District 7 Director Jane McDonald welcomed over 80 members and guests to the Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) District 7 fall meeting on Oct. 25 at the Clifford Community Centre. The hall was decorated with pumpkins, seed heads, and scarecrows.
Clifford society president Georgie Hutchison offered everyone a package of tulip bulbs and milkweed pods as a thank you for attending the day.
Minto Mayor George Bridge said he is proud of the great support from the Clifford Society who help attract people to the community through their gardening and beautification initiatives.
McDonald shared highlights of the recent convention. Garden Ontario week will generate activities across the province, she noted. McDonald also pointed out: the judging book will be updated and insurance policies will be updated.
Treasurer Kathy Bouma said the budget had increased slightly to offer speakers who many societies may not be able to afford on their own.
McDonald welcomed every society to share their success stories for the year. Many found musical garden tours, plant sales, planting trees, a great base of volunteers, and co-operative ventures helped them create a different atmosphere in their communities by building a new town sign or putting a gazebo and picnic tables in parks.
Guest speaker Tarrah Young of Green Being farm near Neustadt talked about winter community supported agriculture.
Judge Sharon Nivens of Lucknow enjoyed the quality of the 47 entries in the design competition. Clara Bauman of Moorefield had the most points. Irma Baumlisberger of Grand Valley earned the judge’s choice award for her unique design entry ‘Walk in the Woods.’ Other winners included: Dorelene Anderson, Eleanor Litt, Ethel Weber, Elsie Grummett, Sharon Oughton, Graham Oughton, and Jean Yenssen.
Frances Bouma introduced Dugald Cameron, president of Garden Import, a bulb and plant company based in Richmond Hill. He showed slides of his own growing successes in the city listing each flower’s distinct beauty qualities. He had solutions for pesky squirrels and suggested growing and showing unusual varieties of flowers. One of his favourites Eremurus Robustus grew to 14 feet in height.
McDonald brought attention to the annual general meeting to be held in April in Harriston congratulated the Clifford Society for hosting.
