MINDEN & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
GENERAL MEETING
SAT FEB 4th, 2017
LUNCHEON: *Delicious*
GUEST SPEAKER: Liz Case introduced the guest speakers from: Burley’s Gardens: Margaret Burley and her husband, Bob, (who claimed to be there only for moral support). Margaret spoke on “African Violets, Air Plants, Orchids, & More”. We were encouraged to ask questions!
They shared many fascinating information, some highlights follow:
Orchids: grow on every continent excepting Antarctica; there is an orchid that is used as a replacement for vanilla (“vanilla bean orchid” –which can grow up to 30 feet!); orchids should be planted in sphagnum moss or another orchid medium; don’t use ice cubes or tap water for watering!; if stem goes brown after flowering, cut back to the first node.
Carnivorous Plants: they absorb rather than eat (usually flies); Bob assured us that MJ’s house has bugs (to feed the plants); but the plants will survive if you don’t have bugs; we got to see Darwin’s favourite ever plant: the sundew, which grows naturally in our region;
Air Plants: should be sprayed (with water) approximately 2-3 times per week. Similar to orchids they should not be watered with tap water.
African Violets: She suggested keeping wicks in the bottom for watering. Marg recommends using “Dina Grow – Euria free fertilizer” – no need to flush – just mix with water.
CALL TO ORDER: The Chair called the meeting to order at 2.10 pm.
LOCATION: Minden United Church
CHAIR: President Karen Shirley.
ATTENDANCE: Sue Sisson reported that 41 members joined and paid their membership, as well as 1 junior member, there were at least 42 people in attendance.
MINUTES: Moved by Secretary Faye Adamson Seconded by Margaret Giles “That the minutes of the October General Meeting be adopted as circulated”
CARRIED
FINANCIAL REPORT: Francis reported that our current bank balance is $3149.51 as of Feb 1st, 2017. She let us know that the financial statement for 2016 could be found on page 4 of the new yearbook.
Moved by Francis Thivierge
“That the financial report be accepted”
CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
COMMUNITY GARDENS- Anne: meeting with township on Feb 9th at 10am regarding planters. Will keep us posted
EXCURSIONS—Susan: On Thursday July 27 there will be a trip going North to Sandhill Nurseries in Huntsville and Artful Garden in Bracebridge. A sign up to determine interest is being circulated. No garden tour to be happening in 2017 (except Faye’s garden, where she will be selling river water for watering carnivorous and air plants).
FLOWER SHOW—Margaret: invited us all to check out the insert in middle of the 2017 yearbook: the Flower Show has a new name: 38th Annual Garden Show “Garden Celebrations” More than just flowers. Please get involved!
LIBRARY AND BULLETIN BOARD: Isabel will be emailing within the next month with an update. She is requesting help to cull the overflow of books.
T-SHIRTS, CARDS, PINS Elinor: sent out cards last week to Betty Martin, Anica Sabel, Margaret Giles, Karen Shirley, and Gwen Turner. Will be sending a card to Boshkung Tree Service. She will have a new T-Shirt order prepared for the next meeting.
VILLAGE GREEN—Liz: reports that it is currently under 2 feet of snow, but that there are hundreds of bulbs hiding under the white stuff waiting to celebrate Canada’s 150th. Thank you to the 17 volunteers from 2016!!! Clipboard to be circulated in a future meeting.
WEBSITE- Please notify Richard or Karen if you notice a discrepancy! YEARBOOK—we have them! Yay! Pay your membership and you’ll get a book!
OTHER:
REQUESTS FOR IDEAS TO CELEBRATE OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY Contact Karen if you have any ideas!
CERTIFICATE FROM TOWNSHIP
They are “honoured to present the Trillium Award for contributions towards community beautification and enhancement” we were instructed to pat ourselves on the back as a result.
We also received a certificate from Laurie Scott our Provincial Member of Parliament to acknowledge our 40th Anniversary.
SELLING LICENCE PLATES: $10
MICHELLE LEWIS: offering us a special for Reiki “Nature’s Healing Touch” 20% off.
SAT MARCH 4TH OUTING: $30 on March the 4th 9.00am -2.15 at Activity Haven in Peterborough. Let Karen know if you would like more info.
COUNTY FAIR IS A GO!!!!
KINARK OUTDOOR CENTRE: Faye Adamson requested donations of plants soil,
benches, or any other things you think we might need for our brand new sensory garden.
ADJOURNMENT – Moved by Karen Shirley Seconded by MJ. “That the meeting be adjourned” Time – 3.00 pm
CARRIED
