District 7 director Jane McDonald welcomed close to 100 members and guests to the Ontario Horticulture Association (OHA) District 7 annual general meeting held April 26 in Mount Forest.
Mount Forest Horticultural Society president Kate Smith presented Mildred Francis with a bouquet of flowers for all her work in decorating the church and preparing the luncheon.
Laurel Strachan led the roll call with representation from most of the 14 societies.
McDonald addressed concerns regarding aging societies and the reluctance for some to take leadership roles.
Kelly Taylor brought greetings and News from the OHA inviting all to the convention to be held in Cornwall. She congratulated Harriston and Guelph societies on receiving a community gardening grant and highlighted some of the other grants, programs, and services the OHA offers. She announced that Jean Phillips would be accepting the Silver Fir Trillium award on behalf of her late husband Peter at the convention. Peter was humble, hospitable, hardworking, dedicated and deserving of this great honour.
Taylor installed the board, thanking Don Matthews for his dedication and management of the supplies. District director Jane McDonald, past district director Dorelene Anderson, secretary Laurel Strachan, treasurer Kathy Bouma and directors Jean Phillips, Clara Bauman, Frances Bouma, Beverley Farmer, Karen Dowler, Jean Gordon.
Guest speaker Brian Folmer of Folmer Landscaping and Garden Centre located west of Walkerton shared his expertise with the crowd. He brought along all sorts of plants and explained their blooming potential.
Nicholas Schaut, a hop grower from Walter’s Falls provided a close look at understanding the true nature of hops and all their growing and harvesting needs. Many hops are sought solely for their aroma and brewing while others are well known for their essential oils and medicinal properties. The growth in craft beer is remarkable so the market for hops looks very promising, he noted. He finds there is a need to advance research, education, and relationships between the growers and brewers.
Charles MacLean of MacLean Ales is one of those brewers who relies on hops for his brews. He explained the technical process for brewing his beer with malt, hops, yeast, and water. His brewery is south of Durham and he has plans to open a new plant in Hanover in June.
Judge Ann Finlayson of Ripley chose Raija Sakacya’s April Showers design for judge’s choice and complimented the 12 exhibitors. Other winners included Wayne Pfeffer, Jean Yenssen, Donna Wilson, Michelle Goff, Clara Bauman, Donna Passman, and Faye Craig.
