2014 is winding down, and it’s so hard to believe that it’s gone by so fast! There aren’t too many leaves left on the trees, but I know where they are…they’re in my back yard! Soon Christmas and New Year will be here and then we’ll get to do everything all over again!

This was another banner year for our society. Our goal each year is to educate and beautify and we’ve managed to do both very well.   Dunnville’s gardens looked absolutely stunning this summer and we have our army of volunteers to thank: those who showed up for planting day in May, cleanup day in October, and those who did the weeding and maintenance in between. Our guest speakers covered a wide range of topics and graciously donated items for our Ways & Means draws. Lester Fretz was a return speaker this year. Everyone enjoys it when he comes to talk to us so we’ll be looking forward to a “three-peat” in 2015. Maybe he’ll bring more of Mrs. Fretz’s cinnamon buns! We awarded 15 residential and 3 commercial Trillium Awards and enjoyed a bus trip to Whistling Gardens in Wilsonville, and Bonnieheath Lavender Farm in Waterford. What a great day that was! Our garden walk in June was held at the home of Beth Powell and Ken Sherwood. They have such a beautiful place. I can’t imagine the work that goes into those gardens—truly a labour of love. Our May plant sale was a huge success and it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year. Thank you to all who donated plants and time. A special thank you goes out to Donna Cavers for helping to spread Nincompoop in the town flowerbeds in May and to Steve Elgersma who spent many, many hours weeding all season long.

Our President, Lori Maracle, and our fundraising director Rob Maracle, are both stepping down for 2015. This is going to be a huge void to fill. Lori and Rob have worked very hard for the DHS and have brought many projects to fruition and created new partnerships with the Dunnville Secondary School, and the Rotary Club. Lori took special interest in the town flowerbeds and the Trillium Awards. Thank you Lori and Rob for all of your hard work and the door is always open when you want to come back to the executive. Our Vice President Debbie Thomas will be stepping up into the role of President. This would be a good time to recognize the hard work that the DHS executive and directors do behind the scenes each month planning and organizing the general meetings and various functions that take place all year long. Thank you to all of you.

Our upcoming meeting is our “Annual General Meeting”. This is a very important meeting for a number of reasons. First we have our installation of new executive for 2015. We also review the minutes from the previous November and look at our financial reports for 2014. Secondly we have our annual Penny Sale which was a big hit last year and thirdly we have our photo contest. Last, but not least, this meeting is our Christmas celebration!! We will be having our pot luck dinner for members at 6:00 p.m. Bring a favourite dish or dessert and of course bring a big appetite. Who knows?? Maybe Santa will show up! Sandra Marr will be our guest speaker and she’ll be talking to us about “Festive Porch Pots”. Just in time for Christmas decorating. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item for the Dunnville food bank.

There will be no general meeting in December so our next get-together will be Thursday, January 15, 2015 at the Optimist Hall at 7:00 p.m. Your executive and directors will be meeting in December, however, and will be busy planning another great year. If you have any ideas for fundraisers, guest speakers or garden walks please let your executive know.

Since this will be my last newsletter of the year I would like take this opportunity on behalf of the executive and directors of the Dunnville Horticultural Society to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Sue Mazi, DHS Secretary.