By RB Burton
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE–The Dunnville Horticultural Society (DHS) learned more than a year ago that it was their turn to host one of the two annual forums held in District 9 of the Ontario Horticultural Society. They opted to hold the fall session.
Since then, the society executive has been busy planning the day, with their chosen theme being ‘Where the River Flows.’
Two members of the executive, Marilyn Stavinga and Melissa Ruigrok, spent hours planning and setting up the décor to go along with this theme, with diaphanous blue material down the centre of the tables representing the flowing water, and miniature lighthouses spaced out periodically. Much of the feedback on the day was compliments for their hard work.
Preparing for the usual 75 people, organizers were surprised when 93 people came in the door, the largest attendance in several years.
Scheduled for the day were two speakers with one-hour talks. In the morning Melissa North spoke on ‘Extending the Garden Season,’ and in the afternoon, Kevin Kavanaugh spoke on ‘Gardening with Ferns and Dealing with Shade.’
Along with prizes for floral competitions, each of the member societies of District 9 had to bring a door prize, for which each attendee received a ticket as they entered. The DHS also arranged for 20 prizes for a raffle, for which tickets were sold.
Registrants were welcomed with a breakfast buffet and bottomless tea and coffee as they came in the door.
Later, lunch was provided, with the caterers having the foresight to prepare enough food for 100 people. Those in attendance enjoyed either regular or vegetarian chili and buns, with seconds for those with big appetites, followed by apple crumble and ice cream.
