By Bonnie Whitehead
MOUNT FOREST – District 7 director Kathy Bouma welcomed over 100 horticulturalists from 14 societies to the Ontario Horticulture Association (OHA) District 7 annual general meeting on April 13 at the United Church in Mount Forest.
Mount Forest and District Horticultural Society president Collette MacTavish welcomed all and expressed appreciation to the businesses who donated prizes for the raffle.
Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox said he hoped everyone would share a few of their gardening secrets and keep their gardens growing “high, healthy and happy” referring to the Mount Forest motto.
Bouma placed white carnations in remembrance of deceased society members as their names were read by Frances Bouma, who also shared a poem saying each member gave a unique gift to their community.
OHA representative Barb O’Malley shared a report from OHA president Katharine Smyth.
The OHA provides leadership and education for all ages interested in horticultural pursuits and endeavours; the new website will be launched on April 17; an OHA store will open soon; a new general guidelines manual was printed; new committees for youth and communications were created; July 19 to 21 are the dates for the 2019 convention in Windsor.
Bouma enters her second year as a director excited to work through the new changes. She encourages all to keep track of their volunteer hours and hopes many will sign up for the judging school hosted through District 19.
She was excited to present Terry Ireland with a certificate in honour of the Arthur society celebrating 100 years.
Dorelene Anderson was presented with a potted plant for her years of service on the District 7 Board.
Business included minutes, budget approval and an addition to the constitution and the installation of officers to the board for 2019.
Barb O’Malley installed District 7 Director Kathy Bouma, Jane McDonald, Frances Bouma, Debbie Williams, Mildred Francis, Vic Palmer, Laurel Strachan, Connie Depisa and Julia Dimakos.
Guest speaker Marion Jarvie shared views of gardens offering year round colour. She finds gardening a great hobby and enjoys escaping into her green house when winter is too harsh. Trial and error of all kinds of plants will help achieve design goals.
Flower Show judge Trish Symons was impressed with the 61 entries from 17 participants.
She chose the “Green with Envy” design by Brenda Skeoch as Judge’s Choice. Jane McDonald announced Jean Yenssen earned the most points in Horticulture and Debbie Williams for Floral Design.
Afternoon guest speaker Collette MacTavish discussed and demonstrated the proper way to assure plant propagation.
