By Deb Zynomirski

President, Dunnville Horticultural Society

September is here, and with it comes a host of changes for all of us! Kids are getting back into the routine of in-person school, the weather is cooling down, farmers are gearing up for ongoing harvests, and of course our gardens will be experiencing many changes too.

Dunnville Horticultural Society (DHS) was proud to award its annual $500 bursary to Dunnville Secondary School (DSS) graduate Laurann Stavinga. She volunteered with DHS this summer, and is pursuing her post-secondary studies at Trent University this fall. Thank you Laurann for your help and contributions, and good luck!

If you have been lucky enough to spend some time at the Thompson Creek Eco Centre (TCEC) on Robinson Road, you may have noticed that many of the native Carolinian trees have now received signage to identify them. Thanks to DHS members Dan McKay and Debbie Thomas, and Haldimand County’s Adam Chamberlin for undertaking this project. We encourage you to take a stroll through the Arboretum at TCEC and learn more about these native species!

Many people have wondered when we will be able to resume meeting as a group for our regular program nights. We were to do so this fall, however with COVID numbers on the rise again, that is seeming less likely. Our members’ safety is our first priority! With that said, we are still hoping to meet for our AGM scheduled for November. Fingers crossed that things will improve by then!

As we head into fall, why not consider volunteering with us on our Board of Directors? Our DHS Board has remained very active behind the scenes, continuing to facilitate many activities. This fall, I am stepping down as president after three years. We are looking for new people who are interested in serving our community through our wonderful Horticultural Society … why not you? You don’t have to have a green thumb to help out! And it doesn’t take much time to make a contribution. We will also be looking for a treasurer, and other board positions. Contact me directly so we can chat about how you might fit in.

Finally, I am excited to announce that after two years of planning and work, our latest community project is taking shape. DHS will be erecting a 15-foot-tall decorative lighthouse in the garden close to the bridge on the east side. This lighthouse will greet citizens and visitors alike, and provide a charming addition that reminds us all of Dunnville’s strong nautical ties in history.

As the temperatures drop, and a return to routine ensues, there is still much to enjoy about our gardens. Petunias and snapdragons will be replaced by fall mums and asters. Take the time to enjoy the change!

To obtain a DHS membership, please send a cheque or money order ($10 single, $15 couple) to Dunn-ville Horticultural Society, P.O. Box 274, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 2X5. Your membership card will be mailed directly to you. Although DHS monthly program nights are still on hiatus, the DHS Board continues to work behind the scenes. In the meantime, you can keep up with DHS at dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org. You can also contact me for more information at debzyn@gmail.com.