District One District Director - Anne Kerr

Transcription

1 District One District Director - Anne Kerr As director, it has been my pleasure to attend many meetings throughout the year. Our societies continue to exist because the dedicated volunteers/ members donate not only their time but their talents and resources to educate others and make their towns and villages beautiful. Cornwall society hosted many workshops including Pressed Flowers, Hypertufa Containers and Flower Arranging, and had an information booth at the Home and Garden Show. Their annual fundraiser Bark Day was held on May 3 with support from Domtar Inc. On another Saturday all members worked at Canadian Tire selling plants etc. and the society received a percentage on all geraniums and hanging baskets sold that day. The year closed with an excellent Christmas party. Martintown society focused their workshops/speakers on global warming, purple martins 12 and new plants of the year. The annual Garden Party raised $700 for the Glengarry Outreach Program. A long-time member, John Peters, was presented with the Service Award. He has supported this society with his knowledge and expertise for many years. An Open Garden Tour was held in July. Maxville society hosted the Annual General Meeting on April 12, with interesting speakers and a good attendance. Speakers over the year covered many interesting gardening topics including, Exotic Orchids, Peonies and Ponds/Water Gardens. A bus trip to the Mosaic Garden in Old Montreal and Quinn s Farm on I lle Perrot as well attended. Russell society continues to work on upgrading McDougal Park. Workshops covered Gardening with the Environment and House Plants. A fundraiser was held for cancer research and the

2 local Women s Shelter. The society continues to have a large and very active youth group. Societe d Alfred travelled to Les Jardin Daniel Seguin at St. Hyacinthe, Quebec for a very interesting day. A tour of eight local gardens ended at Mariposa Farms where a demonstration on how to make a Living Wreath was given, followed by an organic meal. All seniors living in local nursing homes and residences receive flowers on their birthdays. Vankleek Hill society sponsored nature walks, garden competitions and floral crafts. A linden tree was planted in Mill Street Park in memory of Willie Zerter, a long-time supporter and member. They participated in a town-wide Trade Fair to promote the society. Vankleek Hill also has a very active youth group. Williamstown Green Thumbs invited speakers on Building a Garden Obelisk out of Branches, and Perennials Through the Season. Garden strolls were a popular event. An information booth was set up at Williamstown Fair with a display garden featuring a wa- terfall (which could be viewed from all sides) with shrubs and garden plants. At a Glance All societies sponsored more speakers and workshops than listed and all had at least one Flower Show. The shows were well attended with many exhibits. There were trips to interesting and informative sites. A number of societies are fortunate to have large active youth groups, due to the dedication of their leaders. Societies maintain public plantings including hanging baskets, beds and flower boxes in order to beautify the towns and villages and encourage individuals to respect our environment. 13

3 District Two District Director - Ken Fink Almonte was the home of the District 2 Flower Show They also participated in Rural Expo International Plowing Match. They have great plans to double their membership and we wish them good luck. Beachburg s speakers on Tips on Stretching Your Landscape Dollar, Growing Roses in Cold Climates and Basics of Perennial Garden Design were fantastic and enriching topics enjoyed by this club. Grades 3 & 4 were enthusiastic about growing sunflowers and gourds. Carleton Place s Victoria School Museum Garden reaped the benefits of new plantings plus a mulching workshop that led to a very beautiful display. Special Yard of the Week honours to a local property owner were published in the local newspaper - what a fantastic idea. Deep River s 600 members tend gardens at the hospital, the North Renfrew Long Term Care Centre and others. They have an active youth program called Green Thumbs, Something great is happening in Eaganville: 16 new members last year. A bazaar, plant sales and a Harvest Auction are a feature of this club. This jewel of the Bonnechere is a treat to the eyes wonderful bridge planters and flower boxes. Gloucester contributes to four local nursing homes by bringing flowers to enhance the atmosphere. Another super program was held to renew the gardens on an ongoing basis at a group home for severely handicapped adults. Kanata/March celebrated their 33rd anniversary in Over 100 members enhance this community through maintenance of plantings of the Glen Cairn Branch of the Kanata Public Library, Tom Thomson Park and the Molly Wilson Memorial Garden. Kemptville this society has a super Junior Gardener program. Brent Weatherall won the Best in District 2 Junior Garden Award. Planting at Rotary Park, the post office, public libraries in Kemptville and Oxford Mills takes high awards for this club. Madawaska Valley is very active with many valiant gardeners who put on a super display of colours in Barry s Bay, Combermere, Wilno and at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Manotick s Herb Garden was completed in 2003 as well as the construction of the A.Y. Jackson Memorial Park. A member of the Manotick society received an Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism in Ontario. 14

4 Nepean holds its annual flower and vegetable shows at the Merivale Mall and always has a strong and enthusiastic participation. Where Gardeners Grow is the theme of this club. The Ottawa club is 100 years young and has mapped out a longrange plan until This club is home of the OHA s 2006 convention, with the theme 100 Years and Still Growing. The Ottawa Valley Rock Garden society, with the help of the North American Rock Garden Society, put together more than 25,000 packets of seeds of approximately 500 plant species and distributed them in Canada, the USA and 20 other countries. Pakenham s bridge with five arches beautifies this village and the society won the competition for the bridge beautification. Helping with Rural Expo 2003, they also had time to maintain flower barrels and town welcoming signs. This club has a very active Junior Gardeners program. Pembroke society is greatly involved with community projects and plantings the library, the waterfront, Pansy Patch Park - and has begun a heritage plant exhibition at the Champlain Trail Museum. Perth society of 175 plus members continued the planting and maintenance of the Cenotaph garden and the Flag garden at the Tay Basin in Perth. Also in the works is the replanting of the gardens of the Perth Hospital. After a long absence, the youth program was begun again. Petawawa plants a tree every Earth Day with the help of the local students. Homefires Park, built in 1998 to honour spouses who stay home and keep the home fires burning while the troops are deployed, is well maintained by this society. Socializing and camaraderie are enjoyed at the awards night, the Trillium competition and garden tours. Youth Gardeners are very active on Achievement Day. Garden tours of members gardens and trips to nurseries are enjoyed by Renfrew society. Workshops are held after guest speakers programs and bake and plant sales are held throughout the year. Stittsville/Goulbourn provides a $500 annual bursary to a secondyear horticultural student who has ties with the area. They also provide 50 seed kits to Junior Gardeners and utilize Master Gardeners from the Ottawa area. West Carleton maintains the Carp Public Library gardens as well as the St. Michael s Corkery elementary school gardens. A member of this club was awarded the Ontario volunteer of the Year award from the province. At a Glance District 2 is composed of Ottawa and Renfrew, Lanark and Grenville counties. A warm welcome awaits you from over 3000 members in 20 societies. Our district website is: 15

5 District Three District Director - Judy Scott Ameliasburgh s 57 members planted and looked after the gardens at the Ameliasburgh Museum, the library, Purdy Lane and the Geneology Centre. They hosted two bus tours, one to a winery, as well as the District 3 Annual General Meeting. They are in charge of the floral division at the Ameliasburgh Fair each year and have a float in the opening parade. Bancroft s 110 members supplied a landscaper who provided drawings for three sections around Quinte Manor with ideas for plantings. They also clean up the flowerbeds at the Old Manor, with members donating perennials. They invite school groups to work with them, with the students getting credit toward their 40 hours of community service to graduate. They hold a beauty contest or the best vegetable garden and rock garden in July. Belleville s 108 members have established a Library of Gardening with books and magazines donated by various members. They also operate a bursary program for Moira Secondary School and help in the greenhouse. They took a bus to visit the Gardening Festival in Kingston. Brockville s 140 members prepared, planted and maintain gardens at the Brockville Train Station, do the hospital planters and those at the seniors club and the rear of the Brockville Museum. They funded and helped plant daffodils as a Communities in Bloom project. They conducted several local garden tours and bus tours to Canada Blooms and the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Collins Bay s 36 members looked after the Isabel Turner Library in Kingston including preparing and planting of the flowerbeds and maintenance. They also look after the Loyalist Gates with four flowerbed areas. They will celebrate their 50 th anniversary in December, Gananoque s 76 members planted over 2000 tulips at the town gates and town hall. They repaired the monument in the horticultural park and expanded the garden as well as removing overgrown shrubs. They planted at International Square and Landon Bay Gardens. They also helped the youth group in town plant perennials and made centerpieces for the seniors Meals on Wheels at Christmas. Kingston s 339 members are a strong presence at the Lung Association Gardening Festival in Kingston in February, provide information at two gardening centres and at 16

6 the Farmers Market, as well as do the gardening at the Paterson Memorial Garden, the public library and a museum. They assisted at Kingston s Communities in Bloom competition. Their open garden tour attracted 600 people to each site! Lennox and Addington s 53 members contributed time and supplies to projects at Allan MacPherson House and are involved in Community Gardens and at Davis House along the Napanee River. They support young gardeners at the high school greenhouses and had tours to Bloomfield and Picton in historic Prince Edward County. Prince Edward County s 116 members planted lilacs at various sites around the county, including the community centre and arena, library, town square, tourist bureau and hospital. The society s historian, Winnie Rightmeyer, is presently compiling a history of the society. Rideau Lakes 127 members look after community plantings in Delta, Elgin, Crosby, Forfar, Portland and Westport. They have completed the final plantings at the Country Roads Community Health Centre in Portland, a five-year project completed in three years. They took bus tours to Canada Blooms and the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Stirling s 74 adult members and 10 youth members undertook plantings at the covered bridge, moon gate, Cenotaph, library and primary and junior school flowerbeds. They took a winery tour to Prince Edward County and held a garden tour of seven members properties in July. Trenton s 63 members held house and perennial plant sales, garden tours and an annual Flower Show and Tea. Service initiatives totaled over $1900 including planting and caretaking of the Victoria Park Perennial Garden, a student bursary and support for the Trenton and Frankford Fantasy of Light displays, Arbour Day tree planting and sponsorship to the Waterfront Trail. Tweed s 59 members participate in the municipality s Canada Day celebrations by holding a Flowerama show. A kids colouring contest was held at the same time. New society president Harald Neumann has established a liaison with the local schools to try to encourage youth participation. He is also spearheading the idea of a memorial garden in town. The society s new website is now functional. At a Glance District 3 s 13 societies are located in Frontenac, Hastings, Leeds, Lennox and Addington and Prince Edward counties. The over 1300 society members do all the usual and often unusual things that most societies do including beautifying their communities, awarding bursaries, educating their members and encouraging their youth groups. Several societies have been actively involved in helping their municipalities achieve national recognition from the Communities in Bloom program. 17

7 District Four District Director - Muriel Flagler Bobcaygeon created two rock gardens on the median at Need and Canal streets, transforming this area from bleak to beautiful. David Marsden started a Children s Garden at Kawartha Settlers Village with 47 students from Grades 2 and 3. Approximately 200 pounds of vegetables from the garden were donated to the Food Bank in town. The Blooming News is Brighton s new newsletter, which aptly describes our year. The seed and bulb exchange continues to be popular. The Trillium Awards, a competition judging front gardens, was further expanded to include properties in the old township. Six society members were recognized by the Ministry of Citizenship for their efforts and years of service, receiving 2003 Volunteer Service Awards. Campbellford did plantings at the Resource Centre and made improvements to Picnic Island Park and the new entrance to the town, with donations to the Municipality of Trent Hills and Cambellford Hospital. The Youth projects include pumpkin contest, seed planting and tree donations to the schoolyards. Coboconk established a new garden area beside the pumping station, rejuvenated the Riverbank Garden and supplied 15 hanging baskets. They also worked with Scouts and leaders in the Clean Up Coby Day, scouts making and installing three planter boxes on the Welcome to Coboconk signs. Cobourg s plant sale was a triumph! New directors and school officials revised procedures for applications to our scholarship program, making it more competitive and relevant. A group of four maintained the Five Corners Parkette, which may well be considered the most impressive of any of the locations that the town considers to be called gateways. Colborne planted flowerbeds and barrels and also the flowerbed at the public school with the help of the Grade 4 children. They had a booth at Apple Blossom Tyme Festival, made a donation to the Keeler Centre for landscaping, provided the Centre with a blue spruce Christmas tree and donated Northumberland Health Care Centre for the new CT scanner. Fenelon Falls celebrated its 85th anniversary, holding a Garden Party in July to celebrate. We donate a bursary to the high school for a horticultural student. We continue to plant the Chamber of Commerce and village flower gardens and the Museum garden. Grafton opened 13 members gardens for touring in July. Some 18

8 members assisted in transforming Wicklow Baptist Church Chapel property into a parkette. Bev Silk won the District 4 Service Certificate for working on a new district banner. Lakefield s plant sales netted almost $1000. The society provided floral arrangements, financed and planted a small landscaped garden in front of the famous stone Christ Church which celebrated its 150th anniversary. They also financed, planted and maintained many hanging baskets, stone planters and garden beds throughout the village. Lindsay initiated a member survey to select speakers which resulted in bigger crowds with a record membership of 118. A successful demonstration of how to prepare specimens for showing was given by Rachel Burrows and the society was involved in the local Communities in Bloom effort. Minden held a tea party for seniors at Hyland Crest Home. The year 2004 is this society s 25th anniversary and the flower show title is 25 Memory Lane. The society holds workshops every year and in 2004 are doing basket weaving and stepping stones. Norland holds a monthly information exhibit coordinated by a Master Gardener. This society also has a lending library of gardening and related reference books and magazines. They plant at the municipal library garden and do summer and winter barrels around the village. Omemee hosted its first garden tour and an old-fashioned garden party for members. They enjoyed daytrips to Henry Spitse s primula, gardens at Cedar Ridge and a return visit to Spitse s to see daylilies. Peterborough s annual For the Love of Gardening show was a huge success, enabling the society to provide four $1000 scholarships to high school graduates, and donations to Hospice Peterborough for healing gardens. They utilize Master Gardeners both as speakers and with the gardening show. Port Hope has been donating for six years now to the Ganaraska Conservation to develop an arboratum and beds in the Rotary Park. In 2004 this society will celebrate 150 years if the initial founding of a Port Hope society. Rice Lake plants at the Gore s Landing hall and Cold Spring hall, the east and south entrance beds and the Catherine Parr Trail plaque site. They hosted the District 4 AGM in October. At a Glance District 4 consists of 17 active societies encompassing the areas of Haliburton, Northumberland, Peterborough and Victoria. Three societies celebrated 25th, 85th and 150th anniversaries of service to their communities. 19

9 District Five District Director - Nikola Warnock Agincourt did public plantings at local schools and churches and participated in an outreach program at Tom Longboat Public Schol. Aurora hosted a fabulous District Annual Meeting. The plant sale was fun and everyone enjoyed the garden tour. Beach was involved with the gardens at the library and L Arche/ Greenwood House. They took a bus trip, had a plant sale and a garden tour. Several of their speakers dealt with the shady side of gardening. East York entered Phase 1 of the rejuvenation and restoration of the Rockery at Stan Wadlow Park and had a successful garden tour. Greater Toronto Rose and Garden Society was pleased to have their Rose Show in late June as the icy start to spring had set back some varieties. The July garden tour was a beautiful day. Lake Simcoe South Shore celebrated their 30th year. They donated and planted a garden for Habitat for Humanity, planted two trees, and maintained gardens throughout the community. The Junior Gardener program with local schools was continued. Leaside celebrated their 15th year. Three founding members were awarded Life Memberships to commemorate the occasion. Year two of the spring instead of fall garden tour has established its success. They were active involving local school groups and physically challenged children with the joys of gardening. Some of the activities included working on community plants, at Trace Manes Community Centre, Father Caufield Parkette and the Lyndhurst Centre. Markham worked on the Markham-Stouffville Hospital and Museum gardens and supplied plants to a local high school for their greenhouse science project. The June Rose and Flower Show meeting with question and answer period and strawberry shortcake tea is one of their most successful events. Mount Albert had a garden tour and two plant sales, plus maintained numerous flowerbeds throughout the community. The successful baking competition was continued with a chocolate theme this year. Newmarket donated $100 each to two local schools for horticultural programs and supported the Newmarket Library s Adopt a Magazine Program by sponsoring three gardening magazines. They worked hard planting and maintaining community gardens and helped out at town Kanata celebrations. North Toronto had a very winning year two firsts for arrangements at Getting a Jump on Spring. At the District 5 AGM they won 20

10 Best Horticultural Society, first for annual report poster and first for newsletter; at the convention a first for newsletter, yearbook and flower school schedule; at the CNE a first in the window box competition and just to round out the season, they introduced their first Annual Short Slide Show Festival and Potluck and Awards Night for members. A presentation of flowers and chocolates was made to the staff at the North York General Hospital for their efforts during the SARS crisis. North York had a super plant sale and was able to provide 450 kalanchoes for Meals on Wheels. They supported the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the garden at St. John s Rehabilitation Centre plus hands-on maintenance of the garden. They hosted a tour to the Toronto Music Garden and had a successful show and tea at the Toronto RBG with close to 400 entries! The Rhododendron society held four meetings and one joint meeting with the Niagara and Great Lakes chapters of the North American Rhododendron Association. They participated in Getting a Jump on Spring and Canada Blooms, where they introduced their new booth with a backdrop mural of a rhododendron forest. The annual sale held at the Toronto RBC featured more than 300 rhododendrons. Riverdale celebrated 87 years of Beautifying Riverdale - wow! They plant and maintain a garden a Withrow Park. To finance their projects they have two spring plant sales. In memoriam they give an award to Humber College in the Landscape Technicians program. Congratulations on another first in the window box competition at the CNE. Scarborough held a four-week design course for members that really enhanced the October mini show. They have been busy with a new project, planting trees in Bill Hancox Park. Stouffville s Garden Tour was a big success, which allowed them to donate $2000 to the Parkview Nursing Home. They planted and maintained community gardens. Twenty children enjoyed a Mother s Day program where they painted then planted up pots of seedlings. At a Glance York District 5 consists of 16 societies in a long and winding area that runs from lake Simcoe down to Lake Ontario. Long-time District 5 member and past director Alex McIntosh was recognized at the convention in Windsor for his continued work with the OHA In Memoriam book. The district held an education event, Kick It Up a Notch, a day of workshops to put zing in your flower shows and to introduce the new Ontario Judging and Exhibiting Standards. 21

11 District Six District Director - Barbara Waddell Acton worked on their Rotary Park Pathway, held a successful plant sale, and decorated the many planters in the downtown area, as well as earning first place for their magnificent float in the Acton Fall Fair. Ancaster plants and manages four different municipal gardens and conducted the Trillium Awards program to encourage home and business owners to beautify their properties. Also, floral arrangements were supplied for many Ancaster organizations Brantford holds horticultural therapy sessions at hospital sites and long-term care centers and donates trees to help with the Greening of Brant County. Members volunteered at the district booth at the Brantford Lung Association s Garden Festival, and planted a tree at the Bell Homestead commemorating the 150th anniversary of the society. Bronte was at the Glen Abbey Home Show educating the public about horticultural societies. A number of heritage type plants were put in at Sovereign House, in keeping with its historical theme. Burlington s community projects include Central Park and Maple Park, and the society helps finance three teachers in three different schools with horticultural science projects. Delhi and District participated in the local BIA Adopt-a-Planter and presented seven schools in the area with $100 each for horticultural projects and sent a needy child to camp. Flamborough holds four minishows instead of an annual flower show. They also plant perennials in Strabane Park and several more beds are under consideration. Georgetown held a four-week seminar with Master Gardener Belinda Gallagher. Members practiced their skills in several community gardens such as the Lucy Maud Montgomery Garden. Their garden tour featured 11 gardens. Glen Morris plants seven beds in the community and a bench was placed at the Glen Morris School activity area in memory of Mary Schmitt. Haldimand holds a Green Thumb garden competition and sold anniversary t-shirts in honour of their 20th anniversary. Their plantings include 11 public sites. Lynden celebrated its 75th anniversary and developed a program that focused on their members gardens resulting in two Member Garden Tours. Their Canada Day parade entry, 75 Years of Gardening, earned a first prize. Milton and District added 45 new members this year, partly by 22

12 the distribution of flyers to over 800 homes. Some members are involved in a secret garden at a local seniors residence. Mount Hamilton continued its program of maintaining the gardens at Jason s House, a March of Dimes home for the disabled. They donated a wall fountain to a newly-created tranquility garden, provided 100 potted plants to Meals on Wheels and participated in the Trillium Awards program. Oakville did design and landscaping work at the local cancer hospice. Allotment gardens were set up for local children with supervision and assistance from society members. Paris participated in Ontario s Adopt-a-Road program and held an Arbour Day tree planting. Port Dover and Woodhouse donated to the Leo Club to purchase flowers to plant at Silver Lake Park and a bench was installed there. Simcoe and District has a lively Juniors program, holds training sessions in Simcoe Composite School s greenhouse, and organizes two booths at the Norfolk County Fair. St. George s main focus is the Joseph Smith Lily Garden. Many members participated in planting trees from seed at the St. George Tim Horton s Children s Camp. Stoney Creek s projects included planting at Smith s Knoll in Stoney Creek, donations to three school libraries, and a donation to a high school. Local children entered the August Flower and Vegetable Show of the Waterford and District society, enjoying the pumpkin carving and scarecrow contests. Refurbishing of Bridge Park was almost completed in Winona donates to the Winona Food Bank, the Royal Botanical Gardens and plantings around the Winona Peach Festival sign. At a Glance Since the 2003 Annual General Meeting in Simcoe, the term Carolinian has been used to refer to District 6 because all 21 societies learned from the speakers about Carolinian zone trees, shrubs and plants in our district and became more aware of their importance. Plans are underway to develop a district brochure and communication among societies and within the executive has improved considerably this year with every society and every board member on-line. Four major OHA awards were earned by our members this year, which included the Silver Fir Award to Dr. Hank Hedges, the Award of Merit to Donna Hills, the Community Improvement Award to Harper s Gardening Centre and the Environmental Award to Grange Elementary School. 23

13 District Seven District Director - Marlene Bruckhardt Arthur continues to maintain floral beds in the community and offered three workshops in addition to three flower shows and regular meetings. Clifford has two flower shows, a photographic competition, an active youth club with two flower shows and a garden project. The society was heavily involved with the Communities in Bloom program this year. Elora/Salem is host for a Gardening Conference held yearly in February. They are actively involved in Arbour Week plantings and have a summer show in August involving their youth members. They are the oldest society in District 7, and date back to Erin continues with plant sales, flower shows and penny sale programs and a tour to Niagara Parks commission Hydrangea, Foxglove and Delphinium Show and the Butterfly Conservatory. Society members showed how to attract one of nature s own insect controllers via Bat Houses. Fergus hosted the District 7 Spring Annual Meeting, continued with their active involvement for Communities in Bloom, completed their undertaking of a wooden pergola with mainly Canadian specimen peony plants and species clematis in Terry Fox Park at the 24 entrance to the community. The wood for the pergola was reclaimed fir from hydro poles milled with the help of Portage, a facility for troubled youth. Grand Valley has mini flower shows in addition to two standard flower shows, a strawberry social in June and a banquet and awards night in addition to regular meetings. They have an active youth group which works hard to maintain a community garden and keep a running journal of their activities. Guelph City has a successful garden tour program, plant sale and outreach flower shows and street tree planting program. They had a bus tour to Canada Blooms. Their youth members are active and take part each year in the District Hipel and Markle youth competition. Guelph Township has three flower shows a year with the summer show in August being a very large competition and the youth entries equal or exceed those of the adult members. The yearly program is started with a potluck dinner and awards evening, a barbecue and planting party in June and an annual photographic competition. They have an active youth group and participate in the District Hipel and Markle youth competition. Harriston has mini flower shows in addition to their flower

14 and vegetable shows in May, August and October and close their year with the annual meeting and potluck supper in November. They are involved with the Communities in Bloom program with Clifford Society. Harrison regularly has many members in attendance at the OHA annual convention. Harrison was one of the first societies to have an invitational class in their summer show to District 7 societies. Hillsburg is a small society that continues promoting activities and plantings in its community. Maryborough (Moorefield) has a regular newsletter detailing activities of the society, regular flower shows, a bus tour and members who work on community plantings along with regular meetings and flower shows. Mount Forest s theme this year was Remembering the Past Looking to the Future and they dedicated their yearbook to Gladys Ernst, Charter Member, and to all the dedicated members of this Society, past and present, whose love of gardening, the environment and sharing their knowledge of horticulture with others has allowed this society to grow and prosper over the last 50 years. They celebrated their 50 th anniversary this year. Orangeville is an active society with a regular newsletter, plant sale, flower shows and an active youth membership. This year the society undertook an innovative flower show entitled Kaleidoscope A Designer s Showcase. Some titles were Synergism, Tints, Tones and Textures, Castles in the Air, Double Take and Shape of Things to Come. They plan to have this competition again next year and it is open to all members of OHA. Shelburne has a successful plant sale, two flower shows and a photographic competition. At their August flower show they have a section devoted to youth members of their society. They organized a bus tour to Canada Blooms. They close their year with a potluck supper with presentation of prize money and awards. At a Glance District 7 has 14 societies located in the counties of Wellington and Dufferin. Societies serve mainly small towns and township areas with a few cities creating a varied base for membership. District 7 is holding an Ontario Horticultural Association Judging School which will be completed in A number of members are also taking part in the RBG Design course. Youth members are an active and important part of our program and they compete yearly in floral design and vegetable displays. Floral designs are done on an individual basis while teams compete in vegetable displays. 25

15 District Eight District Director - Valerie Neal Durham s major project was the redesigning and upgrading of two of the four town entrances. Special events included a Victorian Garden Party, a perennial plant sale and a Christmas Decorating Seminar. Hanover tends the flower boxes that grace the bridges at the north and west entrances. They also maintain gardens at the Legion, Wilkens Park, the park gates, Burn Memorial, the cemetery, tennis courts and Food Basics. Markdale worked on several beautification projects including barrels and hanging baskets throughout the village, flowerbeds at the hospital, post office, library and the Day Away gardens. The society participated in the Christmas Parade, supported the Young Gardeners Club at the community school and organized tours and horticultural activities for its members Neustadt plants and maintains beds and baskets in the villages of Ayton and Neustadt. Their youth projects include a garden flower show in July. Plans are underway for this society to celebrate its 30th anniversary in Eastnor plants and maintains 29 community containers and gardens at the village entrance, hospital, Cenotaph, memorial garden and the Stokes Bay Community Centre. They society played an active role, 26 in consultation witth the municipality, community organizations, nursing home and day care center for landscaping. Kincardine has been directing a great deal of their time and energy into the Harbour Street Flagpole Garden which is their signature garden. The Canadian flag and garden can be seen from Queen Street and from incoming traffic entering the Kincardine Harbour. Mildmay and District have worked at maintaining community flowerbeds and created more awareness in the community by presenting many speakers at their meetings. The society enjoyed a bus trip to Stratford as well as a mystery tour. Ripley and District had mystery seeds and mystery tours.one 90- plus woman was presented with a life membership, the third so honoured in the last few years. The society maintains several planters throughout the village. Tara plants and maintains village flowerbeds and bridge baskets. New signage for the horticultural society was erected in the community. The society supervises youth to plant beds at the Community Centre. Plans are in the works for their pending 80th anniversary. Teeswater/Culross s eight flowerbeds in the community looked exceptional. A bus tour was made to four local gardens. The Flowers in

16 Motion Parade produced 25 colourful floats. Walkerton was proud to be a vital part in that community s win in the Canada Blooms competition. They also organized the 9th annual Yellow Ribbon Garden Tour. Auburn continues to keep their community beautiful by planting and maintaining perennial and annual beds and flower boxes on the bridge over the Maitland River. Bayfield maintained community gardens and organized a garden tour. The society played an active part in the local Home and Garden Show. Brussels plants and maintains eight flower boxes on Main Street and the flowerbed beside the library. Chesley looks after seven beds at Elliot Park, one bed at the cairn, three beds at the town entrances and the two Cenotaph beds. Members enjoyed a bus trip to Stratford Festival Gardens and a visit to Northern Lights. Clinton maintains two gardens as well as box planting. The members went on a bus tour to the Wiegersma Lily Reproduction Centre in Bluevale. Goderich held a very successful plant auction in May and three plant sales at a local Flea Market. Gardens in Goderich, including the hospital, the gaol, the library and the Mac Kay Centre, were tended regularly by volunteers. Members enjoyed a trip to the Stratford Garden Show. A new sprinkling system was installed for the hospital beds. Seaforth has an annual flower show. Also they plant many boxes and hanging baskets around the community. Public plantings includes beds at the Legion, Northside Church and the Post Office. Special events included a Garden Tour in June, a bus trip in July and taking part in Cider Fest in September. Hensall began a major repair project on the village s brick entry sign. They continue to maintain plantings throughout the village featuring perennial and annual gardens and hanging baskets. Money is donated to the flower fund at the village churches, and they hold a Thanksgiving Decorating Contest and sponsor categories in the Spring Fair. Wingham planted and maintained shrubs and landscaping stones around the sign at the south end of the town. More bulbs were planted at the Alice Munro Literary Garden. As well two signs were placed on the highway to direct attention to the garden. The society takes part in the lighting of Cruikshank Park at Christmas time. At a Glance District 8 is located in the counties of Gray, Bruce and Huron. It has 23 societies that serve an area blessed with shoreline, forest, farmland and beautiful villages and towns. Neustadt society is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2004 and Tara is making plans for its pending 89th anniversary. 27

17 District Nine District Director - Diane Kiers Dunnville members plant and maintain a Floral Clock, eight flowerbeds and 11 planters. A most exciting evolvement of their youth group continues to unfold - at last count they have 60 junior members and have applied for consideration in receiving the Lemke Youth Club Award. Fort Erie s first Garden Walk in June, 2003 had a great turnout. Civic projects include plantings at the Fort Erie Hospital and new plantings for 2004 are planters at the foot of Jarvis Street and tulips at the Court House. They are also planning on starting a youth group. Grimsby s civic projects and plantings include The Fleming Rose Garden, Elm. St. flowerbeds, 32 hanging baskets and involvement in judging for the Trillium Awards. Involvement with youth is through a liaison with the local high school students who help with various projects as part of their 40 hours of community service needed to graduate. Lincoln s many activities include a May plant sale, participation in the Lincoln home and Garden Show, the Blossom Festival at Ball s Falls and helping the Rotary in a Stand by Me day directed toward grade school children. Members enjoyed a tour of Oak s Gardens at Niagara Falls with Paula Berketa, the landscape architect who refurbished the garden. Niagara Falls annual Garden Walk raises funds used for many area projects including a Children s Garden at the Ontario Early Years Centre. This society for 2003 again won the Eloise Schumacher Award for highest attendance at the District 9 forums. Niagara s focus is on understanding and promoting their local growers. Members will be looking forward to a Garden Party/Spring Fling at their president s garden, further trips to area garden centres and nurseries, their annual Rose Show, Flower and Vegetable Show and plant exchanges. Pelham activities include plantings at the Fonthill Royal Canadian Legion and at Fenwick s flagpole, a tree planting donation at Niagara College and participation in its open house. Pelham was represented with two members on the Pelham Communities in Bloom committee and helped in the planting of a garden to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the village of Fenwick. Port Colborne awarded 21 certificates of merit for yard work this past year. Volunteer awards from the Ontario government were awarded to three of Port Colborne s members. On their semi-annual Garden Walk one of the gardens 28

18 featured an artist and his metal sculptures. Ridgeway and District participated at the Niagara College Open House. Their year s highlight was hosting its second Victorian Tea. It was an elegant afternoon as guests enjoyed displays of floral design, antiques and art. Handcrafted Victorian fans were used as table favours and the music of a harpist added to the Victorian atmosphere. Smithville projects include caring for a naturalized area at the Leisureplex, installing a playground and planting trees and wildflowers, and plantings at the historic Smithville Train Station. In 2003 they had 27 youth gardens. Members also attended a workshop on Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers. St. Catharines has contributed to the beautification of their city for 147 years and to honour this achievement they are refurbishing the Gore site at Niagara and Church street - a donation of $12,000 has been made to this project. Their support continues for Plant a Row, Partners in Planting, Community Harvest Day, the Trillium Awards, Community Care and the Niagara College Library. Thorold will celebrate their 75th anniversary in Members provided book awards and scholarships to Thorold Secondary School, plkanted business at local grades schools for Arbour Day and made a donation to St. John s Study Centre and the Thorold High School s gardening program. Welland supports horticulture and beautification of their city with Merit Awards. Their Rose Show continues to be one of the largest in District 9. At a Glance District 9 includes 13 societies from the areas of Niagara South, Niagara North and Haldimand. Our annual meeting is held each year in April and as well a fall forum is held in September. Our goal is more youth involvement. This year our many horticultural members looked forward to a very special event: the Niagara Flower and Garden Show June 11-13, This is the first time for this show and it is hosted by the Master Gardeners of Niagara and the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. An interesting tented marketplace which will include artisans, speakers and demonstrators and Visions, a Flower Show will be featured and presented by the Garden club of Niagara. More information regarding this event can be found by visiting w.com. Another horticulture site of interest in our area is the Niagara College School of Horticulture located at the Glendale campus. It is a living laboratory for environmental and horticultural programs, for students and visitors alike. 29