November 2004

Annual General meeting

Election and installation of officers by District 18 Director Vickie Wiemer, followed by questions and answers with a Master Gardener, then our guest speaker. Lyn Vuorimaki of Stylish Interiors Group will demonstrate the transformation of your outdoor flowerboxes and urns into beautiful seasonal arrangements, using nature's bounty.

For our November meeting, we ask that everyone bring a non-perishable item for North Bay's soup kitchen 'The Gathering Place'. Highest on their 'most wanted' list are canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, dry navy beans, coffee, and tea.

Don't Forget to Lug A Mug - We Care About Our Environment.

President's message

Well, I hope you are enjoying my messages are you are going to have to endure them for one more year. I have enjoyed my first year as president, and having a year under my belt, hope that I can do even more in 2005. It should be an exciting year - it is a rare thing to play host to the 250 Horticultural societies at the Provincial Convention here in our city.

The election will take place at this month's meeting and I hope many of you will come out and support your new Executive for the upcoming year. And please remember to bring a non- perishable food item for those less fortunate.

After listening to Sue Greig's talk, I planted a variety of spring bulbs, some quite unusual, and I started to take notice of stuff like blooming times and height. I can hardly wait to see the bulbs popping up.

There has been lots of convention talk - speakers, bus tours, exhibits I can hardly wait for that as well. There will be a sign-up list for volunteers at the next meeting, and I'll be in line to help out in any way I can

I want to thank all the members of the executive and the membership for their support this year. Your words of encouragement are appreciated I am so proud of our Society and the work that we do. to beautify our city, and to help fellow gardeners I have learned so much as a member of the society about gardening, as well as other things

I wish all of you a joyous and safe holiday season.

Geri

Committee reports

Publicity - June Charette
Public service announcements for all meetings were placed in the Saturday Nugget. as well as the local radio stations, CKAT, EZ Rock and the Fox, as well as CBC in Sudbury. Also MCTV, Cogeco, Baytoday ca, Tourism Radio, Les Compagnons des Francs Loisirs and the City of North Bay website We used the Community Reports section of the Saturday Nugget to announce the results of the flower show. We paid for ads on the radio for the Flower Show and in the Nugget for the Plant Sale.

Programming- Carol Barber
We had the following speakers in 2004 February - Sue Finnis -best ways to start seeds, March - John Tripp - Getting your garden ready for spring; April - Marie-Luise Fraenkel (Northern Perennials) tips from the garden; May - Vickie Weimer -preparing your flower show entries; June - Fran Morris - Adventures in the Strawberry patch - a rural perspective, September - Sue Greig - spring bulbs, October - Betty Foy - Provincial convention memories, November - Lyn Vuonmakl (Stylish Interiors Group) -Interior holiday decorations from nature

Bursary/Library- Laurie Blais
We offer a yearly $300 bursary to anyone interested in the study of horticulture or landscaping. We did not have any applications, by the June 2004 deadline. We weeded out the library of outdated books, and have kept the following, titles:

Illustrated book of herbs: their medicinal and culinary uses
Step-by-step herbs
Great gardens to visit: a guide to Ontario's private gardens by Patricia Singer
Flower arranging expert by Dr. D G. Hessayon

If anyone interested in borrowing any of these titles, please see me at the meeting.

Membership - report to be printed in February's Green Thumb

Phone Committee - Audrey Morton
Ida Clavelle, Carol-Ann Gingras, Sandra Charette, Ruth Wright, Janet Philips, Alma Ferguson and Irma Ferguson-Stanton assisted me with the phone committee this past year. We call the membership before each meeting and special event. Our phone list is updated throughout the year. Old phone lists are always shredded to protect the privacy of our members. The first five phone committee members will be back to help out in 2005. If you would like to help out, please see me at the November meeting. Thank you to all the volunteers on my committee

Civic Beautification - Ruby McLeod
Our flower beds are located at Canadore College, Dellandrea Place, North Bay Public Library (the Lily bed), The Waterfront (the Theme bed and the Lilac bed), Hwy 11 & 17 (the Wildflower project), and the Chamber of Commerce. We had a successful gardening season. Some of the flower beds were slow getting started, but did very well, especially in early fall. The theme bed by the Waterfront, a Canadian flag, was created by Kim Tipler a graphic artist. We had many favourable comments about this bed, even though we had to replace some plants twice due to vandalism We replaced some geraniums at Canadore College because of a June frost. Eleanor Giddens donated some lupins and rudbeckia plants for the wildflower project, which were planted in September, this project continues to be a challenge, as we loose many lupin plants each year. We purchased two new signs, as one was broken and we needed an extra one. My sincere thanks to all who helped plant and maintain the flower beds - your help was greatly appreciated.
I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season with family and friends.

Green Thumb - Sue Finnis - report to be printed in February's Green Thumb

Plant sale - Co-chairs Daphne Andrews, Eleanor Giddens, Sue Greig and Audrey Morton
The plant sale was a tremendous success. The location was so welcoming and easy to work in. Our volunteers were WONDERFUL, hardworking, cheerful and so busy. Thanks to Marie-Luise Fraenkel of Northern Perennials Nursery for her plant Donation, Jim and Judy Merrick at Commanda Country Gardens for their discount and excellent service, and Terry Waywhite at our excellent new location at Christ Church Anglican. Our kitchen team headed by Sandi Charette, made $107 Our plants netted $2,272; less expenses we cleared $1,678

Flower Show - June Charette
Congratulations to our members who came out to show their passion of gardening. A total of 241 entries from 24 gardeners were outstanding. Friday night's set-up started with many laughs and some strange looks. Under the sky light, we featured all our fresh and dried floral arrangements. Saturday went very well and everything was packed up and put away by 4pm.The trophies and newly designed certificates (thanks, Betty) were presented at September's meeting to congratulate these hard working passionate gardeners. A huge Thanks to all who helped to make this show a great success. How about we show a little "FLOWER POWER" at next year's August show.

Convention 2005 Committee - Betty Foy and Helen Tripp
Please consider being a volunteer to contribute to a successful Convention in August. Volunteers will be needed in the areas of; Parking, Hospitality, Competitions. Decoration, Bus tours, Security, Nature Walks, and Seminars. Time Frames are Morning - 7:00 a.m. to noon; Afternoon - noon to 6;00 p.m. ; and Evening - 6;00 to 9:00 p.m. You are asked to volunteer for at least 2 hour stints. As you can see, we are the hosting District and therefore, working. Next year the Convention will be in Ottawa and it will be our turn to relax and enjoy their Convention, but this year it is our turn to host the best Convention ever. Communication and direction are vital so that everyone knows exactly what will be expected of them so that we can work together as a team. The Convention in London this past summer had hundreds of volunteers from their 21 Societies and clearly, many hands make light work Your involvement is extremely important. Please sign up to volunteer and if you're not sure what you'd like to do, don't worry, there will be something for everyone. You are also encouraged to buy a yellow "2005 Convention Volunteer" T-Shirt for $15.00, however, green O H A vests will be provided to those who do not wish to purchase a T-Shirt. Please see me (Betty) at the next meeting to register as a volunteer and/or to order your T-shirt. You can also call me at 752-3979

Thanks to Sandi Charette who keeps track of our volunteer hours. Thanks also to the Annie and her team with the draw prizes, and the Judy and her kitchen crew who help with the social at each meeting

To celebrate OHA's 100 anniversary in 2006, the Fundraising Committee is offering the Centennial Tulip of the Ontario Horticultural Association - a breathtaking deep purple Triumph Hybrid that will bloom year after year in your home and community beds. The Triumph is a cross between the long-stemmed Darwin Tulip and short-stemmed Early Tulips and should rise to about 18 inches. It is recommended as an excellent pot plant and will mingle beautifully with softer colours like apricot and lemon yellow. The tulip's colour to signify loyally and longevity and are mid season blooming. A photo of this tulip is available online at http://www.gardenontario.org/act/fun.php. Pat Madill is taking orders now; the cut off date to order them is March 2005. They will be shipped out to us by early September 2005. Selling price s $8.00 per bag of 10 premium bulbs, payable in advance. Members can contact Pat Madill at the general meetings or at 472-9836

Treasurer's report (as of Oct. 27/04)
Investment savings ............ 4000.00
Bank statement ................ 2393.94
Deposit .............................. 148.00
Outstanding cheques .......... 608.79
Total current account ......... 1785.15

A reminder that our first meeting of 2005 will be on February 23rd, the annual seed exchange, and potluck supper! 6:30 p m. start time

A sign of Spring: March 18-20, the Lung Association's Garden Festival!

Our OHA District 18 Spring meeting will be held Saturday, April 30th in Sundridge. The 25th anniversary of our District 18 will be celebrated at this meeting. The speaker, Jacki Kennedy-Ciphery, of Water's Edge Landscaping (http://www.watersedgelandscaping.com/)will talk about using native and non-native shrubs and trees in the garden. See the end of the newsletter for the flower and photography competition schedule. Stay tuned for more details.

Mark it in your new 2005 calendars - the O.H.A. Provincial Convention here in North Bay, August 12th to 14th at Nipissing University! Speakers list and registration information should be available in February. A variety of jobs for volunteers will be needed for two hour stints during this event.

Check out the Ontario Horticultural Association's beautiful new website
http://www.gardenontario.org/
and follow the links to our society's own webpage!

Master Gardener's hotline: Free gardening advice any time of year! Leave a message for them at 495-0920, and they will call you back with knowledgeable advice,

November
Alice Cary

The leaves are fading and falling, The winds are rough and wild,
The birds have ceased their calling, But let me tell you, my child,
Though day by day, as it closes, Doth darker and colder grow,
The roots of the bright red roses Will keep alive in the snow.
And when the Winter is over, The boughs wll get new leaves,
The quail come back to the clover, And the swallow back to the eaves.
The Robin will wear on his bosom, A vest that is bright and new,
And the Ioveliest way-side blossom Will shine with the sun and dew.
The leaves to-day are whirling, The brooks are dry and dumb,
But let me tell you, my darling, The Spring will be sure to come
There must be rough, cold weather, And winds and rains so wild,
Not all good things together Come to us here, my child
So, when some dear joy loses Its beauteous summer glow,
Think how the roots of the roses Are kept alive in the snow

GARDENING GUIDE : Mid November to Mid January

Keep bird feeders well stocked - replenish suet frequently. Reduce watering and feeding of houseplants as they slow down their growth at this time of year.

Rotate houseplants every week so that they have even exposure to light. Regularly inspect houseplants for insects - spraying with insecticidal soap gets rid of most insects.

Snow can be shoveled onto perennial beds for extra protection. Remove heavy snow from shrubs and evergreens to prevent branches from breaking.

Use boughs from discarded Christmas trees as mulch over low growing perennials. Check winter protection - secure and/or replace windbreaks around shrubs.

Examine stored tubers, bulbs, etc. for excess moisture and rotting - repack or change storage area as needed. Map out garden layout- make a garden wish list for the summer.

District 18 Annual General Meeting - 2005 in SUNDRIDGE
Flower Show & Photo:lraphy Competition Schedule
THEME "Silver Trail" (Twenty-Five Years)

RULES FLOWER SHOW, Specimen and Design Sections

a. Exhibitor must be a paid member of a Horticultural Society in District 18
b. One entry, per class, per exhibitor
c. Exhibitor must provide own entry tags
d. Judge's decision is final
e. The Design Section of the Flower Show Competition is divided into 3 Categories: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, you must indicate your Category on your Entry Tag.
f. Novice is a Member who has not had their name on the trophy. Intermediate is a Member whose name has not been on the Trophy twice
g. Ted Reed OHA Trophy awarded for most points in cut flowers & plants.
This competition is not divided into three categories.

SECTION 'A' CUT FLOWERS
Flowers must be from your own garden

Class No.
1. Daffodil (Narcissus) .. 1 bloom, any variety, any colour
2. Hyacinth 1 bloom, any colour
3. Tulip...1 bloom,..any variety...any colour
4. Crocus. 1 bloom., any colour
5. Any spring bulb 1 bloom (not mentioned above)
6. Any Perennial .... 1 bloom, stem orspke
7. Any flowering branch, not over 24" (including container) from tabletop.

SECTION"B" HOUSEPLANTS
8. African violet, any colour, any variety, single crown
9. Ivy. 1 pot
10. Cactus or Succulent.. 1 pot
11. Houseplant.. in bloom ..1 pot
12. Houseplant, grown for foliage..1 pot
13. Pot of forced bulbs, . 1 pot...in bloom.

SECTION C: DESIGN FRESH ARRANGEMENTS.-Materials from any source
14. S-"Solitaire" a design using one flower.
15. I - "Imagine" being Green. An arrangement using foliage only
16. L - "Living" with Flowers is nicer. Arrangement for dining room table
17. V - "Viewing"...a water viewing arrangement.
18. E -"Entertain" Tea Party - an arrangement in a cup.
19. R -"Recycle" - an arrangement in a recycled container.

SECTION D DESIGN - DRIED ARRANGEMENT Material from any source.
20. "Happy 25th" ..an arrangement of dried flowers in a basket to depict title.
21. "Special" Make a 25th anniversary card, using pressed flowers or dry material.

PHOTOGRAPHY SECTION
Rules: Photography Section
a. Photographs must be in colour
b. Photographs no larger than 5" x 7", mounted on paper no larger than 6"x8"
c. Competition is not divided into categories

SECTION E: PHOTOGRAPHY
22. S - Spring Forward .... spring flowers
23. I - Indoor Beauty .... a houseplant in bloom
24. L - Love - Of garden friends, birds or animals
25. V- Venture. into the woods in winter
26. E- Easter. a bonnet or wreath
27. R- Remember...your favourite garden flower.

MINUTES - ANNUAL MEETING - NOV. 26/03
Attendance. 54 at Cassellholme Auditorium
While members enjoyed their pot luck supper, Geri Openshaw and Audrey Morton displayed their 'cooking with herbs' exhibit which included many recipes. A holiday wreath made by Helen Ohler and a table arrangement made by Janet Philips, were donated to Cassellholme.

President Daphne Andrews called the meeting to order at 7:30 p m, welcoming everyone Minutes of the November 27/02 meeting were moved to be adopted by Helen Bannerman and seconded by Sue Greig.

Correspondence sent - a letter to John Tnpp with our contribution to the Master Gardeners. Treasurer Helen Bannerman reported total current bank balance $1,351.18. Helen moved the acceptance of her report including payment of expenses. Seconded by Betty Foy. Carried.

REPORTS
OHA Convention 2005 - Betty Foy gave an up-to-date report on a Convention meeting held in Huntsville. Betty and Helen Tripp attended as our representatives. The theme of the convention is Reflections of Ontario and the flower symbol will be the African violet. The Convention will be held August 11-14, 2005, at Nipissing University. Betty was complimented for her display of NBHS history and for the inventory of Society supplies.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
There wll be no meetings held in January as attendance is usually low. Executive meetings wll be held at 6:00 p.m prior to the general meeting. Our new Green Thumb editor is Sue Finnis. Minutes of the general meetings will be published in the Green Thumb and will be accepted as printed in our newsletter.

The Plant Sale will be in May and the Flower Show in July. The phone committee is in need of two more members. Orida Cuksts volunteered. Members were reminded to submit their volunteer hours to Sandra Charette. The president turned the meeting over to Vickie Weimer to conduct elections. Vickie called upon Geri Openshaw to accept the office of President.

Vickie called upon Janet Phillips to accept the office of vice-president. Second vice-president is still open. Vickie called upon first year Directors - Audrey Morton, Laurie Blais, June Charette, Deborah Emmerson, and Judy Wailing. Second year directors are Ruby McLeod, Sue Finnis, Carol Barber, Darlene Lecour, and Pat Madill. Assistant directors are Eleanor Giddens, Betty Foy, Ida Clavelle, Irma Ferguson-Stanton, Carol Ann Gingras, Donna Reid, Sandra Charette, Alma Ferguson, Jane Watling, Alice Goodship, Marie-Luise Fraenkel, and Katie Larouche. Vickie called on Peggy Dillon to accept the office of Secretary and Helen Bannerman to accept the office of Treasurer. Vickie asked the executive and directors to accept the responsibilties of their offices. Vickie then asked the members of the Society to stand and pledge their full support to the Society and to the officers now fully installed for the year. Nominations closed at 8:12 p. m.

Daphne Andrews, immediate past-president, thanked Vickie Wiemer for chairing the elections and the installation of the officers and directors. Daphne then presented the President's pin and gavel to Geri Openshaw with best wishes and good luck. Gen thanked Daphne for being an inspiration and on behalf of the Executive, a gift was presented to Daphne. Daphne wished everyone Happy Holidays.

Adjourned at 8.16 p.m. by Deborah Emmerson, seconded by Carol Barber.
Guest speaker was Sue Greig who created a holiday centerpiece which was won by Sharon Johnson.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME
It is time to renew your membership for 2005. Those who purchased their memberships after July need not renew, as their memberships last through 2005.

Please fill out the following form bring it to the membership table at the November General meeting or mail it in.

Membership Renewal Form (Microsoft Word Document)

North Bay Horticultural Society
P.O. Box 1482 North Bay, Ontario
P1B 8K6

Have a safe and happy holiday season.