Dunnville Horticulture Society
MPP Toby Barrett celebrates the volunteer contributions.

Honouring Karen Waltham

by Kim Christoff
It is with sad hearts we share that one of our longest serving members has passed away. 
Karen Waltham had been a member since 1975 and served as president in 2007, 2008 and 2009. 
She was an avid gardener. The club was invited one year to tour her gardens and her love of horticulture was abundantly shown.
Karen was a friend to all and will be missed by many. Karen passed away Jan. 2018. Rest in peace Karen.
There will be a gathering to honour Karen on Thursday Feb. 1 from 2 pm to 4 pm , at 317 Lock St. W. in the common room at the condo where she lived.  Enter the building from the Lock St. parking lot. 

Dunnville Hort Update

Debbie Thomas

Our last program night of 2017 was held in November and featured our annual pot luck celebration,
annual Salvation Army food drive,  and 4 season photo contest.  Highlights of 2017
were shared with members in the form of “12 firsts for DHS”.  A fun and bountiful penny sale was
enjoyed by members, with all items donated by local businesses. Proceeds raised will go
towards beautification projects in Dunnville.

The 2018 board of directors was sworn in as follows:  returning President Debbie Thomas, VP Deb Zynomirski,
Treasurer Kim Christoff, Secretary Petra Kruise-Daly, Directors Margaret Bottrell, Gloria Hunter, Wray Mclean, Denise
Richardson, Marilyn Stavinga, Ian Steel along with new directors Nelly Engelage and Lynn Loney.
Although no program was held in December, the board has been busy planning 2018. Highlights will be announced next month.

DHS monthly programs resume January 18th, 7pm at the Optimist hall (doors open 6:30).
Guest speaker Lindsay Stephens (Haldimand County Public Library Community Outreach Co-ordinator) will provide
an overview of all “the resources available for Gardeners” at Haldimand’s libraries.  Following Lindsay,  a returning favorite
 Lester Fretz will provide fresh, innovative ideas on using recycled materials “Recycling Your Garden”.  Lester will be followed by
Gloria Hunter “How to make and use Kambucha for Health”.  There will be a Q and A period following the presenters.

DHS invites you to attend our programs the third Thursday monthly to enjoy timely speakers, refreshments, draws
 and to meet a very friendly and dedicated group of volunteers. Being a member is not a requirement to attend. However,
memberships are available anytime at a very reasonable annual amount of $10 per person or $15 a couple, proceeds enable
 us to fund and complete new projects each year.
To view our past and future initiatives, get garden tips and to view our list of generous sponsors, please visit our website www.dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org  You can also check out our Facebook page or contact Pres. Debbie Thomas 905 774 3064 for more information.

Spider plants purify our air.

Gardening that Warms the Spirit

Sandi Marr

It may be cold outside, but indoor gardening always warms the spirit. January is a perfect time to focus on our houseplants. Like people, they benefit from a little TLC.
Here are a few tips to pamper your houseplants during these winter months. Remember these words: neglect with respect. Simply put, most houseplants don’t need as much water during the winter season. Once a week test the moisture level. If the soil is dry at a 2-inch depth the plant needs water. Water thoroughly and allow the water to drain completely.
Fertilize sparingly. Dilute the fertilizer by 50 percent or more. Once you see the plant setting new growth (typically in late February or March) you may start feeding full strength again.
Wash your plants. A simple bubble bath by hand is all it takes. Be sure the water is tepid and use a very diluted solution of liquid dishwashing soap and water. Place the plant in a sink and sponge off the leaves with the warm soapy water. Finish by wiping the leaves once more with clean water.
Visit www.dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org for more excellent gardening tips. Join us 7-9pm Jan. 18 for our Dunnville Horticultural Society Monthly Program Night. Lindsay Stephens, HC Public Library Community Outreach Co-ordinator will be sharing resources for gardeners. Mini-demos will be presented by DHS members Lester C. Fretz and Gloria Hunter.
We meet at the Optimist Hall. Refreshments are served and the evening is free to members and non-members. Contact Debbie Thomas, President at (905) 774-3064 if you have questions or comments.