The Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) District 7 fall general meeting was hosted by the Shelburne Horticultural Society on Oct. 23 at the Royal Canadian Legion.
When the floral displays are taller they have incredible possibilities.
District 7 Director Dorelene Anderson greeted 80 members and guests representing all of the 14 societies in the district. She welcomed president Wayne Hannon and Mayor Ed Crewson.
Morning speaker Donna Wilson created a seasonal design and delighted the audience with her humourous outlook and sense of adventure in hunting for just the right plant material. Follow the basic principles of design and proportion. Moisten the soil, add dogwood, fragrant cedar boughs, soft white pine, pine cones, ornaments, and lights.
The creation needs to withstand the elements and should be placed in a sheltered area. Rose Harris won the design in the raffle draw.
Jane McDonald announced that new exhibitors raised the level of entries in the show, with 24 in design and 28 in horticulture. Judge Ellen Spencer chose Jennifer French’s Autumn Winds design for Judge’s choice.
Mid-morning speaker freelance photographer and graphic artist Cliff Smith shared a selection of photos showing the different views of photography using the rules of thirds, paying attention to details of design, colour, balance, symmetry, simplicity, background, line, frame, and depth.
One of his photos gracing the centre spread pages of Escarpment Views evokes emotion, as it takes the viewer on a journey through the woods wondering what exists through the sheltering boughs of the forest into the light just past the wooden fence.
Afternoon speaker Liz Knowles is awed and amazed at the number of plants that she finds growing in the harshest conditions around the world.
Lilies growing wild on mountain slopes in China, ornamental rhubarb in bogs in Tibet, yellow tulips among the rocks in Iran, land mines and iris plants living in harmony in Israel, red tulips in Turkey, and fields of narcissus in Greece were among the favourites.
She has representation of native plants and flowers from around the world in her own two acres of gardens and ornamental ponds in Hockley Valley.
Anderson welcomed Beverley Farmer to the board following the resignation of Ken McManus. Reports were given on finances; the convention and bus being organized to Sudbury for July 15 to 17; tree planting grants; Emperor Allium fundraiser; adult workshop April 30; and youth workshop to the butterfly conservatory and nursery. Laurel Strachan sold tickets for the raffle. Fourteen door prizes were won.
The annual general meeting will be held April 16, hosted by the Grand Valley Society.
