Summer is behind us. The Dunnville beds still look beautiful going into Fall. Many dedicated volunteers keep the weeds at bay, while Brad Stirling and Charlie Hartsell  ensure the flowers stayed hydrated. Not a small task this past hot dry summer.  Behind the scenes DHS installed a new Living Wall at the Centennial Park Fountain donated by Tim Miotto from Devron Sales. With the help of a Haldimand County Partnership Grant, ongoing fund raising efforts and Community support, DHS was able to complete 4 projects this year. Nautical enhancements were added to two flower beds using recycled materials donated from Vic Powell and Hines Electric. The Historic Anchor bed was rehabilitated, Thanks to Dunnville Silo. DHS made repairs to the anchor and replaced the long lost historical plaque with a new one.

A bench has been installed by the bridge making it the 5th bench the group has added over the years. New decorative concrete edging is yet to be completed around the flower bed beneath the new BIA sign and the Thompson Creek Project is progressing.

DHS Jr Gardeners program in partnership with Haldimand 4H held its second workshop in August, hosted by DHS member and Jr Gardener leader Margret Bottrell  featuring Moodie Bees. The children were treated to a hands on experience tending to the beehives, donning the protective suits, peering into the hives, removing the frames to view the bees and all the internal workings of an active hive. Pollen and honey was available for tasting.

The Jr Gardeners will be attending the Thursday Sep 20th DHS program to showcase their achievements, by participating in a flower and vegetable show with items grown from their own gardens this past summer. Guest speaker Adrianne Lickers of Six Nations Market & Garden, will present  “Sweet Grass Gardening, the History, Basketry, Craft and Medicinal Uses.”

Programs are free, with draws and refreshments. Doors open 6:30 pm at the Optimist Hall in Dunnville (corner of Main and Cedar St) Program 7pm-9pm.

For information contact DHS Pres Debbie Thomas or visit www.dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org