Happy (Chinese) new year!
Happy new year! A bit late for the western calendar, but just in time for the Chinese year of the tiger, starting Feb. 14.
January always flashes by in a blur. I’m a working freelance writer and all my editors seem to return to the office full of energy and assignments. Don’t get me wrong–I’m VERY happy to get work from them. But add the deadlines to volunteer work and Christmas clean-up, and it makes a full month.
While our new website is in development, I should bring you up to date on Beach GS happenings–because it looks like it will be a full year for us.
Beach GS at work on District 5 AGM
The big event looming ahead is the Ontario Hort Assoc District 5 annual general meeting and conference (what a mouthful that is). You may already know it’s scheduled for Apr. 24 and a gang of Beachers are working madly to organize things like food, door prizes, meeting room set-up/decor, loot bags and the flower show and print materials competition.
If you’re a BGS member and want to get to know the group better, volunteering is a great way to do it. There’s a real spirit of camaraderie and fun that develops from working together on a project like this–and new hands and brains are always welcome. Give Ursula Eley, who’s coordinating this bunch, a call if you want to pitch in.
People always call it the district AGM, but I like to add “conference” to the description. Nothing sounds duller than an AGM, and there’s a lot more going on here than just district business. Jim Edwards, our own flower meister, is giving a demo/workshop on flower arranging. If you’ve seen Jim do one of these, you know it’s like watching magic happen right before your eyes. Best of all, for me, is that Jim manages to entertain at the same time as he creates floral works of art.
Our other speaker, Martin Galloway, is well known for his knowledge of the natural world, as well as horticulture. I’ve only heard him once, but in that one talk I learned the reason slugs were created (they DO have a purpose in the garden), as well as some SHOCKING things about their sex lives. I won’t spoil the secrets–come to the district AGM and hear Martin for yourself.
All garden clubs have been sent registration info, I believe, so ask yours. Or email me at the address below and I’ll forward your request to the right place.
Upcoming BGS speakers
Feb. 16–Paul Zammit, Perennials Worth the Hunt. Many folks know Paul from his role as the hort director of the Toronto Botanical Garden. Many also know him for his non-stop energy and enthusiasm for gardening. An evening hearing Paul speak should lift you right out of any Feb blahs.
Mar. 9–Evelyn Wolf, Front Yard Gardens. Running out of space for favourite plants? Get rid of that boring front-yard grass and expand your garden there. (It’s a fine way to meet people in our pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood.) Come find out how.
Apr. 20–Lorraine Mennen, Trees for Small Backyards. Lorraine is that rare creature, an entrepreneur-gardener. She owns Pathways to Perennials, a gorgeous boutique garden centre and landscape service in Kettleby, ON. Her talk should help us avoid the “giant tree, mini garden” problem that sometimes occurs around here.
May 18–Christina Sharma, Project CHIRP. CHIRP is a songbird conservation initiative with connections to many other wildlife and conservation organizations. A gardener herself, Christina should have lots of tips on how our gardens can become places of refuge and refreshment for the feathered chirpers and tweeters. as well as ourselves.
June 15–Steven Biggs, Vegetable Gardening. Everyone talks about veggie gardening but is anyone doing it? Bring your notebook and questions so you can take part in this red-hot 21st century trend.
More to come
Lots more happening in 2010, but running out of room. Check back later for more BGS news.
–Mary Fran McQuade, writer, gardener and BGS member/blogger
(Contact beachgsblogger@gmail.com)
