By Barb Wilson
To The Haldimand Press
Our February General Meeting was held Thursday, February 23, 2023. President Elsie Eubank welcomed the members present. Flora Miller introduced our guest speaker, Heidi Mungal and her son Malachi, from Generations Market Place and Learning Centre just outside Simcoe. They shared their experiences having a sustainable homestead. Heidi spoke of the value of growing and raising your own food and shared with us the variety of gardens and animals on their farm. They also offer farm tours and many programs to kids and adults. Their goal is to be better stewards of the land and they use what they have to the fullest. For more information about the centre visit generationsmarketplace.ca.
Our March General meeting on the 23rd will have a representative from The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise based in Paris, Ontario speaking about their program. Since 2014, they have partnered with local churches and non-profits across Ontario to create meaningful employment for individuals living with disabilities and mental illness, who are hired to create tasty gourmet soups made in small batches, sold frozen and full of vegetables, lentils, and other legumes. The Raw Carrot is a social franchise that believes every person who wants to work should have the opportunity for a hand up (instead of just a handout) in life!
Membership report: we have 61 members so far this year. Please go to the website to renew your membership or at the next general meeting. You get 10% off regular priced plant/garden supplies at several area garden centres and businesses when joining. Show your card prior to purchase to get your discount.
This month’s competition
A. Horticultural Division – One container – plants grown for foliage – 1st Coby Osinga
B. Design Division – Small Pickings – miniature design – 1st Barbara Wilson; Mosaic with a Valentine theme – 1st Barbara Wilson.
Our monthly competition calendar is on our website; enter to showcase your special talents.
If you love gardening and nature and are not already a member, please join us at the next meeting to see what we are all about.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Caledonia.
Refreshments provided. Please “lug a mug” to do our part for a better environment.
