip to the Experimental Farm in Ottawa, a very well-attended Flower Show and Tea, and the Children s Tulip and Spring Flower Show. They support Meals on Wheels by donating flowers and gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Members are also responsible for the upkeep of Mill Street Park and four town signs, and they donate trees, shrubs and bulbs to schools and for public plantings. Williamstown Green Thumb Horticultural Society worked on various projects at the Williamstown Fairgrounds, their biggest accomplishment of The Society and the Fair Board funded the design and landscaping of the grounds around the stone gates at the main entrance. Kirsty McLeod, a garden designer and member of the Society, created the plan and directed the implementation. This project was completed a few weeks before Kirsty passed away from cancer. In addition, a perennial garden was planted in the gully at the Fairgrounds and called Emily s Garden after their oldest member, Emily MacDonald, who is a resident at the Maxville Manor Nursing Home. Members also planted flower boxes that were at their peak during the Fair in early August. The Society has committed to maintaining these wonderful projects over the next three years. District 2 Grenville, Lanark, Ottawa, Renfrew District Director - Jeff Blackadar Pembroke, Petawawa and Beachburg co-hosted the District 2 AGM which was very well attended and organized. District 2 Fun Day, arranged by Mary Ann Van Berlo, featured free demonstrations and a potluck lunch at Rideau Woodland Ramble. Membership fees were lowered from $.75 to $.50 a member. Modifications to the District Constitution were completed. Deep River hosted the District Fall Advisory Council meeting where ideas were discussed for growing our membership. District team: Past Director: Sheila King, Secretary-Treasurer: Bonnie Gray, Assistant District Directors: Marion Thompson, Janet Rintoul, Mary Ann Van Berlo and David Archer. 16

3 Almonte worked with municipal council to beautify the main street with colourful flowers and vines. A horticulturalist is a member of the council s beautification committee and projects included gardens at the Cenotaph, Metcalfe Park, library and arena. Members enjoyed the August potluck which featured dishes made exclusively from local produce. Almonte members participated in Almonte at a Glance, Spirit in the Garden and the Almonte Fair. Beachburg celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special gathering and flower show. Many guests were invited. Beautification projects included gardens at The Beachburg Cenotaph, Country Haven Retirement Home and the Health Centre. Beachburg members grew and worked a vegetable garden at the Country Haven Retirement Home and residents enjoyed the harvest. Four flower shows and a plant sale were held. Beachburg co-hosted the District 2 AGM. Carleton Place launched a new web site in The Society maintained the Victoria School Museum Garden and added a new arbor and cedar hedge. Three bursaries totalling $1,500 were presented to students, and funds were provided for Carleton Place in Blooms projects. The Society organized three workshops lead by a horticultural expert from Algonquin College, in addition to its monthly program of speakers, yearly plant sale, flower show and tea. Deep River championed a project to enhance Deep River s waterfront in saw continuing clean up along the riverbank and the establishment of a raised walkway along the river. DRHS donated $7,000 in The Society hosted a great garden tour and planted gardens at the Deep River Hospital and the North Renfrew Long Term Care Centre. There was a doubling of donations from local businesses for new planters. Eganville members worked weekly to renovate a public garden in need of care, and also looked after the Museum Bed for a total of eight garden beds and eleven planters. The Society had good membership growth in 2009 and continues to donate funds to two local elementary schools for books related to nature, plants and gardening. Gloucester has two life members who received significant awards. Betty Prophet was the recipient of the City of Ottawa Volunteer of the Year Award in the rural/ agricultural sector. Fran Dennett won the District 2 Service Award. Gloucester was the recipient of an OHA Special Project grant as well as an OHA tree grant. The Society is working on a renovation of the gardens around the seniors club where they meet. They enjoyed strong membership growth in Kanata-March featured a seed exchange at February s meeting, and at April s meeting had a potting session for 300 heritage tomatoes which were sold. KMHS members maintained the Hazeldean Library, Tom Thompson Park and Molly Wilson Park gardens throughout the growing season. The Society installed a new embankment garden at the Old Town Hall with a watering system paid for by the Society. It publicized its presentations on CFRA radio. 17

4 Kemptville planted flower beds at Rotary Park, the post office, and three local libraries. It also donated the proceeds of a HeyDay yard sale to Kemptville General Hospital. The June garden tour raised money for the bursary given to a senior horticultural student at the University of Guelph-Kemptville campus. Twenty-five junior gardeners were given supplies for their own plots and enjoyed prizes and a BBQ given at the end of the season. Madawaska Valley held annual events consisting of a spring plant sale, June strawberry social, July garden tour and the annual barbecue, August flower and vegetable show, fall plant auction and Christmas potluck dinner. The village of Barry s Bay commissioned a local woodworker to build planters of an unusual design (hollowed-out logs standing on end) and invited the society to fill them. MVHS also took on renovating overgrown flower beds at the Seniors Centre. Manotick endured a downtown core in chaos due to sewer installation. MHS worked with Manotick BIA to develop the Wheelbarrow Planter program, which allowed over fifty businesses to have portable planters for their storefronts. MHS also maintained six public gardens in the Manotick area on a volunteer basis and provided perennials and volunteer labour to the RCMP Camp where they meet. Nepean continues to maintain the gardens around the Nepean Museum and offers a $100 bursary to a student at Sir Guy Carleton. NHS organized a trip to see the orchids at the Purdon Bog. The society has a very active publicity convenor who has increased the profile of the Society. NHS members won numerous show prizes at the District and OHA levels. Ottawa held nine presentations open to the public and three standard flower shows that provided ample exhibits for student judges. A members choice flower show was a success. The Society sponsored plant-related prizes at the Ottawa Regional Science Fair. The Community Beautification Committee did the OHS proud with two garden renovation projects: the newly renovated heritage Rideau Library and the Bronson Centre. Members were generous with their plants and time for fundraising plant sales. Ottawa Valley Rock Garden had three special speakers travel from Scotland and England for their meetings. Plant sales were held in May and September featuring many unusual and hard-to-find plants. They also have a well-stocked library and an annual members-only seed exchange. Pakenham had another good year of interesting speakers and high participation in three flower shows. Membership remains around seventy, as well as twentyseven juniors. The Society was promoted at the Pakenham Home Show in the spring, a well attended plant sale in May, and by posters, bookmarks and use of the gardenontario.org website. In September they held a harvest auction and raised money for both the Food Bank in Arnprior and Carleton Place. 18

5 Pembroke marked the 85 th anniversary of the society in 2009, which was celebrated by planting a tree in the Commemorative Tree Park. The highlight of the year was co-hosting the District 2 AGM in April with the Beachburg and Petawawa societies. Community beautification projects included plantings at Pansy Patch Park, Riverside Park, the museum, marina, library, Commemorative Tree Park and River road. Eighty-four Youth Gardeners were enrolled, fifty-four youth gardens planted and judged for competition. Perth again launched its Floating Gardens into the Tay River in the centre of town. Cleome plants in the flotilla did not appeal to local hungry muskrats and so thrived. PHS members rejuvenated two flower beds at the Old Burial Ground in Perth. They continue to maintain the Flag Garden, flower beds at the Cenotaph and Inge-Va heritage house. PHS has a gardening program at four elementary schools consisting of one hour each week for six weeks. Petawawa planted a tree at Heritage Village in memory of Doris Strathy. The Society continues to have a strong corporate membership program, and individual membership grew in 2009 as well. PHS maintains community garden plots that are productive and well subscribed, and also started Friday Markets with vendors selling locally produced foods and goods. They assisted school students during an annual Earth Day tree planting, and co-hosted District 2 s AGM. Smiths Falls planted and maintained the gardens at the public library, at the entrance of the Town Hall and at the Royal Canadian Legion. Corporate sponsorship continues to grow and media coverage is expanding. Members enjoyed a trip to Spindle Tree Gardens and garden tours which took place in spring, summer and fall. There was also a good variety of speakers and refreshments at every meeting. Stittsville-Goulbourn replaced a number of shrubs and plantings at the Stittsville Legion beds due to winter damage. The bed surrounding the Cenotaph was also revitalized in the spring. Society members provided Plant a Seed and Decorate a Pumpkin youth workshops at local community events. On Earth Day members cleaned their adopted Village Square Park and section of the Trans Canada Trail, and in October planted five hundred daffodil bulbs. West Carleton celebrated its 20th anniversary in They organized a series of four summer walking tours: The Almonte Burnt Lands Alvar, The Arboretum, Edible Wilds and Wild Medicinal Plants. People from across Ottawa took part. The Society entered a float featuring a woodland scene in their local Santa Claus parade, and planted two new trees at The Reading Garden they maintain at the West Carleton Library. A new Society web site was launched. 19

6 District 3 Frontenac, Hastings, Leeds, Lennox & Addington, Prince Edward District Director - Robert Simmons District 3 has fifteen societies within the counties of Frontenac, Hastings Leeds, Lennox & Addington, and Prince Edward. Many of our societies provide a bursary to a graduating high school student who is pursuing horticultural studies or related programs. Ameliasburgh started a youth group. A co-ordinator and two assistants developed a program that involved forty-five students in two elementary schools. The students plant gardens in the school yards and at home. For this activity the society was awarded the Sowing Seeds Award that goes to a society or individual promoting youth participation. Other activities included a plant auction and a garden tour ending with a strawberry social. Athens ran a varied program that focused on berry plants, native plants, creating wildlife habitats, native trees, and the better use of local produce by a local farmer. They continued presenting tree seedlings (catalpa) to graduating senior kindergarden students. Members continued to maintain the shade garden. Bancroft have continued with their community plantings and looking forward to building raised beds for flowers and vegetables at the Riverstone Retirement Home. They participated in Maynooth Fall Fair with a flower and veggie contest. They held seminars, bus tours and enjoyed good speakers. Belleville continued working on gardens at the Via Station and Queen Mary School. The summer rose and flower show with the strawberry social as always was a popular hit. The plant sale was a huge success. A highlight was having chef Jon Vandervelde demonstrating how to cook with herbs. Brockville had forty-five members go to Canada Blooms. The Society again donated $500 to the Rideau-St. Lawrence Science Fair. Members went to President Doug Avery s nursery where he introduced them to new varieties of flowers and vegetables. Members potted three hundred and sixty-nine trees that were sold to the public. They continued to maintain the public gardens at the Via Station, Hospital and Library. Collins Bay had an interesting year with many speakers, including Avery Wagg on Begonias and Ron Groom and Liz Tenant on house plants. The plant sale was very successful. Many volunteers spent time beautifying the three public gardens. The fourth annual potluck picnic in July was held at Fairfield Park. 20

7 Gananoque hosted the 2009 District AGM. The Society had three flower shows, workshops for junior elementary school students and one for younger students. They had eight guest speakers on topics such as nutrition and the garden, preparing for a flower show, and share farming. Two people went to the judging school in District 2 and two were participants at the RBG Horticulture Judging School. Kingston did a survey to assess member satisfaction. They partnered with Communities in Bloom to offer an evening with Ed Lawrence on Eco-Friendly gardening. New fundraising efforts included a five-week gardening course and open garden tour. Both were successful. The Paterson Award judges spent many hours touring the twelve districts of the city in search of a garden to be recognized. Land O Lakes dedicated the Cloyne Pioneer Cemetery in conjunction with the Cloyne 150th celebration. Restoration was a labour of love. A large rock was brought in to which a plaque was attached with the names of 40+ people who were buried there. The first garden tour and tea featured gardens along Little Pond Road including the cemetery. It was a good fund raiser with the recruitment of new members as well. A new garden was finished at the Barrie Township Hall in Cloyne. Lennox & Addington in partnership with L&A Stewardship Council and the town of Napanee carried out an urban forest renewal project. Two hundred maples were planted on municipal land. For this effort the society was awarded the District Appreciation Award. They continue to provide financial assistance to the greenhouse program at the Napanee District Secondary School. Their program included speakers on various topics and a visit to Bergeron Vineyards in Aldolphustown. Prince Edward County had a number of noteworthy speakers such as Liz Primeau on the six stages of gardening, Susan Meisner and Tom Brown on Spindle Tree Gardens, Sheila Simmons demonstrating Sogetsu Ikebana with winter arrangements, and Laura Tattersal on shade perennials. Gardener Gala was held in June with Dennis Winters talking on Meditation Gardens and the use of stone. The youth group gardened at the library and volunteers continued to work on the gardens at PEC Memorial Hospital. Rideau Lakes had interesting speakers on clematis, ornamental grasses, and shade gardens. They had a number of workshops on painting Christmas ornaments, centrepieces, lawn art, and swags. They took a tour to Spindle Tree Gardens. Three community flower beds were maintained and work was begun on the big project in Delta for The Society also held its annual flower show. Trenton had speakers on photography, Lavender Hill Farms and Ikebana. Their main money maker was at the Farmers Market, the annual perennial sale. The money goes for gardens at Victoria Park and Centennial Park. Also, a Mulberry bush was planted at the entrance to the hospital. Members discovered that the raised bed at the long-term care unit was in need of assistance and helped out, and will continue to do so as another project. A new program was planting a Pizza Garden to involve children from low income housing. 21

8 Tweed completed the Moira Garden Project where people are invited to purchase memorial stones to be placed along a path in memory of loved ones. The plant sale was successful with the money raised going for flower beds in parks, and entrance signs and planters on Main Street. Members took trips to Canada Blooms and For the Love of Gardening in Peterborough. Tweed s flower show, Flowerama, was held on Canada Day in Tweed Memorial Park. District 4 Haliburton, Northumberland, Peterborough, Victoria District Director - John Sellers Bobcaygeon takes a team management approach to five public gardens and has published a Guide to them. They are a sponsor of the new town Project Beautify Our Bobcaygeon. Brighton planted a weeping cherry tree in honour of Basic McMaster who served the Society in many capacities for over thirty years. They also took on a project with the Brighton Guides and Brownies. Campbellford won a 4 Bloom award from Communities in Bloom, set up a red worm system with youth in schools, and started rebuilding a path with wheelchair access and elevated planters for a healing garden in Picnic Island Park. Coboconk replaced benches, barrels, water wagon and purchased two trees. Member Wanda Luscombe won the Lions Citizen of the Year Award. They shared a 5 Bloom CiB award with the other CoKL societies. Cobourg moved to a new location, hosted the Four Club Garden Tour and won a third place prize for their new society website in OHA competition. They also found evidence of the Society s founding in 1859, 150 years ago. Cramahe (formerly Colborne) instituted a Community Beautification Award for front gardens, planned a new Ecology Garden, and helped create a garden for Maplewood Nursing Home in Brighton. On January 1, 2009 the Colborne Horticultural Society was renamed as Cramahe to reflect the name of the township in which the society is located. Fenelon Falls was much involved in CoKL winning the 5-Bloom Award. Renate Hauswirth received the Green Thumb Garden Award for their area. Grafton completed the construction and development of Grafton Heritage Park at the centre of the village, assisted by grants from OHA and the Trillium Foundation. They entered a float in the Canada Day parade and have a thriving youth group growing vegetables for the food bank. 22

9 Lakefield made cement mushrooms to sell at their plant sale, held their 30th two day Antique Sale and Flower Show, funds from which helped bring clean water to a school in Kenya, and to fund a scholarship to a local student taking Environmental Studies. Lindsay and its Lilac Gardens Committee reorganised, and then hosted a two day lilac festival that attracted 2000 visitors. Six members won Green Thumb Awards. Minden took a bus trip to the Successful Gardening Show which netted $300, and held a plant sale netting over $1000, which was used to finance beautification in town. The annual show drew over 300 entries and received 350 visitors. Norland completed its work on the new Mud Turtle Lake Park and is seeking new members to rebuild the society. Norwood investigated sustainable vegetable gardening and Community Agricultural Co-ops. Beautification, four mini shows and a photography show-andtell enlightened the year. Omemee participated in winning a Communities in Bloom 5-Bloom Award as well as Best Community of Gardeners Award. A revamped yearbook was printed locally. Norma Evans, a member and Master Gardener, received the District s Hazel Wilson Centennial Award for meritorious service in the District over many years. The Coronation Hall project was completed with native shrubs and plants around the Cenotaph. Peterborough held its For The Love of Gardening Show in April, filling the Evinrude Centre with 186 booths and welcoming 7800 guests. Their $12,500 endowment, aided by a matching grant from the provincial government, will provide a $1,000 annual scholarship award at Trent University. Port Hope started a new long term project by placing four new bridge baskets in town, held five flower shows and made donations to the Public Library for gardening books. Rice Lake maintains several gardens including the Catharine Parr Trail Garden at Gores Landing and enjoyed a number of very interesting speakers. District 5 York Region East District Director - Nancy Serrick We are comprised of 17 societies and cover the area from Lake Ontario north to Lake Simcoe, along the east side of Yonge Street. All of us enjoy our interesting speakers, plant sales, flower shows, garden tours and bus trips. We do community plantings from time to time, and work on a variety of fundraising projects. 23

10 Agincourt had the pleasure of co-hosting the District 5 AGM in April. It was a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun and went very well. There were new projects and plantings at three churches, in addition to the four churches where they already plant gardens. Many successful events occurred including a demonstration on winter design, and the year ended with a potluck dinner and entertainment by the St. Andrews Bell Ringers. Aurora continued to landscape Billings Well green space in partnership with the Town of Aurora and Water for Tomorrow. They also donated flower designs to the Town of Aurora offices after each monthly flower show, for which the mayor thanked them at their annual meeting. A booth was rented at the Annual Aurora Chamber Street Festival and several new memberships were added. Beach along with enjoying many successful meetings and events, maintained two community gardens, and sold note cards with flowers from various members gardens. The society eagerly looks forward to their 25 th anniversary in 2010 and hosting the District 5 AGM. In connection with this much-anticipated occasion, they held a logo contest for the AGM and a Junior Member was the winner. East York experienced a 2009 that had its sad, spectacular and insane moments: sadness with the passing of Phyllis Shepherd, former president and always willing volunteer, a Rockery, planted and maintained by the society, that exploded into a botanical wonder even though this was during the summer-that-wasn t, and a civic workers strike in Toronto that cancelled their Canada Day celebrations with almost no time for a work-around. Greater Toronto Rose & Garden happily increased its membership in 2009, held its annual flower show at the Shops on Steeles, Steeles and Don Mills in Toronto, participated in Get the Jump on Spring and Canada Blooms, and celebrated summer with a lovely Wine and Roses garden tour. Greater Toronto Water Garden hosted a booth at Get the Jump on Spring, held a very successful plant sale where they also put on a workshop about dividing water lilies, and experienced a soggy flower show and barbecue when rain poured off and on all day, but then they are a water-related group, after all. Lake Simcoe Gardeners groaned after the dessert competition post-speaker in February, taste-tested at a Cooking With Herbs demonstration in March, held their Pots and Pies plant and bake sale, and enjoyed a successful garden tour and tea with scrumptious goodies to feast on. They did more than eat, though. Youth programs were held in local schools, and Plant Kits containing vegetable plants, trowels, soil and fertilizer were prepared for clients of the local food bank. Leaside had a wonderful garden tour with over 450 visitors, won first prize for entries at both Canada Blooms and the CNE, and initiated the Ella Irving Youth Award in honour of a member who has been a great inspiration to the club and conducts terrific design workshops each year. The 2009 recipient of the LGS Community Garden award was the Islamic Society of Toronto for their plantings in front of their mosque on Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto. 24

11 Markham in addition to their varied speakers, held seven flower shows with excellent entries, conducted a flower-arranging course to encourage new members to participate in design, worked with children in grade one who used their plantings for science and math in the classroom, and planted at the hospital where their garden is always so bright and noticeable as people enter the grounds. Mount Albert received a major grant from the Trillium Foundation to continue the creation of a literacy garden at a branch of the library in partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury and the Friends of the Library. The Society recognized residents efforts to support the environment and beautify the community by giving 50 Thumbs Up awards to properties with outstanding front gardens. Members were thrilled to be awarded a first place ribbon for their yearbook at the OHA convention. Newmarket established a bursary for a deserving high school student going on to a post-secondary horticultural-related program, for the first time participated in the Newmarket Home Show and gained twenty-three new members there, and as a result of all of their promotional efforts throughout the year increased their membership by 74, i.e. over 50%. North Toronto held two design workshops that helped them continue with their high standard of excellence in all of their flower shows. One judge said A couple of classes deserved a ribbon for each entry! Their annual slide show dazzled them with pictures from Belingrath Gardens, Japan and the Mariposa Folk Festival. North York updated their Constitution and set out Bylaws for the Society, held two workshops for members and the public, visited Stone Ridge Winery and gardens in Vineland, and in December purchased 415 Kalanchoe plants and delivered them to seniors in the North York Meals on Wheels program. Riverdale co-hosted the District 5 AGM with Agincourt, which was a highlight of their year. They continued to work with Home Depot, a major supporter of their activities and in their relationship with Bridgeport Health Centre. A low light, if that is possible, was being locked out of their location for their September potluck! Eating and socializing standing up in the park were not too difficult but judging flower arrangements by flashlight and fending off mosquitoes were! Nevertheless, they prevailed. Scarborough enjoyed interesting presentations and good fellowship at their meetings, a bus tour featuring Durham Museum and their Cornflower glassware exhibit, and a garden tour offering an opportunity to explore the Gardens by the Bluffs. Their juniors were an active group, enjoying lots of gardening projects as well as crafts and tours of garden centres. Stouffville began a new community project: gardens at Parkview Village, and continued with planters in town and a garden at Latcham Gallery. Their spring bus trip included a lilac tour at the RBG and a stop at Niagara Parks Greenhouses. Toronto Region Rhododendron held four meetings in 2009 and enjoyed a varied and interesting group of speakers. 25

12 District 6 Brant, Halton, Norfolk, Wentworth, Hamilton District Director - Celia Roberts Acton started the year with a successful plant sale, supported by many nurseries and community young people. Downtown spring planning and planting took place and community gardens were maintained. A bus was rented so that many members could attend the District 6 dinner in St. George. A bursary was presented to Allison Green of Acton High School in November. Ancaster spent over six hundred volunteer hours on their annual plant and bake sale, with emphasis on heirloom vegetable plants. A new director position of membership archivist compiled over 2500 records from previous reports. A red maple tree was planted as an In Memoriam award. Trish Brookfield received an OHA District Service Award. One hundred Trillium Awards were presented and municipal garden maintenance was continued at five gardens including Fieldcote Museum. Brantford, one of the oldest horticultural societies in Ontario, held its major fundraising plant sale in May and its annual flower show in June. Two bus excursions took members to Canada Blooms and to gardens in the Niagara area. Expansion continues on the Waterwise Demonstration Garden. Donations of $1000 were made to Bell Home Stead for horticultural projects and $500 was donated to the town of Milton to replace heritage trees destroyed by a tornado. Bronte continues to volunteer at the Sovereign House historical gardens and Wellspring Cancer Therapy Centre garden. Native plants continue to be used in their plantings. A plant sale, members garden tour and bus tours completed the year. Burlington celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2009 with themed flower shows, a tree planting, a civic proclamation and a potluck dinner. Maintenance of two public gardens and support for the Civic Rose Awards and Bolus Parkette continued. Donations were made to the plant therapeutic program at the Brant Wellness Centre and the Master Gardener program. Books and DVDs were donated to the Central Library. Delhi & District revamped the Delhi Tobacco Museum s gardens by replacing retaining walls and creating accessible pathways. The Society won first place for a cowboy-themed float in the Harvestfest parade. They also donated three books to the Public Library, donated funds to the Harvestfest Committee and to the Adopt- A-Planter Program which has completed a successful eighth year. They sponsored the Jr. Most Points Award in Horticulture at the Norfolk County Fair. 26

13 Flamborough celebrated their 70th anniversary with a special meeting of invited guests and former presidents. Members were invited to run a plant sale at the Carnegie Gallery Mystery Tour in Dundas. Approximately 109 homes were judged, awarding thirty-four Trilliums and two Pink Trillium awards at the City of Hamilton celebration. Members enjoyed a bus tour to fabulous Oakville gardens in the pouring rain; held a members garden tour; held six flower shows and hosted the annual District 6 Fall Breakfast. Georgetown designed and donated plants for a garden commemorating wartime housing. Children s vegetable decorating classes at the Fair were initiated, and work began on the revitalization of a local park in conjunction with the Town, all as part of their 90th anniversary celebration. A Heritage Plant Competition was held. Glen Morris had exciting speakers and presenters on pressing flowers; pruning; growing Easter lilies, geraniums and million bells. They held a members garden tour and a bus trip to private homes and garden centres. They co-hosted the highly successful District 6 Annual Potluck Dinner with neighbouring St. George Garden Club. Haldimand celebrated its 25 th Anniversary with a turkey dinner and a program that recognized the annual Green Thumb competition winners. Special guests included District Director Celia Roberts, District Treasurer Margaret Bosnyak, and Assistant Director Donna Hussey. A bus trip was organized to gardens in the Toronto area, including that of Director Celia Roberts and concluded with a shopping trip to Humber Nurseries. The Society held its major fundraising plant sale, monthly flower shows, an annual flower show at a local retirement home, participated in the Canada Day parade and exhibited at the Caledonia Fair. Lynden welcomed new members, established and maintained a website, maintained the Legion Lion s Park and United Church beds, and donated two prizes to the Rockton Fair Youth Division. A successful plant sale was held as well as a Christmas Potluck and exciting meeting. Milton & District is planning the 2010 District 6 Spring Workshop and Flower Show to celebrate their 100th Anniversary. They partnered with United Way and Landscape Ontario on their Garden Tour and continue to maintain public gardens. Over $2200 was donated by member societies in District 6 to aid in replacing heritage trees lost in a tornado. The Society ran successful workshops, flower shows, and a plant sale. Mount Hamilton donated to Today s Family Early-Childhood Education Centre Community Garden, continued to maintain the garden at Jason s House where a new irrigation system was contributed and installed by members, cleaned up and planted gardens at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, and contributed a bi-weekly gardening column to Mountain News, a local community newspaper. The Society also awarded Trillium Scholarships to two horticulture students from Mohawk College. 27

14 Oakville focused on building organizational sustainability. They developed new marketing materials and an outreach strategy that helped attract fifty-three new members. They continue to expand their activities to become a more vital and relevant society. They worked to strengthen their relationships with neighbouring societies, Master Gardeners, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, the Biodiversity Awareness Education Network and the Town of Oakville. John Simkins was recognized with the prestigious provincial Volunteer Service Award for 40 years of service. David Marshall was honoured with a 20-year Volunteer Service Award and the O.H.A. Award of Merit in addition to a District 6 Service Award. Merleen Hall was awarded the OHA s Youth Leadership Award. Paris continued public planting at the Cenotaph Park, Paris fair grounds, Grand River dam and Cobble Stone Park. Financial support was provided to the Keg Lane School Fair, Paris Agricultural Fall Fair and the Milton tree fund. Monthly meetings featured a wide range of horticultural speakers, competitions, a lending library, draws and a social. Their Spring Time in Paris Garden Tour continued to be successful as well as their plant auction, Flower and Garden Show, Adopt-A- Road program and mystery garden tour. Port Dover & Woodhouse hosted the District 6 Spring Workshop and Flower Show (AGM) at the Port Dover Lighthouse Theatre with 180 in attendance. A tree was planted in Powell Park with an appropriate plaque. A local artist, Marvin Grove, donated a painting for a draw that raised over $300. The society continued to plant and care for thirteen gardens as well as donating to Port Dover Lions club s memorial tree planting initiative. An annual picnic was held in June at the home of Dr. James Cruise. A bus trip to Casa Loma, two retail nurseries and the Mandarin for dinner was held in July. Simcoe & District enjoyed a Canada Blooms Bus Trip as the highlight of March. The Annual Plant Sale continues to be their big fundraiser. Many Juniors entered the Annual Flower and Vegetable Show. A revived Community Gardens space was organized with many non landowners growing and dining on produce they grew. St. George hosted the District 6 Breakfast meeting in February. The St. George and Glen Morris garden clubs held a joint garden tour of three gardens in each community. Monthly articles were written for the St. George Lance newspaper. Club members participated in the planting of maple trees along county roads; the adopt-a-road program; the planting and maintaining of flower planters and beds at the Cenotaph, along Main Street and near the post office; and the care of the lily gardens. In November they co-hosted with Glen Morris Garden Club the highly successful annual District 6 fall dinner with two hundred and fifteen people in attendance to hear motivational speaker Eleanor Wood. A drive is on to raise membership. 28

15 Stoney Creek continues maintenance at the Royal Canadian Legion and Bob Kemp Hospice (Meditation Garden) locations as well as at Smith s Knoll. They donated magazine subscriptions to elementary schools and a bursary was presented to a local high school student. Waterford & District planted and maintained their parks, including some badly needed pruning of mature crab apple trees in Waterford Horticultural Place. Some of the Society s older plantings at the front of the Park were destroyed and have not yet been replaced. Other public works around town have delayed the placement of benches and trees which the society had planned for 2009 but hopefully this can be done in the spring. The Waterford Guides have helped with clean-up projects in the parks as well as donating and planting one hundred tulip bulbs. Activities also included participation in the annual Pumpkinfest Parade, a plant sale, flower and vegetable show, and a regular schedule of meetings, including an interesting tour of the Picard Peanut store and a talk on the growing of peanuts which is one of the more unusual farm crops in Norfolk County. Winona celebrated its 80th anniversary with a Garden Party in June held at Erland Lee House Museum in Stoney Creek. The Winona Women s Institute instigated the formation of the society in The event featured scrumptious food, vintage games, a live band, a photo contest and speeches by local dignitaries. The Society participated in the Winona Peach Festival by holding their major fund-raising event including a three-day plant sale supported by Society members and local nurseries and florists. District 7 Dufferin, Wellington District Director - Dorelene Anderson District 7 had an interesting year. Two Presidents and Secretaries meetings were well attended with good discussions leading to a letter being sent to the OHA for information. There are still issues about the treasurer s bonding. Workshops are being considered to help Presidents and Secretaries with their duties. A floral design workshop was so well-received by the forty people who attended that the District intends to hold another in the fall. The assistant director and youth leader held a youth day with flower arranging and planter workshops. Arthur enjoyed interesting speakers and held shows in June and August. Their youth club of twenty-five members planted barrels on the main street with both spring and fall flowers. The seniors group helped the kindergarten class plant flowers at the Cenotaph and arena and also planted and maintained four public gardens in town. 29

16 Clifford, as part of the Town of Minto, achieved 5-Blooms and placed first in Communities in Bloom for their population size. Member Georgie Hutchison created a 2010 calendar for the Society s 50th Anniversary. The youth group maintained a community garden plot to supply the food bank and also attended the workshop, bringing home the Hoppel-Markle Trophy for their efforts. Elora-Salem held a Garden Conference, proceeds supporting Contact Rails & Trails for wild flower planting, and Neighbour Woods for Wellington County s Tree Inventory Project. A junior gardening program was initiated at Elora Public School, two classes in the Fergus Fall Fair Youth section were sponsored, a bursary went to a student for horticulture studies, and Ian Rankine led a tree-planting project with Neighbour Woods and student volunteers and seventy-seven trees were planted. Two plant sales were held and flowerbeds were planted at three entrances to Elora Salem, the Cenotaph, fire hall, on the riverbanks and in other areas of the villages. Members also enjoyed a tour of the University of Guelph and the Town of Elmira. Erin hosted the District 7 AGM, held flower shows in May and June, had a garden tour in July, took a bus trip in August, and sent four delegates to the OHA Convention. They made use of Master Gardeners and conducted a workshop in December on wreath-making. Fergus had their AGM and potluck dinner where several awards and three life memberships were presented. The society awarded $600 to a school and provided help cleaning up a site and advice on new planting. Three flower shows were held, members went on a bus tour to Canada Blooms, and had a garden tour of five local gardens. Two outstanding speakers were Steve Marshall on Garden Insects Close Up and Anna Rose Schmidt on Perennial Change. Grand Valley was awarded a Special Project Grant and a new garden was created in the old Fire Hall Park on the bank of the Grand River. A ginkgo tree was purchased with an OHA Grant. The March silent auction and May plant sale were successful fundraisers and the Open Garden day was well attended. The Society continues to improve the beauty of the downtown area by placing planters and hanging baskets with financial assistance from the Town Council and BIA. Guelph continues to maintain four civic beds throughout the city. They had a bus trip to Canada Blooms. The plant sale in May raised over $2700 and indirectly contributed to the beautification of the city while informing the public of the society as a good source of gardening information. There was a flower show in July as well as four mini shows. The garden tour of six gardens, open to the public, raised $2500. The Society had a very enjoyable & successful year. Guelph Township had a photo competition judged by members, a Potluck and Awards night where three youth members entertained, a plant sale held in the Farmers Market in Guelph, a BBQ, and a flower show with an afternoon tea. Seven members traveled to the Grey Bruce area & brought back a number of plants. Topics at meetings included water features for indoors and outdoors, natural pest control, how to make a twig easel, care and feeding of house plants. At the Annual meeting 30

17 in November a penny auction was held with items donated by the members and the funds raised going to the food bank. Harriston learned from interesting speakers, some topics being gardening the natural way, bee-keeping and herbs. The Society held six flower shows, three being mini shows, had a silent auction with members judging the arrangements, and enjoyed an afternoon tea at the August show. They had a soup and sandwich luncheon as a fundraiser, with their main fundraiser being the Garden Festival in June. Members continue to collect used computers, ink cartridges and cell phones for which they receive funds that help the Society financially, and the environment. Hillsburgh sold donated plants and perennials grown in plugs, shrubs, hanging baskets and bedding plants at their plant sale. Their youth involvement included buying two bins and worms for both schools. Members planted and maintained boxes and beds at the seniors building, the medical centre, the fire hall, St. Andrew s Church, the Village entrances and the Town bridge. They donated to plantings at the cemetery, hanging baskets for the main street, and to a school planting program. They held a family picnic and mini flower show, took a bus trip to Stratford touring the public gardens and the Stratford Festival costume warehouse, then ended the year with a potluck supper at which they took up a collection for the food bank. Maryborough had many informative meetings and enjoyed the fellowship & friendships made. Topics included what s new for 2009, pruning trees and shrubs, irises, and orchids. Their own members did a workshop on design, gave a slide presentation of a member s city garden, and demonstrated how to make simple Christmas and winter decorations. There was a plant sale, four flower shows, the one in August including vegetables and photographs. A tour of seven gardens took place and members continued to look after flowerbeds in the community. The year ended with a potluck dinner at the annual meeting in November. Mount Forest held a successful plant sale where plants donated by the members were potted and sold in a vacant store, with members selling and identifying plants for the buyers. Their eighteen junior gardeners had a successful year. They d been given tomatoes plants and seeds so showed their produce at the August show. A CD of their activities, using photos taken by the youth leader, was made by a high school student doing volunteer hours, and was shown at the AGM. The society purchased markers for the gardens they look after. Five flowerbeds at the new Sports complex, planted with spring and fall bulbs, was their project for the year. Members enjoyed educational speakers, including the president of Seeds of Diversity who gave the Society heritage tomato seeds & corn to be shared in the spring of Orangeville held ten meetings with topics such as Creating a Residential Wildlife Habitat, New Trends in Floral Design, Succulents for Ontario Gardens and Silent Auction, and Gardens of Southern Ireland. There was an Awards night and potluck supper, four flower shows with the August show open to the public, and two plant sales, one also open to the public. Eleven very informative newsletters were published. The Garden Angels planted and maintained eight gardens in the Town of Orangeville. Other activities included a garden tour in the Shelburne area, the 31

18 July annual bus trip to tour a garden in Horning Mills, and a Hypertufa workshop. Members attended the District 7 workshop and the District AGM in Harriston. And member Betty Douglas was presented with the OHA Trillium Award at the convention in Peterborough. Shelburne enjoyed another successful year with an increase in membership. There was a bus trip, four design workshops were held and three flower shows. Plant sales in May and September were the principal fund raisers. Two members opened their gardens to other members on different summer evenings. Speaker topics included Companion Planting, Plants for Small Gardens, Shade Gardening, and Peonies and Ponds. District 8 Bruce, Grey, Huron District Director - Ann Finlayson District 8 encompasses the counties of Grey, Bruce and Huron with very active societies within these borders. The summer of 2009 was not so sunny as usual, with more rain, but was still a very busy time for all of these societies with all of the plant sales, garden tours, and civic flower beds they maintained. Auburn looked after five gardens and assisted the local Lion s Club with some of their plantings, as well as joining the Women s Institute and the Lion s Club in erecting a new sign at the entrance to the village. For a small community, these members were very active during the year. Bayfield members helped plant over 600 daffodils in Bayfield and on the Sawmill trail while working with other community groups, such as the Lion s Club and the Bayfield Community Group, while regularly maintaining nine gardens. Brussels commemorated their 55 th Anniversary by dedicating their Butterfly Garden, followed by an afternoon tea. Chesley members were assisted by local high school students when planting the beds and boxes which decorate the bridge in the centre of the village. Clinton members heard a very important presentation concerning lawn care without the use of pesticides. Durham was one of the communities hit by a tornado in They spent quite a bit of time planning new plantings to be done the following spring. Goderich held their Second Annual Flower Show and, in spite of rain the night before, had a very good show. One of their speakers was Art Fitzgerald who is a graduate of the Al Gore curriculum. 32

19 Hanover members did much traveling in 2009 by video presentations. They viewed a travelogue from France, saw part of the Bruce Trail, and some of Grey County presented by three different speakers. Hensall received one of the Special Project grants of $500 and began remodeling the entry sign bed. Kincardine held a very successful garden tour again this year. And for the first time, they entered a float in the Santa Claus parade. They also gave a bursary to a local high school student going on in the horticultural field. Lucknow has a youth section in their flower show which is open to anyone 18 years old or younger. They always have a great show. Markdale held a very successful Green Thumb Plant Sale in May and raised a whopping $1,295. They enjoyed many speakers covering topics from rose growing to tool maintenance and plant propagation. Neustadt celebrated their 25 th anniversary, but the theme for the whole year was A Celebration of Flowers and Friendships. Many members volunteered many hours as they were the hosts for the District Annual meeting as well. Ripley has a member compiling a book with the history of the society, including photos and write-ups of special events. Seaforth had a very good year they had 11 new members. One of their noteworthy speakers was Roger Tschanz from the University of Guelph speaking on Gardening in a Changing Climate. Southport enjoyed many good speakers this year with Ken Parker of Sweet Grass Gardens speaking on Native plants, and local speakers talking about Wildlife in the Garden, Pruning, Growing Roses, Container Gardening, and Landscaping. Tara applied for and received a Special Project Grant of $500 for plantings around a new gazebo in the newly established Rotary Park. Teeswater-Culross members enjoyed an armchair traveler s tour of Holland and Normandy. Some of the slides shown were made more real because of the comments of members who previously lived in Holland. They sponsored a Homecoming Tea for people returning to the village for the Old Boys (and Old Girls) Reunion. Wingham saw the completion of the North End Wingham Town Sign project, which has taken 6 years. On July 1, they celebrated Canada Day with the raising of the flag and dedication of the sign. The 1907 iron fencing from the old Post Office has been restored and erected behind the Alice Munro Garden. A plaque stating the significance of this fence will be placed there. They also held their first flower show, which was a great success. 33

20 District 9 Haldimand, Niagara District Director - Marvin Myhre District 9 has thirteen societies and held two meetings, the Spring AGM in Grimsby and Fall Forum in Niagara on the Lake. Each had wonderful flower shows that were enjoyed by all. Dunnville held workshops on judging, hand held bouquets, forcing bulbs, heirloom vegetables, and had a rose draw. They hosted garden walks, gave Trillium Awards, held a yard sale and the flower and vegetable show. Their biggest project was the refurbishing of the heritage anchor in Wingfield Park. Once again it is an asset to the town. Fort Erie replanted and tended the Memorial Garden. They held a pasta dinner, bake sale and plant sale as fund raisers. Members teamed with special needs students at Fort Erie High School growing plants, funding their endeavours, working beside them in their greenhouse during the winter and co-hosting a plant sale. Grimsby held a successful Fundraising Gala for McNally House which will become a biannual event. Members planted the baskets downtown and maintained the Elm St. beds. They held a plant sale and a flower show, and gave a record number of Trillium awards. A Hypertufa workshop continues to delight audiences. The Society donated time and money to students, senior citizens, and the local medical community, and awarded scholarships to both secondary schools and instituted a new scholarship program. Lincoln donated money to the horticultural department at Niagara College and established a permanent endowed bursary. Daffodil plantings at the Vineland woodlot and Vineland library were completed and the Society continued maintenance in the Millennium Forest and the Stand By Me program. Niagara Falls held a Garden Walk and plant sale which continue to be major fund raisers. The Rose and Flower Show and the Flower and Vegetable Show had many entries and great public turnout. The Society established a bursary with Niagara College, an ongoing award to the NPC School of Horticulture, undertook sponsorship of the Trillium awards, and provided funding for the Communities in Bloom reception as well as funding for flowerbed maintenance with the city. Volunteers looked after three Firehall flowerbeds, the Armoury garden and the Museum flower boxes. Niagara on the Lake held a Garden of the Week Contest, hosted a garden stroll, participated in the annual tree planting with the Town, and had a Garden Tour. A donation was made to Niagara Parks School of Horticulture to assist students 34

21 in obtaining wireless Internet access. The Society provided 300 arrangements for three nursing homes and a hospital, and donated funds and bags of food to a food bank. Pelham planted at three civic gardens, two students received scholarships, and special events included a plant, lawn and bake sale, an evening garden walk, and a Flower and Vegetable Show. The Society linked its website to the Town s site to give information both to members and the public. Port Colborne celebrated its 80th anniversary by presenting the city with 80 daffodil bulbs. The Society held a successful plant sale and a flower show and tea. Money was given to the Library for native plants for their new front garden. Members planted a Kentucky Coffeetree at Lock 8. Flowerbeds were planted and maintained at the museum, legion, and hospital, and two native trees and a front flowerbed were planted at the Habitat for Humanity home. Ridgeway supported Memory Park in Stevensville and a nursing home with plant donations and worker bees, and provided financial support for summer flower baskets going to local towns. Their plant sale was a huge success and they participated in the Stevensville Springfest and the Ridgeway Summer Festival. Smithville held a successful plant sale and a rose and flower show, conducted a floral workshop and a Christmas workshop for youth using natural materials, donated books to libraries, a hanging basket to the town, hoes for community gardens and cherry tomato plants for clients of food banks. They also provided a bursary. Members planted four barrels and a raised bed at the train station, and supported the Fall Fair Flower show. St. Catharines held a plant sale and a garden tour which were well received by the public. They continued student awards, made a donation to the Niagara College Library and to the endowment fund (College), sponsored Trillium Awards, used beautification money to partner with the Green Committee and others to create a meditation garden at the city s only National Historic Site, the British Methodist Episcopal Church. This church is an important link in the Underground Railway. Thorold celebrated its 80th anniversary. They planted a tree in Memorial Park and collected recipes for a keepsake cookbook, hosted a plant sale and a large Rose show, maintained flower beds around the Library and the Historical Museum, gave scholarships to students at Thorold High and Niagara College, and provided shrubs and books to local schools. The Society donated plantings at three local parks. Welland joined with the Hamilton Burlington Rose Society for the Rose Show, held a plant sale and garden walk, and established an outdoor classroom at a Welland School. Horticultural Information Sessions were held at the Welland Library. 125 Welland Roses were sold. An OHA Special Projects grant of $500 was used for renewal of the Extended Care Courtyard garden. Plants were given to nursing homes and Extended Care, and scholarships went to Niagara College. 35

22 District 10 Thames Valley District Director - Anna Peterson The 24 societies of Thames Valley are located in the counties of Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford and Perth except for Grand Bend which transferred to District 10 from District 11 because of their geographic location. Our District is large and diverse including rural areas, small villages and large cities. Memberships from 32 to 233 members, with a total membership for the District of As District Director for the past 5 years, I would like to congratulate all the societies for the excellent work and all the accomplishments they have achieved over the years. It has been a pleasure and a great honour to serve as your District Director. Anna Peterson. Aylmer held a garden contest, photo competition, bus tour and flower show. They continue to plant and maintain gardens in the community. Belmont and Area continue to maintain the Veterans Garden at the Community Park, gardens at the Fire Hall, L.A. Lake Parkette and the Library. New this year was a rock monument in Community Park honouring deceased members. A new pathway was installed in R.L. Lake Park, and a plant sale and bus tour were held. Dorchester changed their traditional Strawberry Social (with demonstration and craft making) to a Scavenger Hunt. It took place in a local Dorchester garden. Members divided into teams, and were given a list of clues to identify flowers and shrubs throughout the garden. It was lots of fun, with plenty of whispering and lively competition. Yes! All enjoyed the Strawberry cake. Dutton-Dunwich revamped the memorial rose garden and are replacing the roses with perennials, turning it into a more colourful garden setting where people can enjoy some quiet time, also providing photo-opportunities for weddings etc. Buttermilk Bog, though well hidden like a treasure, is a great area with many different sections featuring tall grass prairie, arboretum, butterfly garden, and a walk through the forest with many different native trees and plants. Glencoe added a White Elephant Table to their annual plant sale. Asparagus, perennials, trees, and shrubs were also donated by the local community for a successful event. A birdhouse- building workshop was another great success. The photo contest, an idea borrowed from Parkhill Society, had many entries especially from the youth. The pictures were featured at the Society s booth at the Fair, drawing lots of attention. Grand Bend is working towards naturalizing a small area, River Bend Park, and feel they are winning. They held their second Home and Garden Tour, renamed the Festival of Homes, Gardens and Art. Their visitors and workers enjoyed themselves 36

23 as fun, food, flowers, music and art were all provided along with an excellent day. They raised the money necessary to complete their shelter project in the Optimist Children s Park. The Awards Committee gave out impatiens and Trillium Awards and hosted an excellent Awards picnic. Ingersoll continues to plant and maintain various planters at the Hospital. New this year was a garden planted at the Woodingford Lodge Nursing Home. The blossoms in the Group Recognition Garden in Memorial Park continued to make a strong showing despite a tree falling on the garden during a windstorm. Both the garden tour and plant sale were well attended. Kirkton continues to maintain flower gardens at the Kirkton Woodham Community Centre and the Timothy Eaton Plaque in Kirkton. Three flower shows were held, along with design workshops, bus tours and plant sales. Members supported District 10 by hosting the Judging School. A Youth Program is very active with the Kirkton Guiding group and grade three classes in two schools. Between the two schools approximately seventy students built a boot planter. Lambeth held their Annual Rose Show, garden tour, plant sale and potluck supper, as well as flower-arranging design courses. A Mystery Tour was organized for August and a tour to Dundurn Castle and Niagara Falls occurred in December. A new project was the Bicentennial Garden for Lambeth s 200 year Anniversary. The greenhouse at Ashwood Manor (Senior Home) is maintained and a Serviceberry Tree was planted in the spring. Listowel continues to plant and maintain six gardens in prominent locations around town. A garden tour was held along with a fall plant sale and a bake sale. Interesting meetings were enjoyed at the Legion Hall, with knowledgeable speakers, door prizes and gardening information, something for all. London held successful events at the London Home and Garden Show, Western Fair Farm Show (on behalf of the OHA), and a plant sale at Gathering on the Green. A great walk through Sifton Bog, led by Brenda Gallagher, was followed by a tour of Velda Beeson s garden. Through Archie Graham s efforts a large donation to the Dearness Home towards installing a fountain was made possible. London-Fanshawe revised the Society brochure, designed new bookmarks, membership cards and a thank you card with logo on front. Plant donations were made to McCormick Nursing home and three schools (Northdale, Jack Chambers and St. Marks). Three trees were planted at the Sisters of St. Joseph s Community Home. Shrubs also were planted at the Spooner Memorial Garden Wall recognizing the contributions made by our Veterans. Members graciously hosted the District Fall Workshop. Parkhill Area celebrated their 20th Anniversary by planting a Pin Oak tree near the children s playground equipment in Coronation Park. A plaque was placed to mark the location and a dedication celebration was held at the September meeting. Anna Peterson, District Director, assisted President Marguerite Whiting with the dedication ceremony. A retrospective computer slide presentation by Ann Wilson 37

24 highlighted people and projects over the past twenty years. Past directors were invited, and all enjoyed an opportunity to reminisce and enjoy cake and ice-cream. Port Burwell-Bayham, the smallest Society, hosted the Annual District Meeting for the largest District with flying colours, great enthusiasm, and smiles. They plant and maintain several gardens in the village. Rodney held a dedication ceremony at the Library on November 16, 2009 in honour of the Kellys. A large engraved stone was placed in the front garden to honour the work of Don and Florence. The Society was organized in 1920 and the Kellys were the longest serving members with a combined volunteering effort of over 100 years of service to horticulture Keeping Ontario Beautiful. Many members and friends, including District Director Anna Peterson, attended. Florence served as District Secretary and received the OHA District Service Award in St. Marys held four flower shows, a Garden Fair, garden tour, bus tours, and Floral Design workshops. The Society plants and maintains a garden at the Centennial Park, the Peace Gardens, Museum and Legion Hall plus window boxes at the Hospital. An extensive program with seventy-five youth was held in two schools monthly during the school year. The children entered the CNE Youth Competition, several classes at the OHA Convention and all four flower shows. St. Thomas held their annual Rose Show with a Personality Arranging Session, including our Federal and Provincial Members of Parliament participating as well as United Way s C.E.O. and a representative from Canadale Nursery. The event was very successful and amusing. The Society has had a good relationship with Canadale Nursery over the years and developed an even closer partnership by participating in their spring, summer and fall events helping with information booths, providing speakers and thanking them, and helping with the Kids Club. Stratford participated in the annual Lung Association Garden Festival with a garden reflecting the theme Wild Things. Design workshops were held: Working Without Floral Foam, Creative Containers, Living Wreath and Pavé. The youth group is enthusiastic and committed to their projects. The craft group continues to produce cards and gift tags, raising funds for the Society. Strathroy-Caradoc held garden tours, plant sales, and workshops. They plant and maintain nine gardens in Strathroy and one in Mt. Brydges. Their Youth Program is extensive and they placed first in the Frances Lemke Award class at the OHA Convention. Tavistock celebrated their 10th Anniversary/Birthday Party with special music, fun, food, a slide show of the highlights of the past ten years, and some surprises that added to the great memories. Special guests were Past President Jim Mabee and District Director Anna Peterson. Members are looking forward to the second decade of good gardening fun in Tavistock. Thorndale catered at the Master Gardener s Seedy Saturday in London with a Green Thumb Cafe which raised money for the society. A Silent Auction held in December raised $300 which was donated to Durham and Markdale Societies to 38

25 replace trees damaged in the tornado. Table arrangements were made to help the Lion s with their Christmas Community Party. Tillsonburg continues their Junior Gardener program which is quite popular with the younger set. Two hundred children enrolled with one hundred and thirty gardens being judged by Society members. As well, nine children entered twentyfour projects, winning fifteen ribbons at the OHA Convention in Peterborough. A Lifetime Membership program was introduced, with five founding members receiving their Lifetime Membership at the Christmas Potluck Supper. West Lorne and Community planted a garden at the New Water Treatment Plant in West Lorne and continue to plant and maintain the Complex Centennial Garden. They make use of Native Plants in their projects. A Design Workshop was held to promote the Annual Flower Show, and a Garden Fair, and a plant sale also took place with great success. Woodstock continues to plant the downtown raised beds, City (WDSK) Social Housing and VON Adult Day Therapy Beds. There was a plant sale and a bus trip to Royal Botanical Gardens and Dundurn Castle. The Youth Group planted a vegetable garden on a municipal site, took cuttings, planted seeds and had plants at the Home and Garden Show. District 11 Essex, Kent, Lambton District Director - Jennifer Plaus Ambassador experienced a fury of activity in 2009, highlighted by a Day of Horticulture Featuring Dugald Cameron in October. The day included demonstrations, Master Gardeners, and their phenomenal speaker. The Society continued with community outreach programs at two schools, plant sales, potluck dinners and interesting speakers for their meetings. Belle River has embarked on some different events to promote membership, horticulture and funding for various programs. They continued with their community outreach programs through planting workshops, donating library books to elementary schools, bursaries and participating in workshops. For their members, there were interesting speakers, bus trips, and social events including a fundraising Pasta Dinner and Chinese Auction. Blenheim-Harwich is very community oriented and is supporting the new park which is being created by the Town and the local Communities in Bloom effort which maintains the coveted 5-Blooms status nationally. In addition, they award a bursary to the high school, participate in the local Garden Show, provide flowers for the seniors fair and offer their members many interesting speakers/activities. 39

26 Brigden maintains town and park gardens, and in addition decorated them for the annual Jingle Bell walk at Christmas. The Society was honoured to receive a first prize ribbon at the Brigden Fair for their display which had a theme of Clowning Around. A workshop was held this year, which included youth members, and at which they made stepping stones that were subsequently sold at the annual perennial plant sale. Essex knows that creating a beautiful town encompasses many seasons. They planted annuals and perennials in the spring and thousands of tulips in the fall throughout the Town s twenty-three flowerbeds. In addition, they had a bus trip, plant and bake sale, plant and seed exchanges, and two silent auctions. They also worked with Communities in Bloom and Essex in Blooms, and held a flower show in conjunction with the Essex Fun Fest weekend. Fort Malden held their annual Garden Tour and Fair, rhododendron sale and plant auction which are their main fundraisers. These enabled them to offer three bursaries to high school students. In addition they replaced the Town s Christmas tree which had been destroyed by heavy construction, decked the planters in town for Christmas and donated $3,500 toward the beautiful hanging baskets within the town. Their Youth gardeners did a fine job with their plot gardens and growing their pumpkins. Greater Windsor gives back to the community in many ways. In May they planted a vegetable garden with the produce donated to the local food bank. A bursary was given to a second year student enrolled in the horticultural program at the local college, canned goods were collected for the food bank, and cell packs of annuals were donated to the seniors at a seniors apartment building. They had a very successful plant sale, garden tour and held five flower shows. Kingsville designed and planted three new gardens, planted and maintained fortyeight flower boxes and hanging baskets on the main streets, and continued the care of established gardens. On the Saturday before their meetings a floral design workshop is held and those who attend arrange flowers, take the arrangements home until the meeting when they return them to be used as door prizes. Many visitors have come back to the meetings to become members, try to win one of the floral arrangements and learn from the guest speakers. Leamington has initiated a corporate membership and invited local businesses involved in the flower industry to join the society. For an annual fee they are listed in the newsletter, members are encouraged to buy from them and they can promote their business at one of the meetings. The Society s fundraising events continue to be a raffle, plant sale and wreath making workshop and the funds are used to pay for the annuals planted on the main streets and the revamping of existing flower gardens will mark the Society s 60th anniversary and they are planning a variety of events to celebrate this landmark. Ridgetown experienced everything coming up tulips this year as they had planted over five hundred tulips in the downtown area last year. They continue to plant and maintain gardens throughout town and last year held a Christmas Door contest. 40

27 This year they plan to add a contest for making a scarecrow. They continue with their spring and fall plant sales, bus trips, garden tours, flower shows, and they attend the Farmer s Market. Sarnia had another busy year in Volunteer members attended and staffed an information kiosk at the Outdoor Living Expo, held a plant sale, and had three member s garden tours during the summer. There were new plantings and a renewal of the gardens at College Park and members worked with the Communities in Bloom committee which received a 5 Bloom Award from National Communities in Bloom for the City of Sarnia. Tilbury held a dedication ceremony to open the new Veterans Memorial Gate Garden that was initiated by the Society. Speakers topics included native plants and grasses, and plans and plant choices for the new garden. The Society continues to hold their plant sale, five member s garden tours, and a flower show. They take photos of gardens or planters for the Garden and/or Business of the Week and these photos are published in the local newspaper. They continue to annually plant a tree in the Memorial Gardens. Watford-Warwick was able to obtain a location to hold meetings and store assets, now known as the Watford-Warwick Horticultural Centre, thanks to the Town Council. The Society maintains three parks and a number of gardens in the Town, plants flowers in seventy-two aggregate planters and thirty-two hanging baskets on main street and two old wagons in Watford and Warwick. They hold two perennial plant sales, a Christmas House Tour and put a float in the Santa Claus Parade. In 2010, their new project is a memorial walkway and arbor at the Memorial Park. District 12 Cochrane, Timiskaming, North Nipissing District Director - Bonnie Warner District 12 has seven Societies, each one unique in its activities. They are: Cochrane, Englehart, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Kirkland Lake, Porcupine and Timmins. Driving time between the two farthest is three and a half hours. The 2009 International Plowing Match was held just south of Englehart and a horticultural tent was a District feature. Five Societies agreed to take part, setting up large displays and an information booth in the tent to advertise their Societies, and organizing their day s speakers. 41

28 Cochrane members continued to plant and maintain flower beds in the Town. Both mixed varieties of annuals and perennials made up the plant materials. The Flower and Vegetable Show was held with the Cochrane Fall Fair and the Society was one of the five taking part in the Plowing Match. Englehart had a very busy year, due partly to the fact that the Plowing Match was held about ten minutes away. Meeting topics ranged from A Night At The Movies (featuring popcorn and slides of local gardens), Gardening In Raised Beds, Pruning and Mulching, to Wrapping For Christmas. Delegates went to the District AGM in Kirkland Lake and the OHA Convention in Peterborough. Activities included a successful plant and bake sale, a mini-show in June, the Festival of Flowers, Horticulture Week, a tour of two local parks, the Spring Into Summer Barbecue at a local garden centre (at peak selling season) and a Christmas Workshop, all keeping the Society s activities in the public eye. Civic plantings in town and one neighbouring community were done in the Plowing Match colours of green, burgundy and wheat. The local Agricultural Society celebrated its 100th anniversary and the Horticultural Society put a float in the parade and had an information booth at the Fair in September. Many members spent a great deal of time organizing, setting up, manning and taking down the horticultural tent at the Plowing Match. Iroquois Falls held three general meetings in January, June and October. The Society continues to give out more than five hundred trees to the public for planting at manors, museums and churches. They are also supporting the local Legion in the beautification of a new cenotaph. Kapuskasing began the year exploring the impact of Ontario s new Cosmetic Pesticide Ban on its members and lobbying the municipality to provide an option for hazardous waste disposal. A workshop on choosing and dividing perennials was attended by the public. Other activities included the biennial plant sale in June, the garden tour, property judging and the flower and vegetable show in August. The highlight of 2009 was participation in the Horticultural Tent at the Plowing Match, an event which had never been held that far north. Kirkland Lake had a very busy and successful year starting with the hosting of the District 12 AGM in April. The Society filled planters downtown with 6,272 plants and placed a living wreath at the Cenotaph. Members enjoyed a plant and bake sale, a successful flower show despite the weather, the annual Stop & Shop dinner where two hundred and sixty-two suppers were served, and they participated in the Plowing Match held in Earlton, about thirty miles south of Kirkland Lake. Two members made a beautiful display showing the Town s mining background. The Society also provided two speakers on Kirkland Lake Day. In October, Society members helped the Girl Guides with their tulip planting project. Porcupine held its 62 nd Flower Show at a local community centre. The highlight of the year was hosting Saturday s activities in the Horticultural Tent at the Plowing Match, including setting up a display and looking after the day s speakers. The Society is continuing its regeneration of Bannerman Park. 42

29 Timmins began their season with the annual St. Patrick s Day bake sale in March. The junior section started up in May with a kick-off session and registration where seedlings, a garden bag and journals were distributed to the new junior members. They met once a week in their own garden in the leader s yard. One memorial tree was planted in the spring. Throughout the year there were two plant sales, a Rose Show, and due to poor weather, an exhibition, rather than a competition, in August, and a well-attended workshop on drying flowers. With generous donations from various businesses, members redesigned and replanted a circle garden at Gilles Lake. This is an on-going project. Flower beds at McIntyre Park were planted and maintained. Members were given the opportunity to raid a local garden for perennials. The local Lion s Club made a holding bed for the perennials that were lifted. District 13 Algoma, Manitoulin, Sudbury District Director - Suzanne Hanna District 13 encompasses three distinct areas. The western region of Algoma, comprised of five societies with a total of 345 members, is supported by Assistant Director, Sheila Campbell. The eastern region of Sudbury, made up of six societies with a total of 789 members, is supported by Assistant Director, Margaret Vivyurka. The Manitoulin Island area, comprised of six societies with a total membership of 1340, is supported by Assistant Director, Bev Webster. The District is undergoing a period of transformation and growth as it seeks to reconnect and communicate with its various societies, both large and small, through the new website and quarterly newsletter, The District Dirt. Everyone is busily working together to create a memorable OHA Convention which will be held July 15-17, 2011 in Sudbury. Assiginack s dedicated members plant and maintain flower beds and planters at the Museum, Old School Entrance and the Information Centre and elsewhere in their community. Their annual Flower Show and Luncheon is well attended. Blind River, in partnership with the town, continue to plant and maintain over twenty-one flower beds and numerous planters throughout the community, despite a membership of less than forty-five! The Society offers a varied and informative program and their Annual Flower Show and Tea remains impressive. The District thanks Blind River for continuing to host the Advisory Council Meetings at the Marina. Bruce Station is enjoying renewed interest and increased membership after many years of struggle. Members continue to plant and maintain various flower beds at the library and township office. In October, the society celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a Harvest Tea. 43

30 Campbell has assumed responsibility for numerous community projects and plantings in and around Evanville, Mindemoya, Providence Bay and Spring Bay. Their very active and large youth group grows pumpkins for the fall Food Bank and participates in the OHA Youth Competitions. Elliot Lake plants and maintains four gardens within the city and participates in other garden-related projects at the Civic Centre and Children s Centre. They organize a self-guided garden tour as well as their Annual Flower Show and Tea. The District thanks Elliot Lake for hosting the District 13 Judges Update Workshop which was held in September. Espanola manages to maintain gardens at four different sites in Espanola and provide winter hanging baskets to decorate the main street. In partnership with Heart Health and the local Community Living group, their members helped to grow vegetables in raised boxes for consumption by CLA supported individuals. The Society celebrated its 60th anniversary in great style with a number of activities and events during the year and held the District AGM in May. French River & District, our youngest Society, organizes a program of noteworthy speakers and instructive garden craft workshops as well as a garden tour and plant sale. They maintain various gardens in Alban and Noelville with support from local businesses. This informal, friendly Society is steadily growing and becoming more active in the District with each year of existence. Lake George continues to offer an interesting program of knowledgeable speakers, tours and taste-testing evenings. Members support numerous projects and maintain a variety of flower beds in their community with support from their township. Massey-Walford, although the smallest Society in our District, continues to hold its own by continuing with their community plantings at Heritage Park, Library, Post Office and Garden of Hope, hosting their Annual Flower and Vegetable Show and supporting a youth group as well. Sault Ste. Marie continues to maintain the Rose Memorial Garden, plant at the Lighted Cross and coordinate the Allard Street Community Garden which is now in its seventh year and supporting sixty-three beds thanks to Trillium funding. The garden has a membership of 120+ and uses the volunteer efforts of elementary and high school volunteers and John Howard Society individuals who must complete community service hours. The Society s partnership with Alexander Henry High School s Greenhouse Program has led to the relocation of its annual plant sale and the development of a partnership with Parks Canada to utilize their greenhouse. Members continue to play a major role in the annual Seedy Saturday events. Spanish is a young, dynamic Society that continues to wow the District with its progressive ideas and innovative community-building projects. They do all the public planters and gardens in their community and host an Annual One-of-a- Kind Art Exhibit in conjunction with its Annual Flower and Vegetable Show. They support a large youth group as well. 44

31 St. Joseph Island s members planted a new memorial garden at the Water Treatment Plant in Richard s Landing and partnered with Katimavik volunteers to help create a peace garden at a public school. Other activities included their annual tea and tour of Adcock gardens, plant sale, flower show and Pumpkin Contest. Sudbury offers its membership an outstanding program of speakers, various bus tours in and out of the city, a self-guided garden tour and spring and fall plant sales. They continue to donate new garden books to the local library, support The Ugliest Schoolyard competition and maintain the beautiful John Street Park through the Adopt-a-Plot program. Thessalon, despite its small membership, continues with its beautification initiatives including the Adopt a Planter competition that involves local businesses. They also assisted with a newly created community vegetable garden manned by students and seniors. District 14 Kenora, Rainy River, Thunder Bay District Director - Marj Larson Atikokan hung 32 hanging baskets and planted seventy-five dozen annuals at various flower sites. They have a Curbside Garden Appeal Award and found it hard to choose a favourite from the many lovely gardens visible from the road. They participated in the Christmas Parade partnering with the Centennial Museum. Everyone had a fun time putting the float together and giving out candies to the children and seed packets to the adults along the parade route. Dryden started celebrations for their 40th Anniversary at the Flower Show & Tea and will end the celebrations at the 2010 Flower Show & Tea with many special classes. The Society had a full and busy year with the Summer Picnic where two life memberships were presented, the Plant & Bake sale, Family Safety Nite, Flower Show & Tea, Fall Fair Parade, Produce & Perennial exchange, Christmas Banquet, annual meeting and Communities in Bloom activities. Members planned all year for the 2010 District AGM, supported the local churches, seniors centre and Princess Court Long Term Care Home with donations for beautification purposes. They awarded a bursary to a high school student, and supported the Red Cross 100th Anniversary by giving red and white geraniums for their premium. Three members attended the Landscape Design workshop in Thunder Bay and four went to the District meeting hosted by Nipigon Red Rock. A banner program is being planned to increase membership and engage the younger generation. The weather and deer are causing havoc on our gardens but we are strong and shall persist. 45

32 Evergreen Thumbs attended the Orchid Workshop held in Dryden, and held another successful plant sale even though the weather was really, really cold! Tree seedlings were purchased and given away at the local Tractor Show and tomato plants were sold. The club made a donation to the Machin Centennial Pavilion that was built last summer. They provided and planted flowers for the containers that are at the medical clinic and for some planters at Pine Tree Park. They had a delicious fall potluck supper, held their annual Christmas dinner and sponsored the annual Christmas Lights Contest. Fort Frances celebrated their 40th Anniversary by hosting an Anniversary Tea, a central and beautiful event. To mark this anniversary they created a cookbook which was a huge success. A new banner was designed and that same design was featured on T-shirts that were sold. The Society had a special year of flower design. At the Farmers Market a flower design class was hosted where people followed instructions and departed with beautiful arrangements. This instruction was continued with three subsequent lectures. The Flower and Vegetable Show was a successful event held at the Farmers Market and District Director Marjorie Larson attended and judged members exhibits. Social occasions included a Picnic in the Park and a Potluck in October. The special event for the year was having the Society s floral design in the courtyard at Rainycrest selected for the Horticultural Award of $ Geraldton provided the Legion with bedding plants to beautify their grounds, and planted the Welcome flower bed with different coloured begonias. They continued participation in the upkeep of the gardens at the hospital and clinic. The Society received a grant from FedNor and GEDC (Geraldton Economic Development Corp) to improve Rotary Park. They purchased patio blocks to make a wheelchair accessible pathway, moved a tree, had fill brought in, and graded the property to get proper drainage. Their fundraisers were three days of barbecuing, a plant sale, and a bakeless bake sale. They held two potluck dinners, and finished the year with forty-eight members, including one life member. They lost a long time member, Anne Popowski. Longlac A very different year weather-wise. Beds were planted at the post office, St. John in the Wilderness Church, the Senior s Hall, Horticultural Society, and several planter boxes as well. A workshop was held on planters/containers from the kitchen. These were entered in the basket/container competition during the Summerfest along with others that the Community entered (or members borrowed.) The containers/planters were used on the Society s float for the annual parade and then located at the festivities for the public to vote on. During the fall, Master Gardeners began a series of workshops on Garden Landscaping. The Christmas Craft Sale was held with Our Lady of Fatima School. Donations were collected from members and the public to prepare an assortment of theme baskets which were raffled off. The baskets are always a big hit with the public and help to get the membership drive for the following year off to a good start. 46

33 Nipigon Red Rock celebrated their 45 th Anniversary and the Township of Nipigon celebrated their 100th Anniversary. Six members received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award. The Society hosted the District 14 AGM with the theme Discover the Magic of Healthy Gardening. District Director Marjorie Larson presented the Society with an OHA Special Recognition Award congratulating them on their anniversary. In September, partnering with MNR Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program, members completed the second attractant garden for butterflies and humming birds. And the pumpkin and potato weigh-in contest was held membership totaled forty-eight adults and two youth. Sioux Lookout held a membership drive in May with one hundred and fifteen memberships sold. The selling of Oriental Lilies was part of the spring plant sale. The Society had a very successful Flower & Vegetable show in August with an outstanding number of entries despite the summer weather. They look forward to a better growing season in Thunder Bay enjoyed excellent speakers, and members were provided with a Tip of the Month. Two members made it their mission to visit grade three classes in the Thunder Bay schools, the results being a successful program, Slice of Pizza. Each student planted a tomato plant and took it home to monitor its growth and enjoy its fruit. Twelve members traveled to Nipigon for the District AGM. Society volunteers and family members of seniors helped plant flowers at three homes for the aged, the flowers being supplied every year by the City of Thunder Bay. The Annual Flower, Fruit & Vegetable Show had three hundred and forty-nine entries and two hundred and eighty-two visitors over the two day period. Twenty-eight shrubs and three trees were added to The Oliver Road Dedication Garden - and so ended another successful year of the Society. District 15 Toronto West, Peel, York West District Director - Carole Spraggett Bolton & District had a profitable plant sale, a good turnout for their garden tour, and a beautiful day for a group tour of Southwest Grey (Bruce Peninsula) and their community gardens were well looked after despite cool rainy weather. Brampton was very busy with community gardens, judging city gardeners contributions, helping with the table at the Community Showcase, and holding seminars at the Gardening As A Hobby Workshops. Bare Root plants were ordered and sold at the Plant Sale and the Annual Flower Show was held on the day of the Flower City Parade. For the Front Garden Recognition Program, members assessed gardens in the community. A highlight was a Hobby Night where members could Show and Tell about their crafts and hobbies when not gardening. 47

34 Caledon continued with planting and looking after the gardens at the Avalon Retirement Centre marked the first Garden Tour and what a success! At the AGM in December members had fun assembling wooden bird house kits. Chinguacousy set up a volunteer coordinator role, and presented their Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award, created in honour of their eldest founding member. Peoples Choice Awards were held in Chinguacousy Park where the public voted on members floral designs. The society also participated in the August Showcase coordinated by the City of Brampton. At Tall Pines Nursing Home the society helped residents beautify their inner courtyards with perennials & bulbs, donated to them unsold plants from the plant sale, and supported the Horticultural Therapist at classes for the residents. For Bovaird House (Historical Site) members made floral arrangements for their Mother s Day Tea and evergreen arrangements for their Christmas Tea. Cloverleaf was recognized by the City of Mississauga with the Ontario Heritage Trust Certificate of Achievement for planting and maintaining heritage vegetables and flowers at the Bradley House Museum. Designing, planting, pruning and weeding at the Brueckner Rhododendron Garden was showcased at the 44 th annual garden tour. A new project was working with the City in the design of a commemorative flower bed for Port Credit s 175 th Anniversary. Volunteers also took an active role in Communities in Bloom throughout Mississauga. Credit Valley held a plant sale now outdoors in a newer area of Mississauga, and the Garden Treasures Garden Tour, both very successful, definitely due to increased advertising. Community projects included four LitterNot Walks to clean up a lovely Sawmill Valley Trail area, maintenance of three gardens at Credit Valley Hospital, plantings at a women s shelter and seniors residence and an upgrade of a seniors garden at South Common Community Centre where monthly meetings are held. Overplanting of native species, both flowers and trees, continued at former landfill sites with financial help from a community ratepayers association. The society continued donating to the Guelph University Scholarship Program. In December, poinsettias were delivered to Credit Valley Hospital, Trillium Health Centre, a women s shelter, and a seniors residence. The society celebrated its 25 th anniversary in many different ways including having almost all of their past presidents at the anniversary meeting where memorabilia were set out and people enjoyed a wonderful video showcasing the history. The speaker was the first paid speaker at CVHS, Chris Graham, and the anniversary cake was cut by both the first president and the outgoing president. Etobicoke began the year with a Volunteer Appreciation Tea in the spring. Community projects included gardens at several libraries and other locations. A highlight was the annual Christmas project involving over 200 children and youth in schools around Etobicoke creating table centrepieces using fresh greens generously supplied by Plant World and containers provided by our members. Nobleton & King City enjoyed the highlight of the year, their garden tour, attended by many visitors from communities within the GTA and beyond, making it an 48

35 extremely profitable fundraiser. In a year of unpredictable weather the Society was blessed with a dry roof on all their events garden tour and both plant sales spring and fall. A dedication ceremony was held at Hill Farm Park for the two past lifetime members for whom sugar maples had been planted. The Society celebrated along with the rest of King Township the winning of the Communities in Blooms award. Parkdale and Toronto celebrated their 175 th Anniversary and the foundation in 1834 of the original Toronto Horticultural Society. At a gala reception at Allan Gardens, there were messages of congratulations from the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor, and Mayor David Miller. Marjorie Harris and Paul Zammit spoke as presenters and were introduced by Dr. Clement Kent, cofounder in 1987 of the Horticultural Society of Parkdale (merged in 1988 with the Toronto Horticultural Society). Ken Fink, Immediate Past President of the OHA, also brought greetings to the 200 guests from many different parts of the Greater Toronto horticultural scene. The society s support for local community gardens continued with the addition of two new sites. The Board of Directors decided to implement a plan of reorganization of responsibilities through a formal committee structure, accompanied by reorientation and development of the Board itself. Richmond Hill celebrated their 95 th Anniversary and enjoyed a flower design workshop, flower shows, plant sales (Spring and Fall), three bus trips, a Hobby and Craft Fair, and an Awards Banquet. In partnership with the Town, members were involved in planting baskets and barrels on Yonge Street, the Front Garden Recognition Program and Tulip Naturalization Program, Heritage Village Day and Healthy Yards participants. They maintained community gardens at Hill House Hospice, the Millennium Garden, and the Herb Garden at the Heritage Centre. York Central Hospital Rose Garden was re-located and planted, and the Gladys McLatchy Memorial Garden at the Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre was established. Roselands participated in Successful Gardening s Flower Show, and donated spring flowering bulbs to several area schools. Members provided information at the plant sale, won first place, again, at the CNE planter competition, had fun making Christmas wreaths, and brightened the lives of residents and visitors at West Park Long Term Care with planters for summer and Christmas. Schomberg endured the weather gods challenging year. Fashion wear for the plant sale in early May and the garden tour in late June was umbrellas and rubber boots. Working with children, seeds were planted at the booth at Schomberg Fair. Members made and sold waffles in the Café at Main Street Christmas and looked after the Hospitality Booth at that event. They also planted annuals and proudly maintained five gardens, the highlight of the year being the super job the members did on sprucing up the public gardens and the village for the judges of Communities in Bloom. King Township won first prize in its category! Streetsville maintained Rotary Park, placed a plaque there bearing the Society s name, and planted a tree in memory of a member whose years of volunteer work 49

36 in the park will continue to be an inspiration. Rotary Park was also the location for an information booth and mini plant sale during the Bread and Honey Festival. Members volunteered as judges at Mississauga in Bloom/Streetscape Mississauga and also as judges for the front and rear gardens of Tecumseh Co-operative Homes. The photo contest and flower shows were popular, as was the annual Christmas Workshop and a very successful tufa workshop. The Society bought a new laptop and LCD Player and received the generous donation of a wireless microphone. They also purchased a large banner for use at various venues. Swansea enjoyed a membership jump almost double the increase of the year before. Despite a rainy start, the bus trip to the Dunnville area was successful. The society celebrated the 95 th birthday of their oldest longtime member, Kay Apted, who is still active as Flower Show Convener, Board Director and plant salesperson, and regularly keeps everyone refreshed with her famous shortbread cookies. Thornhill was active with meetings, flower shows, spring and fall plant sales, three design workshops and a garden tour and tea. Several high school students earned Community Service Credits. The community beautification program had one new project the garden at a local home for the disabled, and four projects were continued. A slide show Thornhill Flowers was presented to a local retirement home, and members participated in the Thornhill Village Festival. Plaques recognizing the contributions of several local businesses were presented and a calendar was sent by to most members and to all supporting businesses. This year a new award was created, the Street Landscape Award, which was given to a member whose front garden was judged from the street. The year ended with an Awards Night and Potluck Dinner. Westway had volunteers at the OHA booths at Successful Gardening, Canada Blooms, and the CNE. Members enjoyed an evening walking tour at the Humber Arboretum. In the Toronto s Best in the West Garden Contest, eighteen members participated as judges. Awards won by the society included first prize for an alternative garden, and at the CNE, a second prize in the patio door container competition. The society, through previous Clean and Beautiful City of Toronto grants, continued to add plants at Kipling Acres Home for the Aged and at the Elmbrook and Richview Public Libraries. Financial awards were made to two students in the Humber School of Applied Technology Landscape Technician Program and our President attended the Humber Awards Graduation Ceremony. In December, the annual Christmas Party was held together with a Food Drive for a local food bank. Woodbridge continued to create seasonal displays for the village and decorated the bridges and historic Wallace House. They held four work sessions and added to the Hosta garden and the front gardens of Armstrong Park. Through the generosity of the HA they were able to plant a tree to commemorate the loss of so many trees during the August tornado. Their plant sales, garden tour and AGM banquet were fund raisers to help continue the work of the society. 50

37 District 16 Simcoe County District Director - Judith Rogers Alliston enjoyed a Great Bruce Escape bus tour as well as their first Mystery Tour. They hosted a public garden tour which featured artists from the Gibson Centre Arts Group, participated in the April Home Show, and coordinated a Beginning Gardeners workshop. Beautification continued with hanging baskets, and designing and planting new beds and planters. As community partners, they accompanied local high school students on educational excursions and helped in the official launch of the agri-business and landscape-horticulture programs at the high school. Angus enjoyed interesting speakers and hosted the District fall seminar. They placed two permanent planters beside the monument at Peacekeeper s Park and planted five more trees. A summer storm pulled two out of the ground but they were replanted without problems. A new flower bed was made at the cemetery with shrubs and annuals. Barrie hosted the annual spring seminar which was very successful and plans are underway for the 2010 seminar. They are participating in the construction of garden beds for a new ten bed hospice and look forward to spring planting. One of their board members is now on the Communities in Bloom committee and the Society hopes to work with the City of Barrie on a community garden. Beeton maintains most of the public gardens in town and their annual plant sale is an anticipated fundraising event. Although they don t meet in July or August they do have meetings to visit other gardens. Bond Head continued with their beautification projects and in the fall enjoyed a guided tour of the Scanlon Creek Conservation Area. In April they hosted the District annual general meeting and had a successful plant and bake sale in the spring. Brentwood enjoyed many good speakers that provided helpful hints. In February they sponsored flowers for Winterama and had a float in the parade. Their plant sale was successful as was the annual June strawberry dessert event where they were joined by surrounding societies. Coldwater is happy that after a couple of years of construction, their entrance gardens to the village were completed. With block supplied by Atlas Block, plants were used to attract bees in one of them and butterflies and hummingbirds in the other. They enjoyed a trip to Botanix for a presentation and received a discount on their purchases. 51

38 Collingwood enjoyed their speakers, one in particular who talked about the green roof plans for the new library in town. They continue to have many flowers and vegetables shown at their various flower shows. The arboretum was cleaned up on Earth Day with the help of high school students, Home Depot and the town. The rededication ceremony for the arboretum was well attended as were the three field trips and Victorian afternoon tea. Their beautification program for Central Park was completed. Creemore was busy maintaining their community gardens and a booth at the local farmers market. Coffee, baked goodies, autumn centrepieces and Christmas wreaths have been sold over the year at the booth. Four black wrought iron fence pieces were erected at Horticulture Park and they had an award winning float in the Santa Claus parade. A workshop put on by a florist was well attended and at their potluck in December they were entertained by a Barbershop Quartet. Elmvale celebrated their 30th anniversary by hosting a 30 Years and Still Growing seminar. At their July potluck picnic in the local park, they planted a barberry tree to commemorate the anniversary. Their youth group Earthkeepers Club focused on garden and nature projects. The Society used the community sign to advertise their monthly meetings and increased attendance by doing this. Gilford maintains an arboretum and had a new pamphlet drawn up for visitors to learn about it and how to dedicate a tree. Their water-wise corner bed was awarded the Edna Caldwell Community Improvement Award at their District fall seminar. During the year they used local businesses and speakers at their meetings. A car pool trip was enjoyed by some members as was attending the convention in Peterborough. Midland enjoyed workshops on corsage making, decorative patio stones and painting rocks. They teamed up with local merchants for the downtown planters and those that supported the Society s efforts displayed the OHA logo in their window. They started their year off with a potluck dinner and celebrated summer with a picnic in June at a member s home, toured their gardens and participated in a garden related workshop. Orillia had excellent speakers at their meetings and as a result of this their membership grew admirably. They had to transplant the library garden to the Museum of Art & History and the Stephen Leacock Museum so the extra hands came at a good time. Their summer social was a success with good conversation on how to improve their society. Oro-Medonte has two members that hand painted and quilted a new banner for the society. The official opening of the Bayview Memorial Stream Restoration Project was held in September and was well attended. A large number of native trees, shrubs and perennials were planted. The Society received the Watershed award from the Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Helen & Earl Cox trophy for community improvement from the District. Their sponsors, Wal-Mart Evergreen and Vision TV were pleased with the media attention. A workshop was 52

39 held at a local nursery that demonstrated how to fill cement pots. The plant sale and country garden tour had record sales this year. Painswick worked on becoming a more welcoming society to returning and new members and had appealing speakers for them. Their community gardens continue to be maintained and they had a successful plant sale. Their president was thrilled to award their third Horticultural/Environmental Award at the local high school s commencement ceremony. Penetanguishene had some remarkable speakers including an expert on monarch butterflies, instruction on how to photograph gardens, and a retired farm manager from the Holland Marsh who gave a history of the area and advice on how to grow carrots and onions. The success of the plant sale prompted the Society to set up a bursary for a local student entering post graduate studies in horticulture, landscaping or farming technology. The recipient attended their Christmas potluck dinner to introduce himself and thank the members. The Society is progressing with the website in place and a newsletter and calendar on the agenda for Stayner had speakers on landscape architecture for green roofs, the water situation in the area, a tree nursery operator on native trees and planting, and on rain barrels. Members organized a display booth for a community event, held two plant sales and two flower shows. The society paid for repairs to a fountain structure, maintained their community gardens and donated books to the library. They also provided a bursary for students going into post-secondary horticultural studies. Tottenham had good speakers at their meetings and three successful flower shows. Members car-pooled to Trish Simon s gardens, the Lilac Tree Farm and to Plant Paradise. After years of fundraising, they finally started work on Glimmer Memorial Gardens and had many dignitaries at the ribbon cutting. A tree from the OHA was planted to honour Tottenham s 125 th birthday. Members also enjoyed a bus trip to Grey Bruce County, as well as a garage sale, photo contest, Christmas workshop and potluck supper. District 17 Durham District Director - Sandy Rakestrow Sandy Rakestrow District 17 Director, Elaine Davison Assistant Director and Secretary, Julia Noakes Assistant Director and District 17 Show Committee Liaison, Don Real Webmaster, Phyllis Davis District 17 Newsletter Editor, Shirley Park Treasurer. Wow. What a journey I have had this year as the OHA s District 17 Director. Not only have I had the pleasure of going to all the twelve societies in 53

40 Durham Region but also getting to know the other eighteen District Directors at our Ontario Horticultural Association meetings. Being able to ask for information, the sharing of ideas, the spirit, vitality and team work - this is what happens when you are a member of OHA. Ajax had a busy year and recognized that many volunteers make a little work for everyone instead of a lot of work for a few. The businesses that have sponsored the Society have been much appreciated. A new class that generated much enthusiasm was the monthly culinary class with an abundance of volunteers for tasting the entries. Community outreach was ongoing and the diversity of speakers at monthly meetings was a success. Beaverton chose to complement the town s 125 th anniversary colour scheme. In period costume, they entered a float in the parade, pulled by an antique tractor. Design was taken to greater heights with a Design Competition where the Mayor, Regional Councillor, Councillor and Chamber of Commerce President competed against each other during the August show, assisted by four members. Their designs were then auctioned off as a fundraiser. Members researched the development of a xeriscape permanent garden bed with a memorial plaque to honour one of their past presidents. Bowmanville has had wonderful speakers this year to stir creativity and tempt the imagination. In partnership with Community Care Durham, another successful Fall Garden Glory Tour was held where at each garden there were artists and artisans displaying and selling their wares. Youth membership grew this year; they participated in their own class sections at the monthly shows and through the sale of hand made Christmas tags raised funds for charity. Hats off to our gardeners of the future! Brooklin presented a new flower show award, The Denny Peony Award. The Civic Beautification committee in partnership with Kingsway Garden Centre grew plants in their greenhouse and then planted seedlings and cuttings in gardens, baskets and planters in town. In its eighth season of supervision by BHS, the wild flowers and native plantings and a Citrus Goldenhop tree at Butterfly Meadows at the head of a nature trail were weeded and groomed. Brooklin Horticultural Garden Park began in earnest in Members of the board participated in the community with a planting seminar at the Ashburn Community Centre and volunteering on the steering committee for Whitby in Bloom and Brooklin Downtown Development. Georgina Brock sponsored the youth garden club by giving each member a pine tree to plant in the spring, allium bulbs, and providing the Youth Achievement prize money ribbons. Six meetings were held, some at greenhouses where they received flowers and vegetables to grow. Five teenagers did landscaping at home and the club toured the results. Photos of these finished products will be put in a scrapbook. The youth were grateful for those who judged their competitions, generously helped with projects and Achievement Day, drove members to meetings, and they especially thanked Georgina Brock for their sponsorship. 54

41 Cannington had an exchange garden tour with Omemee Horticultural Society, car pooled to Omemee and packed a potluck lunch to have at one of the gardens. Later in the summer, members from Omemee came for the day and toured gardens in this area. The What Grows Here garden tour was very popular. The Christmas workshop was well attended and a number of mini photography workshops also took place. A successful live auction was held by a professional auctioneer, his compensation being a basket of homemade jams, jellies and relishes with crackers the best payment he said. Orono organized plant sales and the annual Decoration Day Flower basket sale. The Beautification Committee had Orono abloom through all of the seasons. For fundraising, there was the Spring Buffet luncheon and a delicious fall Dessert Buffet. A public school outreach program involved giving students spider plants to take care of. This year two park benches were purchased for the enjoyment of members and the village. A Weeders and Diggers Club was created to show appreciation for support given to the Society. A new president is in place as members head into hosting the District s Annual General Meeting in Oshawa had at each meeting an excellent speaker, a plant sale, show and share, an environmental display to pique interest, and fellowship over coffee and cookies. A cookbook was produced as a fundraiser and sold out at first printing. A large basket filled with goodies raised funds at the Christmas Dinner. With the City of Oshawa and the Rotary Club, the first phase of the new Memory Garden at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden was planted. The Society will continue to add named hostas to the Garden, and will place two permanent benches. This ambitious project was started in 1999 and will be ongoing for the next 20 years. The club began work at the Hearth Place Support Centre last year, continued to supply plants to front and side gardens, and redesigned rear gardens after the hardscaping was completed around the parking lot. What a great healing garden for those needing a peaceful spot to enjoy in the midst of their struggles. Newcastle celebrated their 95 th Anniversary. They started the year with Show and Tell and throughout 2009 held floral demonstrations, attended the District AGM, planted and weeded at the Community Hall and Cemeteries. During anniversary celebrations, the Society remembered its roots but also looked to the future and its contribution to the community, one such endeavour being to work on securing a Trillium grant for the proposed Newcastle Heritage Garden. In July gardens were judged for the Clarington Blossom Awards Program. The Junior Gardeners had a full year, participating in two flower shows as well as the 95 th Celebrations, the Fall Fest, decorating for the Santa Claus Parade, and creating Harry Potter Hats. The Society s Christmas Show and potluck was very well attended, ending the 95 th year with community, a fine flower show, great food, and all looking forward to Pickering had two main events: their very popular plant sale in May and the annual bus tour to the Rice Lake Area. Everybody benefited from the floral design and Christmas boughs and centre piece workshop. Also the potluck themed AGM was enjoyed by all. Community outreach programs included public garden 55

42 maintenance as well as participation in the Pickering in Blooms front garden mentoring program. The Society was proud first to be nominated by the Ontario Parks Association and then to receive the Elsa Bethal-Haydon Award which recognizes the contribution of volunteers and non professionals in meeting the objectives of the Association. Pine Ridge hosted the Scugog Spring and Garden Show at the Community Centre in Port Perry. In May a very successful plant and bake sale, and yard sale, was held at the Nestleton Community Centre. In October the Best Looking Pie night was a fun evening with winners receiving gifts, everyone getting to share pie and icecream, and an auction being held for the remaining pies. Members brought craft items for show and sale at the November AGM. Three bountiful potluck dinners where held in March, July and December. Uxbridge continued to work on nine gardens to help add colour and texture to many gardens in the downtown area of Uxbridge. They worked with local garden experts to rehabilitate both the Children s Library Garden and some of the gardens at the Senior Centre. They also had a committee of members assess the gardens they look after to help plan a rehabilitation program that the Society can put in place over the next few years. The biggest project was planning and organizing the 2010 Annual General Meeting. The Society thanks its volunteers for all their support and enthusiasm. District 18 Muskoka, Parry Sound, South Nipissing District Director - Betty Morrison The experiences I had this year were many and varied. Gravenhurst was hit by a tornado in August and lost many trees in parks. I viewed the destruction and asked our larger organizations for assistance. Both OHA and the District contributed grants towards replantings. I had a carousel ride at the waterfront in North Bay at the time of the Fall workshop. Celia Roberts came to Dunchurch to conduct a flower show judging update. It was a happy reunion time for the twenty-one judges of the District and four wannabes. And I learned about sustainable vegetable gardening from a speaker who blesses each of the 1200 bean plants she puts in the ground each year! Argyle is a big presence in the community. They fundraise with a yard sale in the spring and are busy until the Christmas tree is put in place at the Nursing station each November. Members enjoy workshops, the most popular this year being a local chef s demonstration. The Society will be meeting this coming year at the Public Library which is located in the school. The children are involved in the planting of the Library garden. 56

43 Baysville has one main fundraiser, the ART in the Park gate collection in August, with over $2,100 being collected. The goal for the park this year was to remove six large cedars and build a new garden. With the help of a few volunteers and prisoners from Fenbrook Institution they were able to build a large garden and get it planted this very wet fall. The Society also received a G8 grant. They have highlighted the historical houses of Baysville and updated the park signs. A new memorial case will be installed in Gris Mill Park. Bracebridge plants and maintains eight gardens; a new one was created at the Fairgrounds this year. Members traveled to the Peterborough For the Love of Gardening show, Niagara Lavender Farm and Winery gardens, a private garden in Bala and a Bonsai garden in Baysville. In July four members gave a workshop to children at a summer camp on Miniature Succulent Gardens and one member held a workshop on Worms and Their Uses. To raise funds, the Society sold gardening bags, Bateman floral tea towels, and gift-wrapped donated china teacups and saucers. Gravenhurst participated in the CiB Going Green Show at the Heritage Museum as well as a display at the Seniors Open House. Five major gardens were maintained and one new garden was established at the south end of town. Local Girl Guides were involved in the planting of this new garden. The annual flower show, plant and bake sale, bus trip to Canada Blooms, plus joining with other societies on bus trips or car pools made for a great social time for all. Members assisted at the CiB garden tour and helped judge gardens and properties for the Daisy Awards. Huntsville worked with the Communities in Bloom and BIA organizations to plan a red and white scheme for the downtown planting as a preparation for Huntsville s hosting of the G8 in The Juniors had an overnight camping experience in September and the Society covered the cost of the food. The spring and summer flower shows, the spring plant sale, monthly meetings, and the July garden tour are all events which keep horticulture in the news in Huntsville. North Bay is making plans to be involved with the planting of the Empire Living Centre, the North Bay Arts Centre, and the tree planting project of the new North Bay Hospital. The Society continues to maintain the Lilac Garden, Chamber of Commerce boxes, and gardens at Nipissing University/Canadore College. The youth leaders in partnership with the North Bay Library run a seedling group. They have the opportunity to get their hands dirty at the community garden. The District 18 fall workshop was hosted in October and well attended, and everyone enjoyed the pie making competition and auction. Parry Sound hosted the District 18 AGM on April 25 and sixty-nine members and ten youth attended. In September they participated in the Parry Sound Heritage Festival by holding their fall flower show at the West Parry Sound Museum. The show schedule was designed to showcase heritage flowers and was a great success. Powassan has had its membership decline from previous years but that has not stopped their commitment to bring together those with an interest in gardening, to promote and improve horticulture in our community. Some of the year s highlights 57

44 included an outing to Master Gardener Adrian Van der Bijl s yard to discuss dividing and planting bulbs. Members enjoyed a trip to Commanda Country Gardens, speakers on vegetable gardening and the 100 Mile Diet, and the flower show that ended the year. The public enjoyed the Strawberry Social that was included. Rosseau kicked off the 2009 season with a potluck supper and the unveiling of the plans for a healing garden to be built at the Ruth Dare Health Centre. The Society s annual plant sale gets bigger every year. This year s garden tour also included a luncheon, a flower show and a flower arranging demonstration. Members heard speakers on the following topics: roses, container growing, daylilies, herbs in cosmetic and spa treatments, and wildlife preservation. The Society won third prize in the Fall Fair Parade for Lunch in the Garden which featured two hungry deer. Sprucedale had a very enjoyable year. Gardens were maintained and meetings were well attended. The Society was represented at the Fern Glen Garden Centre celebration where a Steel Band provided entertainment. Brochures were handed out and interest was apparent. District 18 held the 2009 presidents meeting in this vicinity. The potluck was a success and the Society enjoyed the attendance of several District 18 executive members. Sundridge is looking forward to the first blooms of the six flowering crab apple trees planted in Members also planted and maintained six community planting areas. Highlights of their programs were: a mosaic and china workshop, growing and cooking with herbs, roses, and a medicine wheel garden. They organized a bus tour to Canada Blooms in March and a local garden tour in July. Whitestone was busy in 2009 planting the flower boxes and barrels displayed around the community. The Society is working on a plan with the municipality to revitalize the town beach and fair grounds. The emphasis will be on native trees and plant material. This year a number of workshops were hosted for the enjoyment of members, including a great talk on sun gardening. A successful flea market and plant sale were held in the spring. So much community support was received that the Society plans to have another in District 19 Waterloo District Director - James Graham Ayr taught horticultural and environmental topics at a local public school, including the following: Home Depot donated birdhouses that were assembled by students and information was given about the birds that would nest in them. To learn the types of seeds birds eat, suet and seed were stuffed in pine cones. The benefit of butterflies involved a butterfly seed craft that students entered in the Society s flower show. Rooted cuttings that had been snipped from coleus and geranium 58