2015

Russell & District Horticultural Societywww.russellgardeners.ca

Monthly MeetingsOur regular monthly meetings are held at 7:00 pm, the third Monday of each month excluding July, August and December (fourth Monday in November), at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall on First Street in Russell.

Membership Fees: Adults - $10 Juniors - $7 (3 or more Juniors from same family - $15)

The objectives of the Russell and District Horticultural Society are to encourage interest and education in horticulture by:holding meetings and educational workshops;s encouraging the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers in our community;s promoting outdoor beautification;s arranging field trips, competitions and exhibitions related to horticulture;s distributing seeds, plants, bulbs, flowers, trees and shrubs;s promoting the protection of the natural environment;s promoting the circulation of horticultural information through any media;s stimulating an interest in the study of horticulture in gardeners of all ages.

You can contact us at:Russell and District Horticultural Society8730 Victoria Street, Metcalfe, ON, K0A 2P0or by e-mail at info@russellgardeners.caFor even more information go to www.russellgardeners.ca

Table of Contents

The Executive 2Committees 3

Message from the President 4Message from the District Director 5

Gardening Tips and Tricks 5The Year in Review 6 Programme of Meetings and Events 8Russell Re-Leaf, Plant a Tree 2015 9Junior Programme Activities 10Year of Soils 11Things Going On 12March it on Out - Swap Meet 12Day Trips 13

Official Flower of the Society 132015 June Flower Show Schedule14

Perennial, Herb & Annual of the Year 16Other Events of Interest 16

Membership 17Acknowledgements 17

OfficersMarcel Beauchamp, President 613-448-3087Louise Houle, Past President 613-443-0514Carole Van Die, 1st Vice President 613-821-3096Grace Stapper, 2nd Vice President 613-445-5737Chris Korotash, Secretary 613-445-5487Peter Van Die, Treasurer 613-821-3096

DirectorsSusan Barr 613-496-3009Linda Duhamel 613-443-3756Pegi Holtz 613-821-0364Marie-Claire Ivanski 613-443-5627Marilyn MacMillan 613-445-3069Lindley McPhail 613-445-0754Nicole Patenaude 613-443-0070Marianne Vedder 613-445-5341

Life memberships are awarded to someone with a long-time membership in a Society, usually with a minimum of 15 years, who shows a continued interest in horticulture and who participates in the Society and contributes to its programs. We are proud to have the following Life Members in our Society;

Elizabeth Baas, Barbara Boland, Betty Dugdale, Doris Graham, Margaret Helliker, Dorothy Kinkaid, Alice Proper, Grace Stapper and Marianne Vedder.

The Executive

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2015 AGM District 1Pegi Holtz, Linda Duhamel, Grace Stapper, Louise Houle & Lindley McPhail

Annual Plant SaleLindley McPhail, Louise Houle, Marilyn MacMillan & Pegi Holtz

AuditorsTBA

Day TripsLouise Houle

Door Prizes/Gift BasketsCarole Van Die, Marianne Vedder, Marilyn MacMillan & Lindley McPhail

Flower ShowsPegi Holtz, Lindley McPhail, Marilyn MacMillan & Louise Houle

Garden Maintenance(at the Legion/Lions/Cenotaph)Carole Van Die, Peter Van Die,Marilyn MacMillan

Garden ToursLouise Houle & Marilyn MacMillan

High School AwardsMarilyn MacMillan

Historical, Photos & AlbumsMargaret Helliker

Juniors LiaisonGrace Stapper

Committees

Library LiaisonLindley McPhail

Living Locally FairLindley McPhail, Pegi Holtz &Carole Van Die

March it On OutLouise Houle, Lindley McPhail & Pegi Holtz

MembershipGrace Stapper

PublicityNicole Patenaude, Marie-Claire Ivanski & Jacqueline Wyss

RefreshmentsMarilyn MacMillan

Russell Fair Hort. Soc. BoothCarol Van Die, Marcel Beauchamp& Alice Proper

Santa Claus ParadeLindley McPhail & Susan Barr

SunshineLinda Duhamel & Marie-Claire Ivanski

WebsiteJacqueline Wyss

Winter CarnivalLouise Houle, Marilyn MacMillan, Carole Van Die & Lindley McPhail

YearbookPegi Holtz & Jacqueline Wyss

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As I sit here writing in mid-February, looking at the snow and cold outside, I can’t help but to start fantasizing about warmer weather that’s coming and the joy of gardening that is, to me, just around the corner.

This is the time when my houseplants, mostly orchids, are beginning to “wake up”. Yes, it’s still cold and snowy, but I see longer days and a more intense and warmer sun, harbingers of better times that bring back fond memories of my days in the greenhouses at the Experimental Farm.

The warmer and longer days will also bring renewed energy to a wonderful group of people who

make up the Russell and District Horticultural Society. This dynamic ensemble is now getting ready to tackle the gardening season with gusto! And judging by their past achievements and involvement in so many great projects that have beautifi ed our community over the years, the coming year promises more of the same. Witness MacDougall Park with its unique dry-stone bridge and assorted trees, shrubs and perennials under a canopy of towering white pines, the Children’s Fantasy Reading Garden at the Russell Public Library that beckons children to enjoy books in a wonderful and welcoming natural setting, the extremely successful annual Living Locally Fair, and now the promising March It On Out, all living embodiment of what the RDHS is all about. Oh, did I mention fun? The monthly meetings attest to that, with an array of stimulating topics and arresting speakers, plant sales and auctions, etc. Not a dull moment! And not to mention the exhilarating garden tours and day trips to places that foster inspiration and a chance to renew our gardens with wonderful selections of new plants.

This year we will host the District 1 AGM at St Thomas Aquinas HS, further cementing our bond and partnership with this institution, and creating an opportunity to connect with like-minded people from all over eastern Ontario in an atmosphere of learning and fun activities. We will also recommit to the community with the Russell Re-Leaf tree planting initiative in partnership with Beyond the House Garden Centre. This project is particularly endearing to me because of my love and passion for trees.

As you can see, 2015 promises to be yet another year where we will continue reaching out to the community with open arms in the hope of sharing the fun, contentment, and peace that gardening off ers, with as many people who are willing to join us. Come see what we’re about. Come share some of yourself.

Marcel Beauchamp President, RDHS

Message from the President

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Well here I am, introducing myself, yet again (especially to those of you who attended the Convention in Cornwall in July). I have been chosen to lead the masses in District One. With strong roots, sunshine and caring I hope to produce many blooms.

My horticultural journey has taken me from the basics where I could recognize roses and dandelions before dating a florist’s daughter, to successfully planting many unique gardens and containers with her assistance. I spent thirty years with the O.P.P. in the Hawkesbury detachment where I worked on the road. In order to keep sane I became involved in many groups away from work which included chaperoning a high school band on their exchanges, working as a Cub Leader, organizing the local minor softball league, acting as chairman of the school advisory council, coaching community basketball teams, being a certified basketball referee in two boards, acting as treasurer for the local Special Olympic athletes, chaperoning/organizing high school overseas exchanges and becoming involved with the local horticultural society. Since becoming a “retired” gentleman, my job description continues. Now I am secretary/treasurer for the local basketball board as well as refereeing in three boards, working for myself in accident reconstruction cases, inspecting soy bean fields for compliance, sitting on several provincial constitutional organization boards and acting as treasurer with the O.P.P.V.A. 2015 AGM. I have sat on the executive of Vankleek Hill & District Horticultural Society for the past eight (8) years and have now become a District Director. My wife, Louise (the florist’s daughter), and I always make the time to visit with family and friends and discover new and interesting destinations whenever possible.

Charles Freeman OHA District 1 Director

Message from the District Director

Gardening Tips and Tricks

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Flowers for over septic beds: thymes, wild columbine, sky blue aster, white aster, lanceleaf coreopsis, coneflowers, rough blazing star, lupin, mint, beard tongue, black-eyed susan, spiderwart, gypsophilia, cleome, cosmos

In May and June, give your roses a hand-full of Epsom salts and dig in pieces of banana skins. Both contain elements helpful to the growth of roses.

Plants that grow well under Black Walnut trees:Full sun: lilacs and spireaPart shade: hosta, astilbe (with sufficient moisture)

Slug killer for early spring - put on hostas just before the hosta leaves appear:10 parts water and 1 part household ammonia - mix together and pour over the hosta crowns

The Year in Review 2014

We have had a busy and productive year. Much enjoyment and learning once again.Monthly meetings were well attended and the presentations were varied and interesting: a photo presentation from Australia and beyond, natural pest control for your garden, new trends in outdoor landscaping, square foot gardening, bees and flower shows, preserving, pickling and jam making. Some talks were from our own expert members, Erin Holtz, Marcel Beauchamp, Pegi Holtz, Lindley McPhail and Grace Stapper as well as from invited speakers; Nicholas Bott, Carolyn Klickerman and Laurie McCannell. Our Junior gardeners did a presentation on hummingbirds and told us of their project to put more hummingbird feeders around the community.The Sixth Annual Living Locally Fair was an astounding success with more than 130 exhibitors and 2000 guests filling the atrium, gym and classrooms at St-Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School. This event clearly represents our wonderful partnership with STACHS. Many people actively participated in making this a success. Since it is also our society’s main fundraiser, all members should be involved in some way. Look to Lindley, Pegi, Carole or Grace to find out how you can contribute to this event in the upcoming years.Our participation in the revived Russell Winter Carnival in February was well received. We sold hotdogs, rice krispies squares, juice and hot apple cider, on Sunday afternoon, upstairs at the arena. This was a kids activity program with balloon art, face painting and Little Ray’s Reptiles. We also sold hot cider by the river but that did not go as well and we will not be repeating this part next year.The 2nd year for the March It On Out, swap meet, was also a success despite the morning snow storm. Held on the Saturday after the March Break, this new initiative will be repeated again this year at St-Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School.Rain Barrel sales were not as profitable this year but considering how well we did the 2 preceding years, it is understandable. It is unlikely that we will do this again next year. The annual Plant Sale at McDougall Park on the Saturday of the May long weekend went very well with many members bringing in divided plants from their gardens. St-Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School provided veggies, some annuals and potted cannas from their greenhouse. It is a winning combination and everyone leaves with new additions for their gardens.Two other times when members have the opportunity to purchase plants and other garden related items are at the auctions during our monthly meetings. One was held in June and the other in September in combination with a tasting of goods from the garden; jams, jellies, relishes, marinades. Always popular and so much fun.A flower show which also includes photography, crafts and writing was held in June. Members were also encouraged to participate in the Russell Fair Flower Show at the beginning of September. This year we also designed a task for

The Year in Review

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The Year in Review

the Amazing Race challenge. Our Junior members were exceptionally well represented at the Fair. Bravo to them and especially to their leaders.Our day trips took us to the Rebeler Conservation area where Paul Schoenig talked about lichens, moss, fossils and birds. Quite a discovery so close to home. In June we went to La chasse-gardée du marais in Chelsea, Quebec and were guided through this private domain by the owners. Spectacular! In October we were off to the Butterfly Show at Carleton University and then to the Arboretum to collect tree seeds, guided by our resident expert Marcel Beauchamp.Many members volunteered and attended the OHA Convention in Cornwall which was organized by the 7 societies of District 1. Gardeners from all over the province congregated in Cornwall, on the edge of the St-Lawrence to hear speakers, attend workshops, participate in Flower Shows, enjoy scrumptious meals and party. Kudos to the numerous members who volunteered. It was a great success. Hats off to us!On August 23rd, our annual garden tour took us from Casselman to Embrun then to Russell and finally to Metcalfe. It was a sunny and hot day but with plentiful rains throughout the summer, the gardens were all in great shape. From small intimate gardens with cascading waterfalls to expansive country properties with ponds and massive stonework, there was something for all tastes and preferences. Many thanks to our hosts for opening up their doors to the many attendees who were inspired and awed by the beauty of all the plants, hardscaping and water features. A special thank you to Pegi Holtz for hosting the social at the end of the day.After many years of work and fundraising, the Children’s Fantasy Reading Garden was inaugurated in November 2014 on a rather cold Saturday morning. It was a very ambitious but worthwhile project benefiting the whole community but especially the children who can let their imagination and fantasy soar in a safe and educational space. Thanks to the businesses and members of the community who supported us in this endeavor. A newly formed Publicity Committee is busy writing up their mandate and gathering all pertinent information from different contributors and dividing up the jobs. So if you think you might want to give some time to this committee speak to one of the members: Nicole Patenaude, Marie-Claire Ivanski and Jacqueline Wyss.Our November meeting is also our Annual General Meeting, pot luck Christmas supper and election of the executives for the upcoming year. As usual there was a review of that year’s activities, a wide assortment of fabulous food to be enjoyed by all and games and prizes. There are no new members to the board this year but everyone on last year’s board is willingly volunteering to serve the society once again. Without these devoted members, the Russell and District Horticultural Society would not exist. Many thanks to everyone for your dedication and hard work.

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Programme of Meetings and Events

2015Saturday, April 11District 1 Annual General Meeting in Russell

Monday, April 20Tree and shrub propagation, including seeds, cuttings, andlayeringGuest Speaker Robert Glendinning, Arboretum Groundskeeper

Saturday, May 16Plant Sale, McDougall Park

Monday, May 18Yummy Centerpieces (making floral arrangements using fruits and veggies).Guest speaker Robert Goddard

Saturday, May 23“Spring has Sprung” garden tour

Saturday, June 6Day Trip to the Peony Show at Ottawa City Hall

Monday, June 15Flower Show and Auction

Wednesday, June 24Day Trip to Smart Greens in Cornwall

July 3 -5OHA Convention, Ancaster

Wednesday, July 8 (rain date July 9)Road trip to Maitland Garden of Hope

September 9 - 13Russell Fair

Monday, September 21Gift from the Garden Auction

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Programme of Meetings and Events

Monday, October 19Spring BulbsGuest Speaker Mary Ann Van Berlo

Monday, November 23RDHS Annual General Meeting and Potluck Supper

2016Saturday, January 16Living Locally Fair

Monday, January 18Sauerkraut and other Fermented FoodsGuest speaker Margaret Vant Erve, coordinator of the Ottawa East Community Garden

Monday, February 15Creating a Monarch Butterfly HabitatGuest Speaker the Monarch Teacher Network of Canada

Monday, March 21Tree trimming policy and practices by Hydro One

Saturday, MarchMarch it on Out

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Russell Re-Leaf - Plant a Tree 2015

This year the RDHS in partnership with Beyond the House is pleased to offer a 40% discount on a limited number and selection of deciduous trees. This offer is only available to residents of Russell Township and members of the RDHS. If you wish to take advantage of this program, which lowers the price of the trees available from $160 to $95 there are a few easy steps. You must order before April 1, 2015. First, go into Beyond the House and discuss your planting location with the staff to choose a tree; put down a deposit; attend a short, free planting seminar. Spend the next few decades enjoying your new tree.

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The year began with Mary Lynn Lackie, Suzanne Leger and Diane Wade selecting seeds, plants and crafts for the children to show at the Russell Fair in September. By March the plants were growing at Meadowgreen Nursery and plans were underway to count out seeds and prepare a booklet for the children. 46 children took part this year with 20 Sprouts, 17 Juniors and 9 Seniors.When planning the activities the leaders kept in mind the items requested for the Ontario Horticulture Association Convention held in Cornwall in July. The items the children decided to enter were entered in Cornwall and then brought back and entered among the Jr. Horticultural exhibits in Russell Fair. The Russell and District children received many prize ribbons.The plants chosen for Sprouts were Salvia, zinnia, multicoloured Swiss chard and sugar baby watermelon. Both the edibles proved very popular with the children. The activities included fair produce displays, printing, drawing, a scarecrow and a miniature garden.The Juniors grew snapdragons, cosmos, red Swiss chard and cantaloupe. Their fair projects included plant displays, art, printing, designing a cover for next year’s booklet, a scarecrow, a bountiful produce basket and a garden sign.The Senior group, although few in number, made a wonderful fair display. They grew dahlias from seed, cleome, white Swiss chard and honey dew melon. Growing dahlias from seed is possible, it prove to be more of a challenge than we had hoped for. Their crafts included a scarecrow, printing, drawing, a miniature garden, and a Scottish Thistle project.A get-together was held on the Sunday that ended the fair and the children received their prizes. They also enjoyed cookies, fruit and a juice box drink.During the summer the Juniors took part in the Russell Library’s Fun Fair to finalize the Summer Reading Program. Information on Junior Gardening was discussed and the guest children had an opportunity to plant a ‘hens & chickens’ plant and paint a small flower pot to keep.The Russell Junior Horticulture received a $50 Youth Grant from the Ontario Horticultural Assoc. The money was spent on bulbs to plant in a low bush edible fruit flowerbed the Senior Hort. Group had established. Senior leaders meet with us to discuss the importance of lower growing plant varieties and generously brought along samples of a variety of fruits and berries available on the shrubs in season.Thank you to the Senior Horticultural Society for sponsoring the club and to Meadow Greens for the seeds and seedlings.

Junior Programme - Annual Report for 2014

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Year of Soils

2015 is designated by the United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization as “Year of Soils” in an eff ort to raise awareness and promote more sustainable use of this critical resource. “Healthy soils are critical for global food production, but we are not paying enough attention to this important silent ally,” said FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva.

The specifi c objectives of the IYS 2015 are to:

• Raise full awareness among civil society and decision makers about the profound importance of soil for human life;

• Educate the public about the crucial role soil plays in food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, essential ecosystem services, poverty alleviation and sustainable development;

• Support eff ective policies and actions for the sustainable management and protection of soil resources;

• Promote investment in sustainable soil management activities to develop and maintain healthy soils for diff erent land users and population groups;

• Strengthen initiatives in connection with the SDG process (Sustainable Development Goals) and Post-2015 agenda;

• Advocate for rapid capacity enhancement for soil information collection and monitoring at all levels (global, regional and national).

Russell Township Mayor J.P. St. Pierre admires the work of two young artists. Many children took the opportunity to paint a fl ower pot and plant a small fl ower.

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Things Going On

Garden TourEach year, 4 to 5 private member’s gardens can be visited. Get inspired and motivated, learn about new plants and ideas to incorporate into your own place. For a minimal fee of $10 you get to visit these gardens and attend a get-together with snacks and prizes at the end of the tour.Plant Sale On the Saturday of the May long weekend in MacDougall Park, from 9:00am to 12:00pm, established perennials from our members’ gardens, sun or shade beauties, starter veggie plants from St-Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School and garage sale items. Knowledgeable people on site to help you with your selection. All at very reasonable prices. Day TripsJoin us for outings to areas/spots of interest. We leave in the morning and come back in the afternoon. We meet up at a convenient location and carpool to our destination. WorkshopsWe occasionally have hands-on workshops. For a small fee (to cover cost of materials) you get to make something (ex: stepping stones) or acquire new knowledge (ex: pruning) through practice.

Two years ago this new idea came to life.On Friday after 4:00pm and Saturday between 8:00 and 9:30, people drop off what they don’t need or want any more at St-Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School. Students, teachers and RDHS volunteers organize these items (books, toys, clothing, accessories, kitchenware, seasonal dé-cor, small appliances…) on cafeteria tables. Shoppers come in at 10:00am on Saturday morning, pay a 10$ entry fee, browse through all the stuff and take away anything and everything they want. That’s it! What a great idea!Some people get rid of their gently used stuff, others find treasures; we make money for a small amount of volunteer hours and another group benefits by coming at the end and taking all that is left for a future garage sale.So all members can contribute with stuff and/or time. Start your Spring cleaning early, pack up all your donations and sign up to help that day too.

March it on Out - Swap Meet

The official flower of the Russell and District Horticultural Society is the Rudbeckia.

The wild Rudbeckia, Rudbeckia hirta (meaning hairy), is a sun-loving, tough, showy, mid-to-late summer bloomer. The plant is found growing wild in roadside ditches and fields from Newfoundland to British Columbia and south to Mexico. The leaves are coarse, rough, and hairy, hence the Latin name hirta. The flower heads are 2 to 3 inches across, with up to 20 golden yellow ray petals, and a small, brown, domed disk in the center of each head. Beloved by goldfinches, chickadees, and

other small birds, it is a prolific self-seeder. There are annual, biennial and perennial types of Rudbeckia which are suitable for the low-maintenance or informal garden. There are numerous types of Rudbeckia and they come in many different heights ranging from 1 to 8 feet tall. Every year there are exciting new varieties and colour variations to choose from.

Official Flower of the Society

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Day Trips

Saturday, June 6 - Peony Show at Ottawa City Hall

Wednesday, June 24 Smart Greens in Cornwall(This is sustainable urban farming at its best, supplying fresh greens all year round. Check them out www.smartgreens.co)

Friday July 8 - Maitland Garden of HopeClose to Brockville (A 1.5 acre garden featuring 20 theme gardens and over 5,000 perennials, grasses and shrubs. Check them out www.mait-landgardenofhope.ca)

2015 June Flower Show Schedule

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Russell and District Horticultural Society2015 JUNE FLOWER SHOW SCHEDULE

CLASS: Flowers Prizes: 1st - $2, Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

1. Allium, 1 stem 2. Campanula, 1 cultivar, 3 stems 3. Delphinium, 1 spike 4. Flowering shrub or tree, 1 branch 5. Flowering vine, under 40cm (above edge of container) 6. Iris, 1 stem 7. Lilacs, 3 stems 8. Peony, red, double, 1 bloom 9. Peony, pink, double, 1 bloom10. Peony, white, double, 1 bloom11. Peony, red, semi-double, 1 bloom12. Peony, pink, semi-double, 1 bloom13. Peony, white, semi-double, 1 bloom14. Peony, red, single, 1 bloom15. Peony, pink, single, 1 bloom16. Peony, white, single, 1 bloom17. Peony, any other colour, 1 bloom18. Papaver (poppy) – 1 stem19. Rose, red20. Rose, pink21. Rose, any other colour22. Any other flower not mentioned above, 1 stem

CLASS: Foliage Prizes: 1st - $2, Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

23. Fern - collection minimum 3 varieties24. Heuchera (Coral Bells) - 1 cultivar, 3 leaves25. Heuchera Collection - minimum 5 leaves26. Hosta - 1 giant leaf (measuring from the tip of the leaf to leaf base over 10 inches)27. Hosta - 1 large leaf (measuring from the tip of the leaf to leaf base 6 to 10 inches)28. Hosta - 1 medium leaf (measuring from the tip of the leaf to leaf base 4 to 6 inches)29. Hosta - 1 small leaf (measuring from the tip of the leaf to leaf base 2 to 4 inches)30. Hosta, miniature, any 1 cultivar, 3 leaves (measuring from the tip of the leaf to leaf base under 2 inches)31. Hosta - any 1 cultivar, 3 leaves32. Hosta Collection - minimum 3 varieties, 2 leaves of each

CLASS: Arrangements Prizes: 1st: $3; Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

33. “In the Red” - an interpretive design34. “Leaves a Plenty” - an all foliage arrangement

2015 June Flower Show Schedule

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35. “Your Own Palette” - interpreting an artist’s painting. Provide a picture of the painting that inspired your arrangement. 36. “In My Kitchen” - an arrangement to enjoy at your kitchen table37. “Small Fry” - a small arrangement under 5” in any direction38. “Synergy” - A contemporary design in which several containers are used in a composition. Each container may hold a complete or a partial arrangement and the combined units create a unified whole.

CLASS: House Plants Prizes: 1st: $3; Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

39. Succulent or cactus40. Any house plant, named

CLASS: Fruit and Vegetables Prizes: 1st - $2, Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

41. Collection of freshly cut herbs in 1 container, minimum 5 varieties, named on a separate card42. Plate of salad greens43. Rhubarb, 5 stalks

Class: Photography: 1st - $2, Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

44. “Up and Coming”45. “Sunset” 46. “White-out” 47. “Birds in Flight” 48. “Garden Dwellers” 49. “Magic in the Air” 50. “Garden Party” 51. “Winterscape” 52. “Trees” 53. “He’s a ‘fun-guy’ (fungi)”

Writing: 1st - $2, Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

54. Acrostic. A form of poetry that is written vertically in capital letters.Blooming – Please print “Blooming” in 14 font in bold print with the rest of the poem in 12 font.55. Free Verse or Rhyme – In length minimum 10 lines and maximum 40 lines.All poems must be horticultural-related with the theme “Hat’s off to us!”.56. Story about something in your garden which is horticultural-related and to be between 600 and 700 words.

Art: 1st - $2, Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

57. Floral painting – any medium58. Multimedia creation with a horticulture theme59. A garden element you created

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Perennial, Herb and Annual of the Year for 2015

Herb of the Year (2015) – SavorySavory has a rich history as a cooking herb going back over 2000 years. The leaves should be harvested as they grow. It dries well and keeps its strong flavor. For cooking, savory is used either fresh or dried with winter savory being more strongly scented. Its robust flavor holds up very well in dishes that are slow cooked, like stews, soups and roasts. Who among us can forget the inviting smell of savory in bread crumb dressing used to stuff our holiday turkey or oven roasted chicken. Use summer savory, with its more delicate flavor, for fresh vegetables such as tender baby green beans, tea mixes, butters and egg dishes.Perennial of the Year (2015) – Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 to 10; Performs best in full sun and will tolerate light shade and is famously adaptable to almost any soil. Uses: It is a stalwart selection in the full-sun, especially native, meadow or prairie gardens. Flower arrangers find the foliage and plumes useful for arrangements. This warm-season perennial grass offers golden fall colour. There are no serious insect or disease problems with Switchgrass. Plants are best divided in spring.Annual of the Year (2015) – Sunflower (Helianthus)A genus of plants comprising about 70 species in the family Asteraceae, all of which are native to North America except three species in South America and are cultivated in temperate regions as food crops and ornamental plants. The domesticated sunflower is the most familiar species.

Other Events of Interest

The Canadian Peony Society will be presenting its annual show and conference at City Hall in Ottawa, Ontario on June 6th and 7th, 2015.

Peterborough Garden Show happening April 2-4, 2015

Claire Desrocher and Marie-Claire Ivansky’s Victorian Tea fundraiser for cancer research will take place on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. Marcel Beauchamp will also give a garden tour.

International Plowing Match, September 22-26, Finch, Ontario

The Society wishes to acknowledge and thank the following people and organizations for their cash donations, gifts certificates, prizes, and/or their professional talents that were donated during 2014.

Acknowledgements

Membership

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We would also like to thank all those members and their spouses without whom our programs would not be as successful as they are.

Government of OntarioOntario Horticultural AssociationRussell Agricultural SocietyRussell Lions/LegionTownship of RussellSt. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High SchoolPoppa Bean CoffeeBeyond the House Garden CentreSerenity Landscaping

Our membership year runs from January to December. Adult membership is $10 per year. For juniors the fee is $7 per year with a maximum of $15 per family. The benefits of membership, besides belonging to such a great group, are flower shows, photo competitions, monthly speakers, garden tours, plant sales, auctions, field trips and workshops. Also, the following businesses have generously made available a 10% discount to members of the Russell and District Horticultural Society. The discount applies to regular priced green nursery stock. A valid 2015 membership card must be presented prior to sales being rung up. Thanks to - Barry’s Home Hardware, Russell Beyond the House, Russell Rideau Woodland Ramble, Merrickville You can buy a membership at any regular meeting.

We’re proud to be affi liated with District 1 of the Ontario Horticultural Associationwww.gardenontario.org.

April 201511 District 1 Annual General Meeting in Russell

20 Tree and Shrub Propagation

May 201516 Plant Sale

18 Yummy Centerpieces

23 “Spring has Sprung” garden tour

June 20156 Day Trip to the Peony Show

15 Flower Show & Auction

24 Day Trip to Smart Greens

July 20153-5 OHA Convention, Ancaster

8 Road trip to Maitland Garden of Hope

September 20159-13 Russell Fair – Flower Show and Junior’s Show

21 Gifts from the Garden Auction

October 201519 Spring Bulbs

November 201523 Potluck dinner and AGM

January 201616 Annual Living Locally Fair

18 Sauerkraut and other Fermented Foods

February 201621 Tree trimming policy and practices by Hydro One

March 2016March it on Out

The Year at a Glance