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Annual Report

Report of the District #1 AGM 2011
St. Mary’s Community Centre in Williamstown, Ontario on Saturday, April 9th, 2011.

The Ontario Horticultural Association District # 1 Annual General Meeting was hosted by the Williamstown Green Thumb Horticultural Society. The theme was “Spring on the Raisin River”. This was such an appropriate name for this meeting as the Raisin River flows through the historic town of Williamstown. The river’s name comes from the French word “raisin” (grape) which referred to the wild grapes, probably Vitis riparia, found along the river in large collections a few years ago.

The meeting was started promptly at 9:45am by Mary Regan, President of the Williamstown Society, with a welcome and introduction of the special guests the south Glengarry Mayor and Vickie Weimer President of the OHA.

Vickie announced that District #1 had been selected to host the OHA convention in 2014. Her personal feeling after viewing and touring Nav. Can. in Cornwall the previous day was that it certainly would be possible for a small district such as ours to manage such an event. However, it will eventually be up to the seven societies of our district to make the final decision.

I gave a short report of the highlights in the District. Interesting projects to note is the Youth program started by the Martintown Society and off to a huge success 2010. A ”Children’s Reading Garden“ at the soon to be built Russell-Embrun Library, has been planned and proposed by the Russell Horticultural Society for 2011.

Dr. Neville Arnold gave a most amusing presentation on breeding winter hardy and disease resistant roses. I have heard Dr. Neville‘s presentation before, but not in this vein. Great entertainment and brought many laughs!

A wonderful, tasty and nutritious lunch with luscious desserts was prepared and served by the Society members. Not only are they wonderful gardeners but great cooks too!

Viewing of the displays and judging of the competition entries took place during the lunch hour.

The afternoon speaker was well known Ed Lawrence who spoke about his term caring for the gardens of the National Capital Commission, the Prime Minister’s residence and Rideau Hall. He demonstrated how to prune with secateurs as well as how to sharpen, clean them. He gave some other, tips and techniques too. He emphasized gardening without the use of pesticides and herbicides. It was most educational and very helpful. He graciously autographed his book “Grief and Glory”, sold at a reduced price, and answered many questions.

My thanks to Mary Regan and the Williamstown Green Thumb Horticultural Society for a splendid day.

Meeting was adjourned about 1500hs.

Patricia Stachon
District Director #1 OHA

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Last Updated: 2011-04-15