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Home > Convention > Last Convention > Annual Convention Report Annual Convention ReportsA report for each convention since 2004 is below. 104th Convention, August 13-14 2010, Barrie.Everything Old is New AgainConvention 2010 is over, but the memory lingers on. What a great time we had. The theme "Everything Old is New Again" was mirrored in many of the seminars and talks, in the music we heard, and even in the length of the convention. This year, the convention was shortened from 2.5 days to 2 days -- something that hadn't been done since 1982. Many of those attending expressed the thought that it was nice to finish up on Saturday evening with a great banquet and then head for home first thing Sunday morning. The seminars and the plenary speakers were inspiring. Twelve different speakers shared their expertise with the delegates. The seminar rooms were filled to capacity. Those delegates not at the seminars went on one of the 4 bus tours offered each day. The tours visited Barrie gardens and sights. At the end of most tours was a chance to shop. One tour each day was a cruise of Kempenfelt Bay giving participants a chance to see some of the lovely estates along the shore. The Georgian College facility was just what we needed. The staff of the College could not have treated us better. The huge gymnasium area was divided between competitions and meeting space. This meant that the competitions were close to the main meeting space. Many delegates took advantage of this and visited the competitions -- several times. The competitions displayed the talents of members from all across the province and the number of entries was impressive. My sincere thanks to Dorothy Shropshire who organized the volunteers. Her corps of volunteers came from almost every society in District 16 and made up a most congenial group anxious to help wherever they could. And a big "Thank you!" to Ann Finlayson and Janet Moyser for organizing the borrowing of the 3 quilts from 1994. The quilts had been raffled off in 1994 and resided in different areas of the province. Ann and Janet traveled to pick them up and organized the "hanging" of the quilts so that all delegates could view them. Thanks to the Board as a whole for advice and assistance and special thanks to Celia Roberts, Anna Peterson, and Betty Morrison and all the competition chairs for running a great show. Thanks to the registrar, Barb O'Malley for the hours she spent accepting and acknowledging registrations and preparing the tickets for meals and tours. Thanks also to the treasurer, Sharon Hill, for her support through the whole process. The planning and hosting of a Convention is a special experience. It is a great growing time for the organizers and an opportunity to pull a district together on a single project. I'm not going to say I'd do it again, but it was an experience I'm glad I had. See you in Sudbury next July. Carol Dunk 103rd Convention, July 2009, Peterborough.Remember Yesterday - Protect TomorrowThe theme for the 103rd Convention was Remember Yesterday - Protect Tomorrow and while this event is over, the societies of District 4 challenge each member of the OHA to continue to use this as a springboard for your future endeavours. Thank you to the delegates who came to Peterborough. We hope you will come back again. Lots of activities occupied our days and nights: speakers, adult and youth competitions, bus trips and boat tours entertained and informed. The barbecue and banquet were also highlights of the weekend. The business of the OHA was also conducted at the AGM. This year an added bonus was having the Youth Camp located nearby. This meant that we were able to see some of their activities throughout the weekend. Trent University was an impressive setting for the event and the conference staff bent over backwards to make sure that everyone was taken care of. Staying at the student residence may have given us all new insight and some new skills, like remembering to unlock the connecting bathroom door. Even the weather cooperated - most of the time we were dry and the temperature was certainly comfortable. This was especially important as we walked around the campus. The many volunteers who worked during the actual convention came from societies across the district and were highly visible in their green vests. Smiling faces and offers of help were always appreciated. They met challenges head on and I hope each one of them had the opportunity to chat with some of the interesting people who attended. For those who had never attended an OHA Convention, it was a wonderful opportunity to see what actually takes place. In addition there was a legion of volunteers who worked off-site or in other locations, setting up or taking down. Dealing with the logistics of using two areas of the campus during the weekend was a challenge but everyone pitched in and got the job done. The organizing committee cannot thank our society members enough. It reminds us all that OHA is a volunteer organization and we depend on our volunteers for so many things. Members of the OHA Board and our Youth Leaders were also out and about doing their part to make things run smoothly. I would like to extend special thanks to Barb O'Malley, the OHA Registrar, who was a huge help to us all. Also to our 'volunteer wranglers', Anne Milne and Etela Vojnic and to, my husband, Gary for all computer related tasks he dealt with. The organizing committee worked tirelessly to make sure everything was taken care of. Lenna Broatch, Beryl Harris, Rose Odell, Bev. Silk and Rodger Smith came through when we needed them most. They took on responsibilities and went beyond the call of duty. Our meetings were filled with laughter no matter how difficult a problem. They made the process much more enjoyable. Lastly, I would like to especially thank John Sellers, our District Director, for all of the work he has done, not only for this convention but also for our district as a whole. He was our spokesperson throughout and we all appreciate his efforts. Now he can go back to his garden for a while. We all learned a lot and grew as a result of our experience. It was a great ride! See you in Barrie in 2010. Dianne Westlake Organizing Committee 2009 OHA Convention See Pat Bastien's (Belle River Horticultural Society) Convention Report 102nd Convention, August 2008, Brampton.Sharing Our DiversitySharing Our Diversity, Sharing Our Knowledge and Sharing Our Fun was in store for the members of 286 Horticultural Societies from across the province meeting in Brampton at the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning's Davis Campus. Hosted by the 17 Societies in District 15, the 102nd Annual Convention of the Ontario Horticultural Association ran from August 22nd to 24th. The public was welcomed to join in the activities. Sharing our knowledge is at the core of the OHA mandate and the convention offered skill development opportunities and gardening lectures by well-known speakers including Liz Primeau, Dennis Flanagan and Charlie Dobbin. Lecture topics include: Front Yard Gardens, Green Roof Gardens, Project CHIRP (creating habitat in residential & parkland areas), Water Gardens and Garden Design. For gardeners interested in keeping fit for life and for gardening, the topic Kinetics for Gardeners raised awareness of how to avoid aches and pains. On Saturday, the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Donna Cansfield addressed the plenary session on the topic "Conserving Ontario's Biodiversity". Green thumbs come in all sizes and the convention included the OHA Youth Camp: Based at the Lake St. George Field Centre in Richmond Hill and under the guidance of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, staff led a challenging weekend of hands on exploration of local ecosystems. Thirty-three young people from across the province attended along with 6 OHA Youth leaders, two of whom were recipients of the OHA's Youth Leader Award in 2007. Back at the Davis Campus, challenge took the form of the Flower Show and related competitions where entries met the expectation of horticultural excellence while illustrating the Sharing Our Diversity theme. Sharing the fun was an integral part of the weekend and the program offered excursions to Humber Nursery, greenroof Gardens in the Sky in downtown Toronto, the Toronto Music Gardens and Casa Loma. Closer to home base, participants were able to follow the Flower Bed Route through Brampton, the 2006 Communities in Bloom National Champion. Photo above left: The Brampton Parks Department planted 3 carpet beds with plants symbolizing the Ontario Horticultral Association's logo - a stylized white Trillium. Brenda Heenan, Convention coordinator 101st Convention, August 10th - 12th, 2007, Owen SoundKeeping Ontario Beautiful ... Visions Of Our FutureDistrict 8 invited OHA delegates to the 2007 Convention, August 10th - 12th, 2007. District 8 consists of three spectacular counties...
Delegates enjoyed kilometres of pristine shoreline, charming towns and villages, areas of rugged landscapes, abundant orchards, and clean flowing rivers. The host city Owen Sound, in the picturesque harbour on Georgian Bay, proved to be a relaxing venue for OHA delegates. The convention site overlooked the bay and beautiful community gardens. The Harry Lumley Community Complex, provided the facilities for a first rate convention. Right next door the Inn on the Bay, a Best Western Hotel offered a reduced rate to OHA delegates. These two sites together provided a convenient, efficient convention with the atmosphere of a weekend at the cottage. The gardens of District 8 were outstanding. Public spaces, private town gardens and rural garden sites all met and exceeded expectations. All meals were based on the concept of The Hundred Mile Meal. All food served originated within a hundred mile radius of Owen Sound, supporting local farmers and food producers and avoiding the environmental impact of transporting food over a long distance. Coffee served was Fair Trade. All judged items from the many competitions were displayed in the same location. The theme KEEPING ONTARIO BEAUTIFUL ... VISIONS OF OUR FUTURE focused on the challenges of our time to our personal lives, to the future viability of societies, and the strengthening of networks among organizations that share a common vision. As consumers and gardeners, we were made aware of changing conditions and choices for best practices to minimize our impact on available resources. Delegates were inspired to make choices to ensure a future that is healthy, enjoyable and sustainable. We wish we could host all of you for a week or two. We have so much we'd like to show you. Maybe you'll come a few days early and linger a few days after! At the end of the convention, at the end of the day, we are sure you'll feel better for spending time in District 8. Alors, l'année prochaine, venez nous voir à Owen Sound. Venez participer et fêter avec nous! Valerie Neal, Convention Coordinator 100th Convention, 2006, OttawaDistrict 2 and its 21 member societies with over 3000 members extended warm greetings to 550 delegates who attended the 100th Annual Ontario Horticultural Association Convention in Ottawa. The District Societies are Stittsville-Goulbourn, West Carleton, Ottawa, Renfrew, Kemptville, Almonte, Beachburg, Carleton Place & District, Deep River, Eganville, Gloucester, Kanata-March, Madawaska Valley, Manotick, Nepean, Ottawa Valley Rock Garden, Pakenham, Pembroke, Perth & District, Petawawa and Smiths Falls. Click here to see photos from the Convention 2006 Convention Host:District 2 Director, Ken Fink Plenary Speakers:
Seminars:
Bus Tours:
Shows:The Association encouraged all affiliated societies and their members to participate in the competitions, which were part of the annual Convention. Full details on the various competitions were circulated in the Association's Winter Newsletter. Design and Cultural Competition:The cultural show was run by District 2 and was open to all Association members. Convention Photographic Team:Robin Woods, Laurie Graham, Angela Snowdon, and Jean Stalker. 99th Convention, 2005, North BayDistrict 18 and its 14 member societies extended warm greetings to 520 delegates who attended the 99th Annual Ontario Horticultural Association Convention in North Bay. The District Societies are Argyle, Baysville, Bracebridge, Callander, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Mattawa, North Bay, Parry Sound & District, Powassan, Rosseau, Sprucedale & District, Sundridge and Whitestone & Area. Convention Host:District 18 Director, Vickie Wiemer Some Photos from the Convention EventsPlenary Session Speakers:
Keynote Speaker:Bev Kingdon "The Naturalizing of Trumpeter Swans" Seminars:
Computer Lab:
Bus Tour #1:The bus trip featured:
Bus Tour #2The tour visited six private gardens in North Bay:
Shows:The Association encouraged all affiliated societies and their members to participate in the competitions, which were part of the annual Convention. Full details on the various competitions were circulated in the Association's Winter Newsletter. Design and Cultural Competition:The cultural show was run by District 18 and was open to all Association members. 98th Convention, August 13-15 2004, London"The Garden Within"Thames Valley District 10 and its 21 member societies extended warm greetings to 448 delegates who attended the 98th Annual Ontario Horticultural Association Convention in London. The District Societies are Dorchester, Dutton/Dunwich, Glencoe, Ingersoll, Kirkton, Lambeth, Listowel, London, London/Fanshawe, Parkhill, Port Burwell-Bayham, Rodney, St. Marys, St. Thomas, Stratford, Strathroy-Caradoc, Tavistock, Thorndale, Tillsonburg, West Lorne and Woodstock. Convention Host:District 10 Director, Jim Mabee EventsGuest Speakers:
Keynote Speaker:Paul Zammit "The Garden Within: A Personal Space and A Sanctuary for the Soul" Bus Tour #1:Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14 Bus Tour #2:Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14 from 1:15 to 4:30 p.m. Shows:The Association encouraged all affiliated societies and their members to participate in the competitions, which were part of the annual Convention. Full details on the various competitions were circulated in the Association's Winter Newsletter. Design and Cultural Competition:The cultural show was run by Thames Valley District 10 and was open to all Association members. Annual Convention Report 2004, Conservation & Environment.Alan Batke, Chairperson"Our Environment - Ours To Save" Mission Statement:We are not a political group; we provide education, encouragement and promote environmentally friendly solutions for our lives and horticultural practices. Objectives:The membership, our youth and all future generations deserve and have the right to have good health and a clean green planet. Government and Corporation dollars and profits must not affect our Air, Food, Water or Health, as so many times the almighty dollar seems to always take precedence. The air we breath - free of pollution. The food we consume wholesome and nutritious - free of Genetically Modified Organisms, (G.M.O.) Frankenfoods - Please read the labels before you buy or put it into your mouth, "After all you are what you eat" Our water - clean and pure. Our health - not to have fear to touch a plant, walk upon lawns, the grasses, which we use, our pets and children play on, be free of pesticides. AwarenessWe are experiencing an alarming destruction and loss of our plants and wildflowers by the following alien invaders, help us to stop and control their proliferation! 1) Garlic-mustard -Alliaria officinalis Native to Europe, 18 inches - 2 feet, biennial, coarsely toothed, kidney to heart shaped alternate leaves. When crushed smells like garlic, small white flowers, produces lots of seeds. Before seeds set, pull and place in black garbage bags for hot sun to destroy, then landfill. 2) Common Reed - Phragmites maxima (P. communis), Native North America, Europe and Asia, 8-10 feet. A rampant tall perennial reed grass, plumed seed heads. Dig and place all parts of plant into black garbage bag for hot sun to destroy, then landfill. 3) Purple Loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria, Native to Europe, 3-4 feet, a vigorous perennial that chokes out our native vegetation. Pull and dig out before seeds set, place all parts of plant into black garbage bag for hot sun to destroy, then landfill 4) Japanese Knotweed - Polygonum cuspidatum, Native to Japan. 6-8 feet high, perennial weed and extremely vigorous spreader, hollow stems and greenish white flowers. Their roots send up many shoots. Pull and dig out before seeds set, place all parts of plant into black garbage bag for hot sun to destroy, then landfill Do not dispose of unwanted pets or exotic species (turtles, snakes, fish or reptiles) into sewers, streams or lakes. Take them to pet store for a new home. Do not dump toxic chemicals into sewers, streams or lakes, (paint, used oil, drugs, etc.) take them to recycle depots to be disposed of properly. 2 cycle engines have an effect on our air quality use a 4 cycle mulching mower- leave the grass clippings on the lawn and cut no lower than 3 inches. This will also aid in helping reduce weed population. Water grass in early morning once a week to the amount of I inch also when it is not windy Get your plants off of drugs and steroids, use compost, well rotted manure & compost tea, your plants will love you for this. My wife Karen and I have been totally natural and organic at our home for over 40 years with great, great successes We wish all of you to practice the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. When was the last time, you asked for or used any recycled paper products? We presented a challenge 3 years ago to you, the membership and the Ontario Horticultural Association, to reduce or not use new bleached paper. How many have taken up this challenge or are using at least 30% recycled paper now? Thank you to Judy Scott for asking and insisting that our yearbook printer only use recycled paper and our year book looks just as good as any other. I was very pleased to hear that we planted another tree for our 98th Convention, in London, which was a mighty oak, we do need trees, and I could not imagine a world without TREES. However we lost 5 trees in the making of this convention. Please let us consider a change; we do not need mankind to help lessen our trees. There are all kinds of elements at work to do this destruction for us e.g. European Ash Tree Borer, Asian Long Horn Beetle. Plant native species and use recycled paper, send a letter, email, or phone to your representative. Involve youth. "We Must All Learn to Accept Life's Blemishes", and to an extent we all do, because every morning we all look into our mirrors. We do not need that perfect apple. Resources and Partnerships
Locally
Networking with the Societies Coverage by Newspaper, Radio and National Television Mandate - Natural Resources Handbook, partially done, draft will be done for fall or at least by spring board meeting, it will be ready for 2005 in North Bay. In closing "Our Environment - Ours to Save" Leaving a lasting legacy, for future generations to enjoy! Dare to care, make a difference. Yours in horticulture Conservation & Environment - Chairperson, Alan Batke |
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