Through the Past 50 Years of the Sechelt Garden Club
Since 1967, the Sechelt Garden Club has had a very diverse and fascinating history. The information from its inception until 2007 is from the District of Sechelt Archival Records. From 2007 to 2013, the information is taken from the monthly newsletters.
Nov. 21, 1967
Mrs. Madge Hansen received a letter from the Law Courts in Victoria, stating that the Sechelt Garden Club could become a Society and have an official name. Founding members were: Janet Allen, Frank and Nancy Read and Dave Howard.
1968 – 1970
There is an extensive filed collection of “Garden Rambles”, articles written by Frank Read, F.R.H.S. on very diverse and in-depth subjects. All are hand written and have been published in the monthly Club’s Bulletins and Newsletters. The articles are very informative, contain the origin of many plant and flower species and how to propagate specimens in a garden. A thought provoking quote from one of the “Garden Rambles” is very pertinent today.
“In this age of machinery and mass production, the garden is one of the few places left where we have full liberty to follow our own tastes and inclinations.”
There are other fascinating records of members in the first ten years – all names and addresses entered meticulously by hand and kept in exercise books.
Details of the Flower Show Data is neatly complied and documented. Information includes the classes of appropriate flowers, plants and vegetables, prizes and awards, how to set up the displays, who will open the show, who will sell tickets, create the posters and handle publicity, who will convene the tea and who will be judges. These Annual Shows were a vital part of the Club’s events for both the community and members.
The Club’s Christmas Parties were organized each year and information kept as to the location, cost, menu, Christmas arrangements and total price, followed by a reflection of the success of the event.
A Want and Share List is another record relating to the exchange of plants.
1971
Evening programs included a lecture and slide show on Japanese Gardens by Mr. K. Baba, a pruning demonstration, a talk on roses, discussion/planning for 1) the Spring Flower Show and 2) the Fall Flower Show, the art of flower arranging and learning about dahlia species concluded the year’s meetings
1972
Membership fees were $3.00 for one person and $5.00 for a couple. Meetings were still held at St. Hilda’s church hall, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Club Bulletin contained very detailed information on a variety of topics by Frank Read F.R.H.S. “Hydrangeas for the Garden or Pot Culture” was the April subject for “Garden Rambles” a thought for all gardeners read – “Plant 5 Rows of P’s – presence, promptness, preparation, purity and perseverance.”
1973
Orchid was the annual theme in the Bulletins. Origins of species, growing conditions and habitat were written by Susan Jensen and Frank Read. Janet Allen contributed several articles on heathers. Drawings of plants and flowers were often included at the side of the newsletters. A very descriptive narrative “Colour Harmony of Autumn Foliage” was written by Frank Read who noted “the contrast and form of shrubs and trees alight with glowing colours, including tangerine and bronzy purples, rosy carmine, scarlet crimson and silver greens – all challenging the first dull threat of November.”
1974
February’s talk was given by Ald. Dennis Shuttlewoth on the Arboretum proposed for Sechelt. The Club Library was started with Susan Jensen as librarian. Three shows were held in Spring, Summer and Fall. In the Advice section of the Bulletin, one learned that aphids are attracted to yellow, so paint aluminum pie plates yellow, fill with water and drown the advancing aphids. A club picnic was planned at Jack MacLeod’s on July 31st. “Bring your own food and dishes and Jack will supply tea and coffee. Meet outside the Red and White store in Sechelt.”
1975
An Activities Book was put out by the BC Council of Garden Clubs and the following is part of a report from the Sechelt Garden Club. “With Jack Macleod as President, the membership increased from 50 to 65 and the Fall Flower Show was held in the Senior Citizen’s Hall. A float was entered in the May Timber Days Parade, and won third prize. Petunias were planted in containers along the main street of Sechelt village. $200 was donated to the Senior Citizen’s Building Fund. Twelve members went to the Portland Rose Festival in June.”
1976
“Happy 10th Anniversary” of the Club by founding members Janet Allen, Frank Read and Dave Howard. A Question and Answer Section was added to the Bulletin, with the first query being “How do you start a Water Cress Garden?”. Garden tips included putting down Epsom Salts before radishes are planted, to prevent wormy radishes. Classified Ads were begun at the cost of $1.00 per insertion in the bulletin, and Eric Wilson’s business of making garden and patio furniture was advertised. 10% discount was given to club members and his business was on Chapman Road in Davis Bay. For school gardening projects the Club would give $18 in prize money. Members were asked to match their birth plant with their zodiac sign in the April Bulletin. Trivia Question: Were Florence Casey and Helga Connor original owners of Casey’s Country Gardens? This was the first year of holding a Christmas Party.
1977
This was a busy year with membership reaching 77. Miss Rose Bancroft and Bill Bradner judged the Summer and Fall Garden Shows.
Trivia question: Is this the same Bradner family related to the Daffodil Festival and the village of Bradner in the Fraser Valley? An advisory committee was formed to help plan the Sechelt Marsh.
1978
Eric Huskins was the President and there were 80 members. Sue Chenier, Tam Johnson and Vivian Woodman were delegates to the BC Council of Garden Clubs. “Outstanding Questions” were asked at the monthly meetings – one being fire blight on apple, pear and quince trees. Lou Wilson researched the answers. “Showmanship” was a topic for one meeting which included how to prepare flowers and plants for the shows. There were six cups that had been donated:
1 – African Violet Cup
2 – Copping Cup for the best hanging basket
3 – Adam Mitchell Cup – novice award class
4 – Sechelt Garden Club Cup for the best dahlia in the show
5 – Sechelt Garden Club Cup for the best plant in the show
6 – Grand Aggregate Trophy donated by the Bank of Montreal
1979
It cost 12 cents to mail the Sechelt Garden Club Bulletin. A welcoming committee was formed to look after new members and visitors with Nancy Read, Kay Bowden and Vivian Reeves. Planters were donated by the Village of Sechelt for the annual petunia displays on Cowrie Street. A “Question Box” was begun at the October meeting. The mini show appears to have begun in November with the announcement: “Carmen Grassie invites both male and female club members to make up an arrangement whose theme is “The Last of the Flowers” and bring to the November meeting. On a sad note – in early November Janet Allen, co-founder of the Club passed away. She was well-known for her garden full of rare and colourful plants and shrubs. She was a wonderful person, with a phenomenal knowledge of plants and how to grow them.”
1980
Cost of mailing the Bulletin was increased to 15 cents. Ola Arnold the Treasurer reported that the Current account was $472.49, with $605.39 in the Savings Account. Petty cash was $50.00. Income from the Fall Show was $411.08, with expenditures of $154.26. Garden tours were held in Spring and Fall: Ellen Berg’s garden had more that 70 named varieties of fuchsias. The Club’s Constitution was revised and changes accepted at the November meeting.
1981
It was suggested that the Club become involved in a Hortitherapy program for patients in extended care at St. Mary’s Hospital. Lou Wison organized a trip to Portland, Oregon to view the Rhododendron show and private gardens. Mayor Bud Koch “expressed his regrets at not being able to open the Sechelt Garden Club Spring flower display, tea and sale of plants.” A topic “Seaweed and Such” was discussed in the May Bulletin.
1982
There was a notable rise in membership from 102 to 107 members. Jack MacLeod wrote a weekly tribute to the Club for the local newspapers. There were local garden tours. A visit to Berry Botanical Gardens and Salem, Oregon, five members went as delegates to the BC Council of Garden Club’s AGM. The monthly Bulletin had a newly designed cover, an Extended Care committee was formed, a “Seed Exchange” and a “Want Book” began circulation at meetings. Bulk buying was terminated because of excessive time and energy spent, “with minimal financial benefits.”
1983
Numbers attending monthly meetings seemed to range between 62 and 68 members. Postage has increased to 32 cents. Thomas Johnston was the editor of the Bulletin, and “Winter Planning” was the key article in the October issue. Eric Wilson gave a talk on rhododendrons and azaleas, how to plant, prune and fertilize them. A quote submitted for the Bulletin by the Wilson’s read “Gentlewomen, if the ground be not too wet, may do themselves much good by kneeling upon a cushion and weeding. And thus divert themselves from idleness and evil company.” William Coles, 1656.
1984
The year began with 139 members and it was noted that some people had joined the newly formed Gibson’s Garden Club. Speakers included Bob Organ, David Tarrant, Bernard Moore, Ted Peters and David Hunter. A “No Smoking” ban was adopted and applied to General Meetings. There were tours to the UBC Botanical Gardens, and the Robert’s Creek gardens of Eric Huskins, John Davies and Harry Almond where refreshments were served. President Barry Willoughby opened his Gibson’s garden while Peggy Campbell served tea. Fifty members participated.
1985
Members began discussing ideas for projects to celebrate Expo 86, and an approach was made to the Sechelt Library to plant the area in front of the library building. The Sechelt Public Library sent a letter expressing appreciation that the Club was willing to landscape and maintain the “little plot in front of our building.” The Royal Bank offered a trophy for this year’s annual show. The Fall Show was cancelled due to the fact that a long hot summer “had played havoc with gardens” resulting in poor bloomsand plants. However the Club participated in a Harvest Festival Display at the Sechelt Indian Band Hall. Postage was increased to 37 cents.
1986
Happy 20th Birthday for the Club! The Executive: Joan Scales – President, Ross Buchanan – V.P Bernice Devlin – Recording Secretary, Lou Wilson – General Secretary, Andrew Steele – Treasurer, Alison Steele – Director, Helen Ponting – Director, Eric Huskins – Director, Barry Willoughby – Past Pres. The Silver Bowl Trophy, donated by the Royal Bank, was awarded to Vivien and Chris Cooksley in the “in-house” Garden Club’s contest. Bobbi Kelly organized the Garden Contest, which was from Browning Road to West Sechlet. “Mushroom Cultivation” was the subject of the May meeting, given by Mr. Chilton, and Robyn Cavies won the door prize of a purple cineraria. Vicki “who wishes only to be known as a member,” offered to submit members’ recipes from their gardens. She provided two Garden Delights – scotch broth and woodsman’s bread.
1987
Vivian Cooksley presented a framed scroll at the February meeting, with the names of former members who have died. The Plant Sale was held in Trail Bay Mall on Saturday April 25th. The maintenance of the Sechelt Public Library garden was handed over to staff. The annual membership was 84.
1988
It appears that publication of the Sechelt Garden Club Bulletin has ceased. Detailed minutes of the General and Executive meetings give all of the information about events, tours and “Timely reminders” of what to do in one’s garden. “The Bernices will be happy to continue making tea if members will take turns bringing the goodies.” A trip to Bradner was planned for April 16th and the Bowen Island Garden tour was part of the year’s Expeditions.
1989
Membership Fees were $5.00 per person and $8.00 for a couple. An interesting Mini Show was arranged for March entitled “Meditation.” Garden Notes for April indicated “This is not the ideal gardening year.” The Club participated in the Pioneer Show at the Mall, which included a plant and flower show, a vegetable competition and fruit pies and jams. This event appeared to be a success.
1990
Requests were made for a volunteer to compile the Bulletin. Carmen Grassie continued to critique the mini shows: she requested more participation. Raffles were held at each General Meeting. Bobbi Kelly requested someone was needed to type, run-off and mail the Newsletter as Geraldine Giampa was no longer able to continue. In September, Bobbi Kelly purchased a new Smith Corona typewriter for typing the Newsletter – cost was $311. Spring and Fall Plant Sales realized $487.75.
1991
Flower arrangements were made by members Alison and Andrew Steele for the Community Services Gala Dinner event. At the October meeting there were ten arrangements displayed relating to the theme “Artists’ Colours of Fall”. Bob Hudson agreed to judge the Club’s Container Contest. A section “Down the Garden Path” gives detailed information on what to do in the garden each month. In April a letter was sent to Bruce Morris, the General Manager of Trail Bay Mall, about the errors made when shrubs were pruned. A concluding sentence reads “We hope you will accept our criticism/suggestion as a positive input, and wish you every success in your work to contribute to the attractive atmosphere of our home town!”
1992
A Sunflower Contest was organized by Don Brown. The first prize of $25 was won by 2 1/2 year old Robin Morris with an 18 and 5/8 inch bloom. Her mother said “It was fertilized by neglect.” A team of phone volunteers was set up to ensure that members get important messages. The team was Robyn Davies, Bernice Gibbs, Marilyn Lyons and Clara Shearer. Carmen Grassie held a workshop on “The Art of Flower Arranging” which encouraged people to enter the mini and annual shows.
1993
Programs this year included Bill Cormack’s slide show “Van Dusen Gardens through the Seasons,” Gunther Heinitz discussed “Preparing Spring Transplants”, David Morgan spoke about two of his interests “Conifer and Bonsai” and “Seeds” was the topic of Mary Ballon, President of Territorial Seeds. The Minter Garden was a popular trip for 41 people organized by Helen Ray.
1994
April 3rd was the day of the Plant Sale in Trail Bay Mall. The local newspaper had a photo of a nearly empty table and the caption read “Green Frenzy – all plants had been sold in the first half hour!” Art Richter suggested that someone search through the Archives of the Club and write up a history of how it was formed and the events that took place.
1995
“January, the month to make resolutions – so how about making a resolution to bring something for the In-meeting Plant Sale every month (well almost every month!)”. Mary Burtyn of The Merry Gardener gave handouts after her presentation “Getting a Garden Ready for Spring” with a print out sheet to remind us when our memories and notes fail, and a two page guide for “limbering exercises to help avoid the Springtime aches and pains.” Mary Ellen Johnson gave an illustrated talk on the challenges and successes of landscaping a cascading cliff-side site.
1996
The Executive for the year was: President – David Wells, VP – Alex Seigo, Treasuer – Edie Simmons, Secretary – Judy Hopkinson, Membership – Andrew Steele, Directors – Chris Cooksley, Mary-Ellen Johnson, Tony O’Connor, Julia Scott. An all in one day trip was first to Bradner flower fields (where 100 bulbs were purchased for $10) then followed by a visit to the Van Dusen Gardens. Bill and Mildred Cole were given honorary memberships having been in the Club for 22 years. Colin Cole was another recipient having been in the Club for 18 years.
1997
Mini show themes for the year included Winds of March, Hello to Spring, Mama Mia it’s May! June is Burstin’ out all over! Riot of Colour, Autumn Shades and Sculptural Beauty. The Richters co-ordinated the Club’s donation of the Library Christmas Tree and this was decorated by some members. Spring tours included the Ostergaard, Steele, O’Connor and Terry gardens during May. Brief descriptions of each garden were given.
A Triangle Tour was arranged visiting three nurseries in the Langley area. The Plant Sale made $1,150.60. As of May there were 132 members.
1998
St. Hilda’s Church landscaping had some club volunteers once or twice during the year for garden upkeep. A critique of the space, chairs, lectern and stand was discussed at the May meeting. Reviews of the Constitution’s aims were also applied to the Club’s mandate and program. $25 was sent to the BC Ferry Corporation to help replace maple trees that were vandalized alongside the ferry parking lot. Query asked at Question Time:
“Why does rhubarb go to seed after one picking?” and “What is causing the rose leaf to go yellow in parts?”
1999
Ten written questions were submitted to the panel who were Bobbi Kelly, Frances Ostergaard , Michael Prior, Bob McKay, and Ellen Wilson. The tours for the year included Bowen Island, Larry Wick’s Keats Island garden, Westridge Farms , Langley. A Christmas Wreath was made by members and donated to the Library for a raffle. Irene Adams was the winner and $128.50 was raised.
2000
For this auspicious year the officers of the Club were: President: Mary Ellen Johnston, VP: Michael Prior, Treasurer: Edie Simmons, Secretary: Carol Williams, and Directors: Frances Ostergaard, Jan Stull, Bob Hudson and Muriel Prior. The “Garden Fest” was a fundraiser for the Writers’ Festival held at Rockwood March 17th and 18th. A Want & Share List is now part of the Newsletter. It was proposed to raise $2000 at the May 12th Millenium Plant Sale for the year 2000. Club T-shirts were sold for $20.
Flower arrangements were made by some Club members and donated for the RCMP Cancer Research Banquet. The Fall Sale was on October 14th and fourteen volunteers helped at this event. The Christmas Lunch was held at the Roberts Creek Sunshine Coast Golf Club. Trivia: the 40th Anniversary and Christmas Lunch 2007 is being held at the same location.
2001
Programs this year included “Physiotherapy and Gardeners” by Christa Morrison, Bill Terry’s Plant Hunting in Western Schezuan” “West Coast Seeds” by Mary Ballon, “Birds in their Habitat” with Arnold Skei, “Soils” by John Yue, and “Christmas Wreath Making” with Nancy Fancher and Win Wright and “Cultivating Dahlias Galore” with Monty Shinn. Trivia: Does anyone still wear the Club forest green T-shirts and sweat shirts complete with the Club Logo?
2002
A Book Review was submitted by Michael Prior “Much ado about Nothing “ by Jill Churchill. A mystery novel, which involves gardening, there is “information about the world of patented plants, conspiracy theories and how to prepare for a garden tour.” Trivia: Why not review at a book club? The Club presented a slide show on “Seeds of Diversity” at the Roberts Creek Heritage Seed Day and Seed Exchange. A trip was arranged to Darts Hill and Glenhaven Garden Parks. A Chrysanthemum White Rust Alert was posted and how to help eradicate this disease.
2003 First speaker of the year was Glen Lewis from “Fragrant Flora” Some nurseries and businesses were offering 10% off plants “for members only. Please be aware that we are privileged to receive this discount.” was a reminder in the February Newsletter. The 4th Annual Garden Fest was held with speakers Carole Rubin and Des Kennedy. $5 each was charged for each speaker. An alert was issued about the possible spreading of the West Nile Virus towards the west. Wilma Castle wanted goldfish and pond plants. Trivia: Will raccoons be recipients too? The Club received 2nd Prize in the Canada Day Parade in the Walking Contingent
2004 Maureen Kirby, the President, wrote a welcoming letter wishing everyone” twelve months of many contented hours in your gardens.” The location for meetings was changed from St. Hilda’s to the Legion Hall to accommodate the 140 members. (“Fire Marshall’s Ruling” ) As the Club has funds of $6,820, there were suggestions of how monies might be of benefit to the Club and others. Ideas were to subsidize trips, offer a summer event, continue to give a $500 bursary to a Chatelech student going into horticulture, and $200 going towards a bursary awarded by the BC Council of Garden Clubs. Cliff and Joan Reeves were thanked for “Carrying the Library back and forth.” In February 8 members wanted certain plants while Joan Munday offered to share nerines and pampas grass.
2005 Volunteers: these included 8 people on the Exective, Library, Marjorie Ann Malcolm, Lucy Ennis, ND, Carolynne Sigurdson, Mini Show – Bobbi Kelly and Frances Ostergaard, refreshments – Ella Hayes, raffle prizes – Mary Ellen Johnson and Margaret Boyd and Maureen Kirby, the Spring Plant Sale. Volunteers were needed for the mini-raffle, projector and sound system, Canada Day Parade and helping Judy Hopkinson co-ordinate outings for the Club. The Sunshine Botannical Garden Society events are being published in the Newsletter. The Annual Spring Tea and Garden Party was held Sunday June 12th at the Ostergaard’s home in Roberts Creek. Sylva Tietjen invited the Club to join in the Pender Harbour Garden Club’s Tour to Victoria. Current membership was 165.
2006 Trivia Question: For how long have the fees been $10 per person or $15 for a couple? During the year Garden Tips included “Roses can be pruned when the forsythia blooms. Dead head and fertilise Spring bulbs when they have finished flowering, but leave the leaves to die down on their own. Don’t forget to label your divisions. A slow walk around your garden in November will show you a bounty of items for unique and beautiful decorating.” A bus trip to Minter Gardens organized by Jan Fitzsimmons, was enjoyed by all who attended, and Brian Minter was available to assist in getting everyone their list of unusual plants. Remember, be nice to everyone. The man you smile at today may be the one with TOMATOES in his garden tomorrow.
2007 Christine Chandler became President. The 40th year of the Sechelt Garden Club was marked by a display at the Sechelt Public Library. Founding and early members who were able to attend, were honoured at the Christmas lunch. Speakers included Paddy Wales who posed the question “Is it Art or Trash?” and talked about using found objects as Art in the garden. Verity Goodier taught us how to start plants from seeds, John Yue showed us how to make hanging baskets. Bill Terry regaled us with Native Plants and Martin Cook talked about growing grapes. In June there was a bus trip to Van Dusen Gardens and the Shorncliffe garden restoration project was started.
2008 We moved from the Legion Hall to the Seaside Centre. Speakers included Carla Bischoff who talked about orchids, representatives from Botanus, a Canadian owned catalogue company. Sandra Marriott from Sunshine Coast Nursery presented planters and pots and shared her ideas about organic vegetables, Dr. Vivian Vilich taught us about soil and Alain Bergeron showed us how to plant garlic. In March the first winter tour was organized to take advantage of the flowering season of the hellebores. In April fees increased by $2 to $12.00 a person and $17 a couple. The rain held off for our Annual Plant Sale where we raised $2,000 and the Strawberry Tea was held at Pat and Charlie Comeau’s. Organized by Chris Chandler, members descended on Shorncliffe for the fall clean-up. In response to the Gibsons Garden Club challenge to raise and match their $500, a Fertilize and Grow Jar was initiated to raise funds for the Sunshine Coast Botanical Society.
2009 June Meyer became President. Kathleen Dean took us on a visual tour of South Africa, Brad Jalbert tantalized us with his fabulous roses as did Gary Lewis of Phoenix Nursery with his perennials and Malonie Hewston with her hydrangeas. David Morgan showed us how to prune. The Carrot Committee was formed to provide education and skills to our members about food security and growing food and Sharon Hanna encouraged us to integrate veggies in our flower gardens. A Viewsonic projector was purchased to show Power Point presentations at our meetings. In May we raised $3,500 at the Plant Sale and then celebrated in June at the Strawberry Tea which was held at the home of Frances and Neils Ostergaard. In July, Shorncliffe unveiled a plaque dedicated to the volunteer efforts of the Sechelt Garden Club. The year ended with the Christmas Party and Lunch at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club.
2010 Our meetings began with ornithologist Tony Greenfield, who took us on a tour of waterfalls in BC. “Farmer” Dave Ryan now in the third year of developing the Gumboot Gardens talked about building the soil. Margaret Rogers showed slides about her garden tours in Northern England. Catherine Abbott taught us about the nitty gritty of growing vegetables and Marilyn Holt came from Abbotsford to speak about pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums. John Field educated us about mushrooms and Bill Terry regaled us with The Perfect Garden: Plant Hunting in Tibet. Harry Burton came from his Apple Luscious Organic Orchard on Salt Spring Island. We purchased a hand held microphone to enhance our meetings and a banner to be used for events. Bowen Island Garden Club came to visit us and we went on a tour of gardens arranged by the Gibsons Garden Club. We made almost $4,000 at the Plant Sale. We had a great time at the Strawberry Tea at Lorraine Gallant’s house where as true coasters we ignored the rain, as we did again at our booth at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Society’s Harvest Festival in September. Our very own Bette Chadwick, Nattanya Wardel and Lois Pickard, were the Flower Pot Queens from Mamma Mia! at our Christmas lunch.
2011 Chairmaine Harris became President. John Gillespie talked about invasive and non-invasive plants. Paddy Wales brought sunshine with Winter Pleasures, and John Yue talked about growing vegetables in the ground and in containers. Michelle Boyle from the Sunshine Coast Nursery presented Xeriscaping and Rock Gardening and Jon Bell talked about Disease Control, Soil, and Heirloom Tomatoes. In September Charmaine Harris, Nattanya Wardel and Nancy Fabbro took us on their trip to English gardens. Fees were raised to $15 per person and $20 per family. We made $3,000 at the Plant Sale despite the weather. Kay Ogawa and her crew of Gesa Reid, Shirley Lawson and Sharon Shorter retired as “tea women” and Pat Smit, Mardie Campbell and Gerry Latham took over. Niels and Frances Ostergaard became Life Members. After 8 weeks of weeding, pruning, mulching, sore knees and tired backs we finished with the Sechelt Arts Centre project and began to work on the Totem Lodge garden. The Strawberry Tea was held at Julia Scott’s home and it didn’t rain!
2012 In September of 2011 Aaron Joe, CEO of Salish Soils, talked about making soil from waste and ‘Farmer’ Dave Ryan described the Reclamation/Demonstration Garden Project that is co-sponsored by the Sechelt Indian Band. This was followed by a very informative tour in April. Randy Shore, author of the Green Man blog in the Vancouver Sun shared his tricks and mistakes in growing food and Daniel Mosquin guided us through the “UBC Botanical Garden Through the Seasons.” Mark Wilkes from Funguy Gardens talked about growing mushrooms and Ron Knight captivated us with his presentation of 4 Seasons in a Rhododendron Garden. We travelled with Bill Terry through his book The Lizard of Oz, and other Stories of Plant Hunting in Southeast Australia and with Laurie Creak who took us on his spring tour of public and private gardens inHolland,Belgium and southernEngland. Christi Blackman, Lorraine Blakeman and Nattanya Wardel ended the year with their demonstration of Christmas Craft Surprises. Ron Knight’s hypertufa workshop was a great success. We were hosted by the Pender Harbour and Gibsons Garden Clubs and went to the October Apple Festival at UBC Botanical Gardens. We made $3,500 at the plant sale thanks to 50 volunteers many of whom also participated in the potting up sessions. In June the District of Sechelt installed a new sound system in the Seaside Centre so that now all of us can hear our speakers at the same time. We continued to work on the Sechelt Art Centre Garden and at Totem Lodge. We had 62 guests at the Strawberry Tea hosted by Charmaine and Lester Harris and 82 people at the Christmas Luncheon. Both events were coordinated by Christi Blackman and Carol Steedman who navigated their way through and took care of a ton of details in both events.
2013 In 2013 Mardie Campell became President; Barbara Peters, Vice-President and Moira Leishman, Treasure. We welcomed new Directors, Anita Paulin and Ardath Hoole. In January Jon Bell, agronomist and farmer talked about “Aliens amongst us: what and who defines an alien or invasive species and how do they affect our environment.” In February Landscape designer Ayuko Inoue introduced the design principles that can be used in renovating a garden followed by Martin Cook, master beekeeper in March. In April Dawn Meyers and Linda Fogarty of Sunshine Seedlings showed us `How to grow vegetables from seed including seeding, watering in, germination, lights and transplant.`Sheila Watkins came from Kelowna in May to talk about `Surviving the Drought.“In September Cheryl Topping, arborist and manager of Sunshine Coast Nursery helped us with Fall/Winter garden care including transplanting, root pruning and putting roses to bed.`We were displaced at the Seaside Centre by the Art Show in October but Bill Terry wowed us in November with “Letting Nature Take her Course: Simplicity and Serendipity in the Garden.” In December 83 tickets were sold for the biggest and most successful Christmas luncheon in the history of the Sechelt Garden Club. In February Sechelt Garden Club lost a valued Life Member when Bob Hudson passed away and in September we bid farewell to Julia Scott who moved off the Coast. In April Mary Rowles stepped down as Membership Chair and Barbara Peters exhanged the Vice Presidency for Membership. In May Anita Paulin became Vice President and in September Edwin Leung became Secretary. In June Mary Rowles hosted the Strawberry Tea in her beautiful garden, we went to the Bloedel Conservatory and Ron Knight conducted a workshop on How to Make Garden Stepping Stones. In December Linda Buckingham held a Driftwood Chrsitmas Tree Workshop.