Feb. 2012

President Judy Jeffery opened meeting at 7:11 p.m.

37 people signed in.

The membership was advised that a suggestion box was set out and to please feel free to use it.  All suggestions will be read.

Judy welcomed everyone to our new venue and explained the reason for the Annual General Meeting.

Minutes from last year’s AGM were handed out and therefore not read aloud.

Judy introduced Darren Blaylock from Gardener’s Choice Landscaping.  He introduced himself and his business.  He writes for the Sachem and helps with the Cayuga Santa Claus parade.  We will invite him to be a speaker for us in 2013.

2012 Agendas were printed by Ian and handed out to everyone. They look great.

New mail: 
Humber Nurseries in Brampton sent us an email informing us that they have a coupon for members to use for a 30% discount.

Grand Actions Newsletter from the GRCA.

Ontario Horticultural Association District 9 Annual General meeting: We received information from them that the meeting will be held on April 28 in Pelham this year at the Fontill United Church.

The OHA sent us a thank you letter for a donation that we made to them in 2011.

We received a letter from the Mudcat Festival inquiring about a donation for this year.  This year’s
theme is Our Emergency Service Workers.

We’re in the Hayfield Now Daylily Gardens:  They sent us a catalogue and order form.

Rain barrel Fundraiser for Haldimand/Norfolk.

Treasurer’s Reports for December 2011 and January 2012 were read.

2011 Balance Sheets and Year-End Income and Expense Reports were read by Don Davis.

Sue Mazi moved that they be accepted as read and Pauline Bradford seconded.

New Business:

Bus Trip:
Debbie Thomas announced the bus trip to Canada Blooms March 24th and advised the membership re costs etc.

Home & Garden Show:
Friday April 20 and Saturday April 21st.  Maura explained to the membership that we need volunteers and that she had sign up sheets for both Friday and Saturday for the show,  and Thursday (the day before) for preparation.

Meetings:
We need volunteers to help with refreshments at each general meeting.  Maura explained that she has a signup list and we need a minumum of 2 volunteers each meeting.

Plant Sale:
If you are starting seeds indoors please plant a few extras to donate to our plant sale in May.
The members were asked to please donate old gardening books and magazines to sell at the plant sale as well.

Judy advised everyone that there is a donation jar in the refreshment area.  She also thanked everyone who brought the goodies for the evening.

Guest Speaker:
Don Davis introduced Christine Edwicker from Christine`s Creative Photography in Dunnville.
She gave an excellent presentation on photography basics to help us get that incredible photo to enter in the photo contest.
Her discussion covered everything from camera basics to lighting and various techniques to acquire awesome photos.
She will be returning in November to judge the final products.

Photo Contest:
The contest will consist of 4 categories:  Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.  Members can enter 1 picture in each category.  Members do not have to enter all 4 categories.  Photos must be of a gardening nature, and pets and children are allowed in the pictures providing they are not the focal point.  They should be 4×6 in size, and matte or glossy finish is fine. The photos do not have to be matted or mounted on anything. The photos will be judged at the November meeting which is also our Christmas meeting and should make for a fun evening.  Please remember that in November our meeting will be held on the 4th Thursday.

To date we have 54 paid up members.

Door prize was won by Doreen Love.

The early bird draw was won by Barb White.  Both prizes were garden tool kits graciously donated by Canadian Tire.

Ways & Means: 
$45.00  Thank you to Betty Ballanger for her hard work running the W&M each month.

Brown Marmorated Stinks Bugs:  These are a fairly new invasive species seen just about everywhere.  Members were advised that Master Gardeners should be advised if one is seen.

Meeting adjourned approximately 8:45 p.m.