[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1471633008692{margin-top: 10px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1471632072516{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”text-left”]”Many clubs, businesses and associations—especially those that have been around for decades—are reinventing themselves to stay relevant in today’s world of rapidly changing communication technologies and evolving population demographics” says Beckie Fox, Editor, Garden Making Magazine.
Among them are local horticultural societies, including Dunnville Horticulture Society (DHS). In the past, these local gatherings were sometimes perceived as gatherings of “botanical experts” or “clubs for little old ladies with white gloves.” But this is quite the opposite. DHS is working hard to dispel this myth with its new programs and initiatives.
Founded in 1929, DHS is a welcoming group of people of all ages and gardening stages in life. Our Junior Gardeners, over 20 children and youth, add a vitality to our composition. With a healthy 2016 membership of over 260 people, we are a vibrant gathering of men, women, singles, couples, young and middle-aged folks and empty nesters. We come from different geographical areas including Dunnville, Lowbanks, Wainfleet, Cayuga, Caledonia, Castor Centre, Hamilton, Welland, and Port Colborne.
We share a common interest in gardening whether it be growing fruit, veggies, or flowers. DHS people are “down to earth” people, appreciative and respectful of earth’s good gifts. We work hard and take pride in local beautification projects in our town. We partner with other service groups in Dunnville. The scope for growth in gardening is huge and ever changing. We try to stay relevant as we look at environmental issues and sustainability.
We conduct spring plant sales and other fundraising efforts to support our local community projects. We give back to our community through thousands of volunteer hours. Infact, in 2015, our members logged over 2200 volunteer DHS hours. Now that is something to BRAG about! Our monthly program nights (Sept.-June) are informal, entertaining, and educational. These evenings are a social time for people to come together and make connections with other like-minded folks.
In September, DHS will roll out an updated website. Along with other Hort Societies, we recognize social media as a way to attract younger members and stay current with changing communication. We look forward to Sept. 15, 7-9pm when we will resume our monthly program nights at the Optimist Hall, 101 Main St. E., corner of Cedar and Main St. Dunnville. Come, bring a friend, and hear about “Gardening in Drought Conditions” (sound familiar?) presented by Wendi Prior, Assistant Manager of Terra Nursery, Hamilton. Everyone is welcome, members and non-members alike. Doors open at 6:30pm. Refreshments will be served.
For more information about these events or if you have suggestions to share, feel free to contact call:
Debbie Thomas, President – (905) 774-3064
Deb Zynomirski, Vice President – (905) 774-8453[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-primary text-left”]Sandi Marr, DHS Recordng Secretary.
Sandi welcomes your questions and ideas for future gardening columns.
sandi.h@sympatico.ca[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]