2010
April 6
Bio-dynamics: Gardening in Harmony with Nature, Douglas Wylie
Introduced into our vocabulary in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner, “bio-dynamics” is now a world-wide phenomenon as humanity searches for sustainable methods of consuming nature’s bounty. Douglas will introduce us to the principles of bio-dynamics and share his personal experiences applying these methods at the Carrville Community Garden in Thornhill.
Co-founder of the Carrville Community Garden and Secretary for the Society of Bio-dynamics in Ontario, Douglas Wylie is an avid gardener and sixteen year practitioner of bio-dynamic methods. |
May 4
Interesting Plants on the Path to Eden, Rahe Richards
In 2009, society member Rahe Richards traveled to Ghana, Paris and London, visiting world renowned gardens that included the amazing Eden Project. Rahe’s two recent Garden Post articles described the sights, which will now be shared visually in this pictorial presentation. Rahe Richards has been gardening for only ten years. Her garden, containing many unusual plants, has regularly been awarded Front Garden Recognition status since 2001. |
June 1
Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects, Lorraine Roberts
Lorraine will provide practical insights into identification of beneficial insects, explain the contributions these small creatures make to the health of our gardens, and let us know which plants best attract them. Owner of Plant Paradise Country Gardens (with husband, Robert), Lorraine is a knowledgeable horticulturalist and landscape designer who regularly authors articles for Caledon Living magazine, hosts workshops and speaks at a variety of venues including Canada Blooms. |
June 15
Growing Great Grub, Gayla Trail
Taking off from her new book and over a decade of experience growing delicious edibles on her city rooftop garden, Gayla will share inspiring and practical ways to grow organic food in small and difficult spaces. Gayla Trail is the creator of the acclaimed gardening website, www.yougrowgirl.com, as well as the author, photographer, and designer of two books on urban gardening: You Grow Girl: The Groundbreaking Guide to Gardening and Grow Great Grub: Organic Food from Small Spaces. |
July 6
Glenn’s Top 10 Herbs, Glenn Brunetti
Imagine being only able to grow a handful of herbs. Which ones would you choose? In response to questions about which herbs to start with, and which are easy to grow in containers, Glenn will reveal and explore ten of the most versatile herbs to grow and use in the kitchen. Glenn Brunetti is a professional herb and food educator who has developed and presented hundreds of diverse and stimulating programs for audiences across Ontario and the U.S., including the Royal Botanical Gardens and Canada Blooms. |
August 3
Photography Competition, Raf Ollivierre
This popular annual competition is open to all members of our society. Raf Ollivierre, our talented photography buff, will once again host the competition results, revealing the judges’ favourite photos. One of the submitted photos may be selected for the cover of our next yearbook. |
September 7
Introduction to Bonsai, Mike Roussel
Our introduction will begin with a presentation covering basics such as what bonsai is (and isn’t), plant sources, design elements and styles, tools, and care and maintenance of specimens. Beautiful photos and live plants will illustrate principles. Following this, Mike will demonstrate the creation process, transforming rough materials into a “starter” bonsai for us. Mike Roussel, a graduate of Guelph University’s fine arts program and a gardener since age 10, sees bonsai as a harmonic blend of horticulture and art. President of the Toronto Bonsai Society, Mike became hooked on bonsai more than fifteen years ago and now cares for more than fifty specimens. |
October 5
Harvest Fest, Glen Fidler
Just in time for Thanksgiving, this talented society member will wow us with rapid completion of 10-12 cutting edge harvest-themed floral designs. His projects will creatively employ a variety of materials from nature; likely incorporating grasses, roots, fruits and feathers in the mix. Floral designer extraordinaire Glen Fidler has been active in the floral industry for more than 30 years, including roles on the Boards of Flowers Canada and the Canadian Academy of Floral Arts. Glen has earned many prestigious awards for his creations and enjoys sharing his knowledge through teaching at Seneca College and participating in horticultural events and fundraising initiatives. |
November 2
Hobby Night and Craft Fair
Members are encouraged to share their non-gardening interests at this highly social, less structured meeting. Some exhibitors sell items that can be enjoyed as unique holiday gifts. |
December 7
Holiday Celebration and Awards Banquet
Celebrate the season with gardening colleagues at this gala event where flower show winners are honoured with beautiful trophies, special contributions to the society are recognized, and door prizes donated by members and local businesses are available to be won. |
2011
January 11
Annual General Meeting, plus Photographic Recap of 2009
Following the Annual General Meeting, Raf Ollivierre will present a photographic slideshow featuring our many 2010 events and activities. This meeting is a great opportunity to discover the breadth and diversity of our all-volunteer organization. |
February 1
Behind the Magic at Canada Blooms, Charlie Dobbin
Ever wonder what it takes to obtain approximately 400,000 perfect trees, plants, flowers and bulbs and then transform these specimens into more than 40 feature gardens at one of the largest and most prestigious horticultural events in North America? Charlie will share insights, stories and photos of what goes on behind-the-scenes to deliver this amazing event. Horticultural Director of Canada Blooms since 2003, Charlie Dobbin is a respected speaker and author on horticultural topics, a Richmond Hill resident, and honorary member of our society.
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March 1
Constructing and Maintaining a Fish Pond in Ontario, Nigel Hyatt
Visitors to the Hyatt’s garden are sure to recall the fabulously architected, planted and stocked two-pond eco-system that Nigel meticulously maintains and enjoys. A timely pre-spring topic, society member Nigel Hyatt will share his backyard water feature “secrets for success.” A pond hobbyist and retired engineer, Nigel’s biochemical engineering background contributes to his interest in creating ecologically self-sufficient water habitats that minimize use of chemical additives. |
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