District Director Jane McDonald welcomed Ontario Horticulture Association (OHA) President Jeff Blackadar and 80 members and guests to the OHA District 7 annual general meeting on April 18 at the Community Centre in Harriston.
President Sue Bridge brought greetings from the Harriston society.
Town of Minto Mayor and Warden of Wellington County George Bridge expressed appreciation for society’s beautification efforts and spoke of the success of the town’s community garden program.
Blackadar was pleased to see partnerships arise to strengthen a community. Youth programs that foster interest in nature, gardening, growing food, and the importance of bees are to be encouraged he said. He invited everyone to the OHA convention to be held in Ancaster in July.
McDonald shared her views on 2014 and said she hopes to visit each society in her district. She is proud of the 1,547 members in 14 societies and her board.
Kathy Bouma was honoured with a district award for her 17 years of dedicated service to the Fergus Society.
Don Matthews called for a moment of silence after reading the names of members who passed away.
Guest speaker Kim Delaney of Hawthorn Farms demonstrated her passion for saving organic seeds and challenged everyone to do the same. She explained methods of harvesting, storing, and planting seeds. She summed up her presentation with a quote, “Seeds are a gift of nature, of past generations and diverse cultures. Save them and pass them on.”
Afternoon speaker Elisabeth Burrows of Whiffletree Farms embarked on a voyage of discovery and found that maple syrup and nuts of all kinds blend well. She planted hundreds of nut trees, harvested the nuts, and marketed her product “Jewels Under the Kilt.” She now has over 20 flavours besides maple pecan, hazelnut, and walnut.
The new executive includes: district director Jane McDonald, past district director Dorelene Anderson, secretary Laurel Strachan, treasurer Kathy Bouma, and directors Frances Bouma, Karen Dowler, Beverly Farmer, Mildred Francis, Jean Gordon, Jean Phillips. Judge Pam Sangster revealed the reasons for choosing the winning entries and declared Melanie Marjoram’s design “Sky’s the Limit” her Judge’s Choice.
The fall meeting on Oct. 31 will be hosted by the Orangeville Horticultural Society.
