Ontario Horticultural Association, Annual Report, 1972

Ontario Horticultural Association, Annual Report, 1972

DISTRICT NO.2

District Director - Mr. Clarence Brown - Ottawa

Mr. James Geddes of Arnprior retired as district director in June and was succeeded by Mrs. Gertie Atkins, Deep River. She, in turn resigned February 3, 1973 in view of her imminent move to Glace Bay, N.S. Mr. Clarence Brown of Ottawa, a Kemptville Society member succeeded her.

The Advisory Council met in February and November and decided that more meetings should be held annually and that increased communication within the district is necessary.

The district was well represented at the Kingston Convention. Two Pembroke delegates provided an authentic interesting review of convention highlights at our District Convention in Chalk River hosted by Deep River on their 25th Anniversary. 100 entries were tabled in the 9 classes of the second district Flower Show at Ottawa in August. More classes are planned and greater participation encouraged for the 1973 event. District 2 was extremely proud of the participation and success of its societies in O.H.A. competitions, especially in yearbook and photographic competitions.

ALMONTE

The society planted more flower beds in Gemmell Park, placed containers along the river bank at the Town Hall, cared for the border there, replanted around the Cenotaph and began replanting around St. Paul's Church in appreciation of continued use of their facilities. Through competitions, they encouraged improvement of home surroundings and the planting of hanging baskets for garden and patio. They planted 500 bulbs, and held several junior competitions.

ARNPRIOR

Inactive and now seeking dissolution.

CITY VIEW-NEPEAN

They planted 5000 bulbs and 2 members led the Brownies in maintaining The Centennial garden. Spring and summer gardens were judged, and junior activities were promoted. Four shows produced 476 adult and 140 children's entries. Members tended two allotment gardens, presented 30 dried flower arrangements to Carleton Home for the Aged, and house plants to the Good Companions Handicapped Group. Held a pot luck supper and visited Montreal Botanical Gardens and Elba at Carleton University.

DEEP RIVER

Largest membership in District 2, encouraged by the society's policies on garden plots, tool loans, fertilizer sales. Held a dinner meeting and contributed a column in local press, in addition to publishing a most creditable year book. Planted trees at waterfront, tended baskets and boxes in shopping areas and bought plants for town gardens. A trillium award for home beautification was presented. Junior members were encouraged through nature hikes, use of driftwood, making sand castings, planting cuttings and others.

EGANVILLE

Showed the largest percentage increase in membership in 1972. Planted flower beds at municipal building, as well as some bulbs. Sold dried flower bouquets in November and held flower arrangement classes at their general meetings.

GLOUCESTER

Planted flower beds at the township arena, held flower and vegetable garden competitions, a strawberry social and a sale of Christmas decorations. Provided a monthly supply of bouquets to Carleton Home for the Aged, and gave juniors demonstrations on decorative studies and corsages.

KANATA-MARCH

Our newest but very live society. In 1972 held a "Name the Park" competition. Began the first of a 5-year plan for developing the Tom Thomson Park by planting annuals, roses and shrubs. To Science students in two schools, they gave seeds and instructions in planting, pruning, fertilizing. Encouraged revival of Arbor Day, and collaborated with Pollution. Probe and the Community Association. Held family field trip to Ragged Chute. Started a nursery, placed exhibit in public library and kindled interest in conservation.

KEMPTVILLE

Planted iris and annuals at the Public Library and supported the District Hospital auxiliary with a booth at their Heyday. Presented a trillium plaque to the best public garden (non-member). Held home competitions for window box, grounds and vegetable gardens. Distributed seeds to juniors in 4 municipalities, resulting in 109 junior members and judging of 58 junior gardens. Staged 3 successful shows with junior as well as adult entries.

MANOTICK

The District has completely lost touch with this society, but will continue to strive to re-establish communications. Reports received via the grapevine indicate that Manotick meets regularly and is constantly seeking speaker material and soliciting memberships, so it would be to our mutual advantage to have them inside the fold.

OTTAWA

Planted 1000 bulbs at Bronson Home and Rose Kennedy School for Retarded. Also bought plants of Canadian origin for the Centennial Garden at City Hall. Held 7 shows, one in August in conjuction with City View-Nepean and District No.2. Bus tours in February to Toronto Garden Club Show, and in July to Prince Edward County and the Corby Rose garden in Belleville. Held a photography competition and presented awards to 6 Ottawa residents for the best gardens viewed from the street. Service diplomas were presented to two prominent Ottawa citizens. Some members did good work in teaching junior arrangements and there were junior classes at the major shows.

PAKENHAM

A special committee was formed to maintain, protect and care for the Co!. Lisle Memorial Tree that was planted by District No.2. Planted boxes and urns at Municipal Office and bank. Bus trip to Ottawa to tour Government House, Rockcliffe and the Experimental Farm. Held annual picnic at Haydon Farm, and conducted 3 flower shows.

PEMBROKE

Held competitions for gardens and grounds, two shows and photographic competition. Also awarded prizes for landscaping in low rental housing area. Planted at Public Library, Pansy Patch Park and County Court House, also at 15 city locations with high school students. Raised funds with a bake sale, spring tea, pot luck supper, sale of quilt made by members, and catering to a Kiwanis luncheon. At Christmas meeting enjoyed a smorgasbord. Forced bulbs for hospitals and Senior Citizen homes. Organized a trip to Floriade in Holland in August. Arranged an intensive year's schedule for junior society.

PRESCOTT

Membership increased in 1972. Planted 78 boxes of annuals at the municipal building, fire hall and in urns on the main street. Entered a float with 4000 hand-made flowers in the Christmas parade, and entertained juniors to Christmas supper. Bus tour to Toronto Garden Club Spring Show. Started a library. Conducted a fall sale of garden produce and flowers, and gave flower seeds and cuttings to juniors who showed their produce later. Presented a brief to the Chamber of Commerce "for abetter r environment".

RENFREW

Everything points to a more encouraging outlook for this society's future.

STITTSVILLE

Membership increased in 1972. Held a field trip to Ragged Chute and a picnic at Loch End, Carleton Place. Placed an entry at Richmond Fall Fair. Held 3 shows, and judged 16 junior summer gardens.