Viv O’Donnell
“Great Expectations for 2011” is the theme the Fort Frances Horticultural Society chose for this year, president Nadia Felix announced March 28 as she opened the first regular meeting of the new year.
First, members heard a review of last year’s exciting and rewarding year.
It saw the result of two years’ worth of planning and fundraising when a courtyard at Rainycrest was planted.
Members arrived for three days of digging and the planting of hundreds of annuals, perennials, and shrubs (many of which were donated from members’ own gardens).
As well, two old-fashioned pumps were installed to lend an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.
Fall saw the planting of spring bulbs that soon will bloom.
Members also maintained the flower gardens at the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, the “Good Neighbours” sign, the entrance flower beds and containers at Rainycrest, and the Salvation Army, as well as moved the flower beds and containers from the old public library site to the new one.
There were 42 members in 2010 and these members logged 709 volunteer hours.
This year will see the continuing of some of the society’s popular events, such as the May plant sale, the June “Picnic in the Park,” the “Make & Take” workshop at the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market, and the August Flower & Vegetable Show at the market.
The largest potato contest, the photo contest, and “Show & Tell” at each meeting (where members bring in and present interesting things from their garden) also will continue.
Meanwhile, many new options that members might want to do were presented by vice-president Donna Law, such as the making of stepping stones, compost tea, bat houses, bird houses, rock and spoon painting, clay pots, and going on a bog walk or walking tour.
Law also is in charge of the Rainycrest courtyard. She would welcome help from anyone with the watering of the courtyard garden.
Unfortunately, the plan to use timers with the watering could not be realized and so the watering has to be done by hand.
In other news, the regional meeting of horticultural clubs in the area will be held April 29-May 1 in Atikokan.
Club members gather to present yearly reports, attend workshops, and mingle with fellow gardeners. It is an opportunity to get ideas from other clubs as to how best to serve the community.
The Fort Frances Horticultural Society looks forward to another great year as the grass turns green, the seagulls and geese return, and spring arrives.
We do, indeed, have great expectations for 2011.
