MGOI Annual Report 2012 - Master Gardeners of Ontario

Table of ContentsGeneral Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Vision, Mission Statement, Goals………………………………………………………………………………………………...Your MGOI Organization at a Glance………………………………………………………………………………………….4Annual Report Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5Membership Trends and Charts……………………………………………………………………………………………...…6Honourary Master Gardeners ………………………………………………………………………………………………...…9President’s Message…..……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..10Financials …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..12Events…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..14Reports…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….Communications Committee………………………………………………………………………………………………………17Education Committee………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...19Local Group Annual Reviews……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………..….21Zones and Zone Directors…………………………………………………………………………………………………......…..22Zone map for the province………………………………………………………………….…………………………….………..23Annual Reviews of the 35 Master Gardener Groups in Ontario………………………………………..………24-69Algoma ……………………………………………………………………………...24Brantford…………………………………………………………………………..…25Cambridge ………………………………………………………………………….…*Durham ………………………………………………………………………….…..26Elgin …………………………………………………………………………………...27Essex-Windsor ………………………………………………………………….…28Etobicoke ………………………………………………………………………….…29Grey County …………………………………………………………………….….30Guelph and Wellington ……………………………………………….……...32Haliburton ……………………………………………………………………….....34Halton ……………………………………………………………………………..….35Huron ………………………………………………………………………….……..37Kitchener ………………………………………………………………………...…38Lake Simcoe South ………………………………………………..………..……*2

to learn, to get to know Master Gardeners from across Canada and to have fun in a beautifulsetting. The question on everyone’s lips is – when can it happen again?Awards of ExcellenceSo, my favourite part of the year was seeing the project submissions for the Canadian Awardsof Excellence. Ten projects were submitted from across the province – go to the www.mgoi.cawebsite to review the projects for ideas and inspiration for your groups. The projects werecreative, supremely well managed, and welcomed by the local communities. A number ofprojects received testimonials from the communities highlighting the significance to them.These 10 projects have been submitted for the Prime Minister’s Award of $10,000. If successful,each project will receive a well-deserved $1,000.MGOI WebsiteSomething you need to know about the provincial organization? The website is where you look.For the past 5 years, Linda Hugli has done a masterful job creating and managing the site andhas transitioned the Webmaster role to Jim Cook. Jim has updated the site and relaunchedwww.mgoi.ca this spring. We think it is looking clean and crisp - what do you think?MGOI Social MediaTwitter and Facebook want Master Gardeners. If you have a Tweeting addiction –please getinvolved. Linda Hugli has graciously agreed to stay on as our MGOI Facebook ‘lead’ and she ishappy to see you participating.MGOI NewsletterThe newsletter, edited by the Westlakes, Dianne & Gary, is an institution. The timely articles,the reviews of events past, and events planned, is a great way to stay on top of what ishappening across the province. This is our news!The provincial organization needs to know how best to support groups – what is it that will helpyou to flourish? We are networking with Master Gardeners across the province and beyond;there are always ways to improve, the world is changing, communication is everywhere…butthere is never enough…or it isn’t working. Help us make our discussions better year after year,Thanks, from another Master Gardener,Jane Beck11

RevenuesFinancials • MGOI Fiscal 2012-2013Where do revenues come from?Donations,$5,578Other,$4,193Trillium Grant,$22,074Convention Income,$73,180Group memberships,$25,20012

ExpendituresHow are revenues spent?MGOI Fiscal 2012-2013DollarsEducation program0Bank charges and interest9Telephone and communications366Badges and certificates1667Office and general1884Donations to groups2926Insurance3349Professional fees3766Honorarium6000Zone and Board travel and related expenses7967Convention expenses7484213

Master Gardener of Ontario Events106 th Ontario Horticultural Association ConferenceNiagara on the Lake • August 17-19, 2012As one of our closest partners, the OHA offered us a booth at thiswell attended conference. As many MGs are also members of theOHA, and attended this conference, we were able to staff the boothwith MG volunteers from all over Ontario.This annual conference is a valuable opportunity for MGOI to recruitqualified candidates and a chance to promote our services.Canada BloomsMarch 15 – 24, 2013Canada Blooms provides the best opportunity to promote MGOI to a very large audience.It is also a wonderful chance to involve and work with MGs from all over Ontario.This year the event was organized by a Committee – the Event Coordinator, a SpeakerCoordinator, an Advice Clinic Coordinator and a Sit Down Sunday Coordinator.Speakers This year we co-located in Room 102 on alternate days with the other speakersbooked by the Canada Blooms Education Committee 20 speakers on a variety of topics – low maintenance gardening, pollinators,shrubs and trees, ferns, pests, hydrangeas, vertical gardening and more Our speakers came from Durham, Etobicoke, Guelph-Wellington, Halton, Lanark,Mississauga and Toronto. Attendance was up from last year to an average audience of 40 Evaluations given by the audience were more than positive MGs also provided several demonstrations at the Scotts Education Stage –pruning, dividing perennials and repotting orchids. This was well attended andreceived by both the public and the organizers of Canada BloomsAdvice clinicsThere is an ongoing struggle to find the most accessible and economical spot forthe MGOI advice clinics. We always attract hordes of people, but there is a feelingthat if we were better located, we could be of even more serviceThere were two locations for Advice Clinics – one in the row with the other NFPHort Associations and one in a shared INFO booth between the Home Show andCanada Blooms104 MGs from across Ontario volunteered for a total of 355 volunteer hoursWe answered almost 2200 gardening questionsWe sold 35 ‘Ask a Master Gardener’ books14

13 people asked to have MGs as speakers, again from across OntarioMany took recruitment packages and will be contactedSit Down SundaySSD is an event much loved by both MGs and the public. Many often comment that it isthe best part of Canada BloomsOur numbers were up from last year and we met about 55 clients for 20 minute sessionsWith more marketing and online registration, we feel this event will only get more popularCanadian Master Gardener ConferenceApril 5 th -7 th , 2013Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, OntarioTouted as the ‘first ever’ Canadian MG conference, this event was aresounding success. Around 260 people attended the conference from all overOntario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta and Michigan 28 Ontario MG groups were represented There were three well received (really well received)keynote speakers – Dr. Spencer Barrett, CatherineKavassalis and Suzanne Barrett There was a choice of two breakout sessions from the 16offered Paul Zammit and Martin Galloway provided delightfulEvening Chats We had wonderful sponsors and donors to the SilentAuction/Donation Endeavour and although the originalbudget was considered break even, these efforts resultedin an excess of fundsCatherine Kavassaliscaptivated the audience withher talk: “Our Trees-a WalkThrough Time”For the first time, Awards of Excellence were handed out. Many fine projects were submittedand the following groups were given awards: Etobicoke Master Gardeners for the Target Audience project ‘Connecting People withPlants’: the award donated by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Thunder Bay Master Gardeners for the Innovative project ‘Insects and Diseases ofThunder Bay District’, the award donated by the Canadian Nursery and LandscapeAssociation.15

Toronto Master Gardeners for the Workshops and Presentations category Webinarpresentation project ‘Getting your Community Garden Project off the Ground’ awarded byLiz Klose, Honourary Master Gardener and Director of Memorial University’s BotanicalGarden. London Middlesex Master Gardeners for the Community Service project ‘From Seedsto your Table’ donated by Landscape Ontario Denis Flanagan.Denis Flanahan of Landscape Ontario withAwards of Excellence winnersLondon Middlesex Master GardenersMany other activities were held – pre conference monthly contests, a Pollinator ScarecrowContest, door prizes, campfires, pub nights.Conference attendees received a tuber ofthe Muskoka Sunset dahlia courtesy of LindaDronseika, a member of the Muskoka-ParryMGs. This dahlia was developed by Mr.Wilson in Port Carling.Tena van AndelEvent CoordinatorMaster Gardeners of Ontario Inc.16

Communications Committee Report December 2012Members of communications committee Chair Kelly Noel (Ottawa-Carlton MG & Zone Director)NewsletterVice-chair Linda Hugli (Sudbury MG, Zone Director & Webmaster)Dianne & Gary Westlake (Peterborough MGs & Newsletter Editors)Wendy Fletcher (Niagara MG & MGOI Treasurer)Dianne and Gary Westlake continue to do an excellent jobas the editors of our quarterly newsletter What’s GrowingOn. Email notices linking to the newsletter now go outdirectly to 595 members. Previously published newsletterscan be found on our website.MG-listThere are now 406 registered members on the MG-list. Members can join on theirown or send a request to be added. Instructions on how to join have been moved tothe member’s section on mgoi.ca, Master Gardener page - listed as MG Listserveunder Resources.MG-coord listThe email group for coordinators is being used by coordinators to find informationabout how other groups handle various situations. New coordinators are automaticallyadded to this list as they take on the job. Past coordinators can remain members ifthey wish to. They can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of anymessage.Website (Linda Hugli - Webmaster)Our website has averaged more than 4000 unique visitors per month during the pastyear. The Canadian Master Gardener Conference page has been by far the mostfrequently visited page. Sub-domainsAt the end of the calendar year, there were 15 groups with a website in the mgoi.caspace (Ottawa, Sudbury, Etobicoke, Rideau 1000 Islands, Guelph & WellingtonCounty, Mississauga, Lanark, Cambridge, Niagara, Halton, Kitchener, Simcoe County,Lake Simcoe South, Sarnia, and North Bay). The Kitchener group will be migrating toa new independent website in April 2013. There is a link to each of these websites on17

the front page of mgoi.ca as well as on the 'Local Groups' page. The invitation to anygroup without a website to develop one on MGOI.ca still stands.UpdatesAn electronic survey was circulated and several revisions and additions were made tothe website based on the suggestions collected.Additional software was purchased and installed, including an automated daily backupof MGOI.ca and all subdomains which are stored on a remote server, and a secondenhanced layer of security - Sitelock.A MGOI Flowchart, illustrating the structure of the organization, was added to thewebsite. (See the chart on page 4)HandbookThe version of the handbook that is on the website in the members’ only sections isalways the up-to-date version. There have been a few revisions made this year. Theamended pages are always brought to the attention of coordinators by a direct email.Social MediaMGOI's Facebook group now has 123 members,and we have 615 Twitter followers.Zone Director Pamela Love is now managing theMGOI Twitter account, incorporating tweetsprovided to her by various Master Gardenergroups.Landscape Ontario Ask the ExpertLO continues to forward plant-related questions to Linda Hugli who sends each oneto a member of the panel of MGs who have agreed to answer them. This contributionis recognized on the LO website.Kelly NoelChair • Communications Committee18

Education Committee Report 2012Members of education committee Chair June Streadwick (Niagara Master Gardeners)Beth Cook (Durham Master Gardeners)Kelly Noel (Ottawa-Carlton MG & Zone Director)Kevin Long (Lanark County Master Gardeners)Gary Westlake (Peterborough MG & Newsletter Editor)Education RequirementsThe three choices for certification in Ontario are:Four specified courses from Dalhousie University (formerly the Nova ScotiaAgricultural College)Three specified courses from the University of GuelphThe M.G.O.I. Certification ExaminationThese requirements were put in place a number of years ago and are still the options aMaster Gardener in Training must use. The majority of new members seem to be doingthe course work with a few requesting the Certification Examination.Certification ExaminationA fourth Certification Examination was completed at the end of February, 2012. It wassubmitted to the University of Guelph for review, approved and released to theProvincial Administrator for distribution when required.The Education Committee spent some considerable time reviewing the requirements forcertification for a Master Gardener transferring from outside Ontario, and it was decidedthat the Certification Examination should be written, but the fee to write the examinationwould be waived.M.G.O.I. Summer WorkshopThese workshops which were established in 2008 for the continuing education ofMaster Gardeners have continued to be well attended every year since then. They areheld at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture in mid-July. In2012 participants to the Summer Workshop could choose two of three topics offered.The sessions were: “An Investigative Tour of Insects and Diseases that AffectConiferous and Deciduous Trees”, “An Investigative Tour of Insects and Diseases thatAffect Selected Shrubs, Perennials, Annuals and Turf” and “The Urban Farmer –19

Growing Fruit and Vegetables Close to Home”. The cost of the workshop has remainedthe same since its inception, $250, but there are accommodation and transportationcosts for those members coming from out-of-town.Continuing Education UnitsIn June, the Education Committee reviewed the reporting of Continuing Education Units(CEUs), as some groups seemed to have difficulty with their reporting. The guidelineswere amended and it was felt that they were now easier to understand. The numbers ofCEUs earned for some activities were changed, and two were added:Attend the optional Summer Workshop NSACComplete a non-required Horticulture course from the University of Guelph orother post-secondary institutionAll groups have been asked to record the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for eachof their members and everyone is encouraged to earn their mandatory 6 CEUs a year.CEUs are intended to encourage members to keep updating their skills.June StreadwickChair • Education Committee20

Annual Reviews of the 35 MasterGardener Groups in OntarioEach Ontario Master Gardener group is asked to fill out an annual review by February1 st . The Provincial Coordinator, Charlotte Vorstermans receives and collates the data.The annual review contains:data to help track trends in membershipvolunteer hours to tell us how well we are fulfilling our mission to serve thegardening publicinformation about fundraising, partnerships and local group activities to celebrateour achievements and inspire other groupsNew this Year!Coordinators were asked to email a photo or two of theirgroup to include on their group review page. We hope thephotos give everyone a better sense of who you are andinspire others. Thanks to all the groups who were able tosend something in on such a short deadline. Hopefully, nextyear each group will be able to send in a photo or two!21

Which zone are you in?Who’s your Zone Director? Did you know that your Zone Director is there to answer your questionsand help your local group?LocalGroups andtheirZoneDirectorsDonnaRussellLindaHugliAnnaPetersonClaudetteSimsBobWorthySuzanneZacharczykVacantKelly NoelInterimKellyNoelPamela Love &Janice HardyTena vanAndel &ConnieHunterKevin vanAndel22

MAP OF 11 ZONES IN ONTARIO23

AlgomaTotal # of enquiries 70Total # of clinics 6# Attending Clinics 50# of Speaking engagements 13Attendance at speaking engagements 175Newspaper/TD/Media 2# of Master Gardeners 2# of Master Gardeners in Training 1Total # of Administrative Hours 38Total # of Advice Hours 165# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 37Highlight of the YearWe participated in a Home and Outdoor Show and a Green Expo and we provided advice at a plant sale.Major Volunteer ActivitiesTeaching gardening to public school students which included a raised square foot garden bed.We also gave gardening information sessions at a Youth Shelter.Fundraising ActivitiesWe had speaking engagements at meetings of horticultural societies, community and church groups.MeetingsGroup UpdateOne of our MGiT’s resigned. The group is small but provides an impressive impact locally.24

BrantfordTotal # of enquiriesTotal # of clinics 20# Attending Clinics 5-75# of Speaking engagements 15Attendance at speaking engagements 8-100Newspaper/TD/Media 76# of Master Gardeners 18# of Master Gardeners in Training 2Total # of Administrative Hours 96Total # of Advice Hours 124# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 125Highlight of the YearWe invited the public to hear our guest speaker, Cathy Kavassalis and this was a very successful event.Major Volunteer Activities: Garden maintenance at the Bell Homestead Waterwise Garden Award program in partnership with the City and the Brantford Garden Club Grey St. Organic Community Gardens in an advisory role Advice clinics at the City’s Annual Waterwise Garden Speaker seriesFundraising ActivitiesAnnual garden tourMeetings Guest speakers included Ruth Mills on Clematis; Gloria Ord from the Grand River Community Health Center and gave us an update on theCommunity Gardens Project Cathy Kavassalis on Trees in a changing climate Julie Van Den Nest on Carolinian shrubs and trees Theresa Thysmeyer from RBG on Paw Paw treesGroup UpdateThree of our MGiT’s resigned and we have two on reduced contract. Members are fortunate to have anexcellent program of speakers at meetings.25

DurhamTotal # of enquiries 41Total # of clinics 25# Attending Clinics 3452# of Speaking engagements 33Attendance at speaking engagements 1201Newspaper/TD/Media 4# of Master Gardeners 11# of Master Gardeners in Training 5Total # of Administrative Hours 1027Total # of Advice Hours 488# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 543Durham MG Community PlotHighlight of the YearWe hosted a Zone 9 Master Gardener event in the fall. Our events committee worked hard to secure ahigh profile speaker, numerous door prizes, fantastic decorations and delicious treats. We also had atour of Whistling Gardens.Major Volunteer Activities Speaking at new libraries, community events Assisted with a school planting project Assisted with a seniors program Served on the Advisory Committee for Durham College’s new Horticultural Program Developing new partnerships with the municipalities of Pickering and Oshawa We are still active with the Emerald Ash Borer Committee for the regionAll these activities are creating a larger profile for our group.FundraisingGroup UpdateWe welcomed three new MGiT’s and we welcome four of our MGiT’s as Master Gardeners. All of ourmembers are avid learners as we earned a total of 543 CEUs.The number of people attending our events increased by 36%, speaking engagements by 22% and ourclinics by 38%.The Executive Committee and champion roles worked well in sharing responsibilities and providingpersonal development opportunities. We expanded on this concept by introducing committees forprogram planning, communications, outreach and special events. All in all, we had a wonderful year.26

Elgin CountyTotal # of enquiries 79Total # of clinics 15# Attending Clinics 323# of Speaking engagements 24Attendance at speaking engagements 681Newspaper/TD/Media 4# of Master Gardeners 6# of Master Gardeners in Training 0Total # of Administrative Hours 190Total # of Advice Hours 267# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 53Highlight of the YearAll our members received recognition for their “Master Gardener’s” volunteer service by the OntarioGovernment. Five members for 15 year service and one member for 5 year service.Major Volunteer ActivitiesAdvice clinics at all Canadale NurseriesMajor public eventsSteed & Co. LavenderLocal horticultural garden tours and plant salesSpeaking engagements were at horticultural societies, Garden Centres, Libraries and socialorganizationsFundraising Activities“Digging in the Dirt”; a day of informative gardening seminars and an auction.MeetingsThis year we met 6 times and we communicate by telephone and email for updates and information.Group UpdateAt present, we have six active long standing members.27

Essex-WindsorTotal # of enquiries 201Total # of clinics 56# Attending Clinics 730# of Speaking engagements 12Attendance at speaking engagements 324Newspaper/TD/Media 52# of Master Gardeners 19# of Master Gardeners in Training 3Total # of Administrative Hours 794Total # of Advice Hours 1216# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 180Highlight of the YearWe managed an event with excellent speakers on timely topics such as “Setting up a Natural Habitat”plant project and one on “Invasive Species”. A plant auction was held with proceeds going to the CancerSociety as many of our members and friends and family have loved ones touched by this disease.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe participated in the Home Builder Show and Home and Leisure ShowThe Amhertsburg Rhodo FairEarth DayWindsor ExpoHealth FairGarden FairPlant SalesAmbassador LaSalle Garden TourOur ongoing weekly commitment at Colasanti’s Tropical Garden runs from September to May and ourweekly presence at Rona and Canadian Tire runs from February to May. Our presence in the communitycontinues to thrive.Group UpdateWe have two new MGiT’s and well as another who will write her exam soon. Joan Jolin received herEmeritus status this year. We had a great productive year.28

EtobicokeTotal # of enquiries 20Total # of clinics 5# Attending Clinics# of Speaking engagementsAttendance at speaking engagements 230Newspaper/TD/Media# of Master Gardeners 26# of Master Gardeners in Training 12Total # of Administrative Hours 1200Total # of Advice Hours 1000# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 420Highlight of the YearThe continued success and growth of our Humber Arboretum partnership and our increasinginvolvement with Panorama Community Garden. Both these projects have broadened and deepenedour impact in Etobicoke.Major Volunteer ActivitiesPartnership with Humber ArboretumMontgomery Inn Lecture seriesPanorama Community Gardens including a Children’sGardenNorth Albion School open spaceFundraising Activities Plant Fair in May Our answer table at Islington NurseriesMeetingsCertification exam grads!We meet in January, February, March, April, September, October and November.Group UpdateWe are gradually putting into place Policies and Guidelines to clarify what we require from ourmembers. As the group expands, having more structure will become important. Our focus is changingto include environmental issues as well as our community commitment to the gardening public who askfor our assistance.29

GreyTotal # of enquiries 15Total # of clinics 9# Attending Clinics 133# of Speaking engagements 16Attendance at speaking engagements 375Newspaper/TD/Media 1# of Master Gardeners 7# of Master Gardeners in Training 2Total # of Administrative Hours 374Total # of Advice Hours 278# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 82Highlight of the YearWe had a half day seminar/technical update put on primarily for gardeners in the community. Ourspeakers were: Karen Neerhof, Rec. Programmer, Town of South Bruce Peninsula who spoke on Square FootGardening – Small Spaces, Big Rewards. Sue Connelly, Grey County Master Gardeners whose topic was The Smell of Fear – What to doabout those Pesky Critters. Patricia Draves, Grey County Master Gardeners whose topic was Another Hot, Dry Summer –Best Practices/Best Plants.Through partnerships in community projects and MG presentations, we significantly increased andimproved our working relationship with other gardening groups and community organizations.Major Volunteer ActivitiesAdvice clinics at local farmer’s markets and community events.Webinar for CMHA programs in SW Ontario: co-presentation with Emma Rooney, TMG andTeresa Pearson, Leisure Access Coordinator, CMHA Owen Sound on Community Gardens forCMHA programs in SW Ontario.Two ongoing projects with elementary school children; Grown in Grey, 2 full days on the topic ofidentifying edible parts of vegetables and Forest Festival, 3 full days at the Edible Forest Booth.CMHA Owen Sound and SE Grey Community Health Centre, Markdale where we gave advice togardeners and clients on planting and maintaining vegetable gardens.Creating a heritage orchard at the Grey Roots Museum (phase 1 of a 3 year project).Fundraising ActivitiesThe major fundraiser is our annual fall plant sale which brings in $800-$1000. Donations are receivedfor speaking engagements increased this year.30

MeetingsWe hold formal meetings from March to November. Our March meeting is a full day which includes ourAGM as well as planning activities and priorities for the year. The other meetings are approximately 2.5hours and incorporate a learning component (presentation by a group member or guest speaker)Group UpdateIn the fall of 2012, Margot Byers, formerly with the Oakville Master Gardeners, joined our group. Wehave two other people who will formally join our group in March 2013. Karen Young received her MGcertificate in 2012. Diane Everest and Paul Stadia received Emerita status. All members are very active.31

Guelph-WellingtonTotal # of enquiries5000 (includes website hits)Total # of clinics 26# Attending Clinics 525# of Speaking engagements 18Attendance at speaking engagements 1000Newspaper/TD/Media 13# of Master Gardeners 24# of Master Gardeners in Training 10Total # of Administrative Hours 875Total # of Advice Hours 833#of TUs/Continuing Education Units 168Highlight of the YearWe continue to partner with the University of Guelph Arboretum, the Waterloo Wellington WildflowerSociety, Pollination Guelph, The Guelph Enabling Garden, the Guelph Horticultural Society and the Cityof Guelph to provide joint events and advice. We are maintaining a native plant woodland garden areaat the Arboretum. We are providing advice and assisting a gardening series; three members providedfour shows. One member provided a four week introduction to a gardening course in partnership withthe Arboretum.We are continuing to train our members to provide presentations. Each member will present a shortpresentation for one of our meetings. The demand for presentations to the public is increasing.Our annual Day in the Garden day of speakers continues to grow.Several members plan to attend the National MG Conference.Annually we tour one another’s gardens and take an annual bus trip to tour gardens and horticulturalsites. All this contributes to our knowledge and abilities.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe provided phone and email based hotline personal advice.Special events included roving MGs at garden tours, the U of G Trial Garden open house and theArboretum plant saleWe partnered with Pollination Guelph, City of Guelph Healthy Landscapes and the GuelphEnabling Garden to provide advice, displays and speakers at their eventsSeveral members helped at Canada Blooms and spoke to local garden clubs, interest groups andhort societies.32

Fundraising ActivitiesOur only fundraising activity is our Annual Plant Sale which netted about $5500.MeetingsOur meetings provided a variety of interesting speakers and activities for members. Members wereprovided some CEUs at meetings. Each member provided a 5 to 10 minute presentation, book report,demonstration or plant description for the group at least one meeting. Three members prepared a 20minute presentation about a specific pest.Annually members are provided with an educational and social bus trip. Annually, we tour three to fourmembers’ gardens. This year we toured gardens in the south Guelph area.Group UpdatesTwo MGiT's resigned, one due to lack of time, the other due to moving away. One MG resigned due toretirement. Three new MGiT’s joined. Overall we have an active progressing group with many MGs intraining.33

HaliburtonTotal # of enquiries 37Total # of clinics 13# Attending Clinics 99# of Speaking engagements 16Attendance at speaking engagements 193Newspaper/TD/Media 5# of Master Gardeners 6# of Master Gardeners in Training 5Total # of Administrative Hours 333Total # of Advice Hours 150# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 52Highlight of the YearOur annual plant sale which is well known throughout the county and well attended. It is the majorfundraiser of the year.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe held a number of advice clinics over the year with the Bobcaygeon Garden Tour and theLittle Hawk Lake Art and Garden ShowThe group provided a slide presentation to the local horticultural society on the Basics of GardenDesign and each member in the group gave a 20 minute talk on a variety of garden topics at theboth the MG meetings and the horticultural monthly meetingsTwo of our members also work consistently with the grade 3 class in MindenThe website has been a big success for the local population and new articles are addedthroughout the year.Group UpdatesWe have almost as many Master Gardeners in Training as we do full-fledged Master Gardeners.Muskoka Sunset Dahlia from theconference sent in by Sue Flinders-Adams.34

HaltonTotal # of enquiries 125Total # of clinics 23# Attending Clinics# of Speaking engagementsAttendance at speaking engagements 294Newspaper/TD/Media 0# of Master Gardeners 23# of Master Gardeners in Training 11Total # of Administrative Hours 737Total # of Advice Hours 785# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 264Highlight of the YearWe continue to improve our relationship with the Royal Botanical Gardens. This spring we startedworking in partnership with the RBG on a new program aimed at the public on the care and growth ofroses. We continued to work in partnership with the Royal Botanical Gardens to do advice clinics at allthe major festivals.Major Volunteer Activities Advice clinics and support at the Royal Botanical Gardens events Ottawa Street Farmer’s Market (Hamilton) advice clinics, Oakville Farmer’s Market advice clinics “Ask a Master Gardener” table at the Ancaster Horticultural Society Speakers for Canada Blooms, Ford Canada, Public Library Royal Botanical Gardens hotline and email enquiries Various community gardens (e.g., Milton Hort., Milton Hospital Garden, Oakville Hort., TrilliumProject Hamilton, Anderson Bridge Parkette Sustainable Garden, Burlington Central Park withBurlington Green Go Local Food, Hampton Terrace LTC Facility in Burlington, Earth DayGeorgetown, Burlington Public school projects.Fundraising Activities• Monthly draw table; draw items donated by membersMeetings• 9 meetings of which 6 have an educational program component (speakers)• 2 social events; tour of Dundurn Castle grounds and kitchen garden in the summer; Christmas potluckGroup Update change of co-ordinator from Claudette Sims to Patty King in April 2012 Resignations: Ray Hipworth, Marjorie Latimer, Joyce Killin, Janey Marshall35

Visit our website for the latest news at www.haltonmastergardeners.mgoi.caHalton Master Gardener collage from the National Conference at Deerhurst,advice clinics at the Royal Botanical Gardens and home show, BBQ social,Service Ontario Volunteer Awards36

HuronTotal # of enquiries 248Total # of clinics 7# Attending Clinics# of Speaking engagements 12Attendance at speaking engagements 251Newspaper/TD/Media 1# of Master Gardeners 7# of Master Gardeners in TrainingTotal # of Administrative Hours 267Total # of Advice Hours 207# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 65Highlight of the YearSeveral of our members worked with Communities in Bloom for Bluewater and the town received a veryhigh score for their efforts.Major Volunteer ActivitiesSome of our volunteers (2) worked very hard with the Bluewater Communities in Bloom. In addition,several members gave advice clinics which were very well attended.Fundraising ActivitiesWe sold Huron Ridge gift cards.MeetingsWe had seven meetings which were very well attended andusually had speakers.Group UpdateSince the last annual report, four members have left thegroup, mainly due to family concerns.Susan Beatty receiving her 10 year badgefrom smiling coordinator Deena Rodney.37

KitchenerTotal # of enquiries 25Total # of clinics 24# Attending Clinics 554# of Speaking engagements 38Attendance at speaking engagement 1234Newspaper/TD/Media 9# of Master Gardeners 13# of Master Gardeners in Training 2Total # of Administrative Hours 431Total # of Advice Hours 668# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 65Highlight of the YearAs a group educational outing, we visited Langdon Hall and gardens. They grow most of their ownproduce including weeds that the chef uses.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe had 38 speaking engagementsWe partnered with KHS for Seedy Saturday in FebruaryWe participated in bulb and plant sales in May and were part of the City of Waterloo Earth DayMeetingsOur meetings are held the first Thursday of the month, excepting during July, August and December.We plan social pot luck in the summer and in December.38

LanarkTotal # of enquiries 155Total # of clinics 17# Attending Clinics 200# of speaking engagements 20Attendance at speaking engagementsNewspaper/TD/Media 20# of Master Gardeners 11# of Master Gardeners in Training 0Total # of Administrative Hours 201Total # of Advice Hours 282# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 67Highlight of the YearIn 2012 Lanark County Master Gardeners celebrated 25 years with an Open House at whichdemonstrations were conducted, displayed our Fun Projects. People from across the county attendedto wish us well. We also presented service awards to two 25 year members, one 15 year member, twoten year members and presented a Master Gardener Certificate to our last MGiT. We did lose one MGiTdue to the health of her spouse.Volunteer Activities Submitted 20 newspaper articles to the local newspapers Ran advice clinics at four local Farmer’s Markets Provided Master Gardener support to four local Horticultural Society Plant Sales Wrote monthly “As a Master Gardener” column for horticultural societies Hosted a Master Gardener Forum at two horticultural societies Provided support via phone and email Continued support to our website Maintained excellent relations with our local horticultural societies. In fact, Master Gardenerssit on the Board of three local horticultural societiesFundraising Activities With Perth Horticultural Society ran a profitable Plant Sale Conducted a 9 week horticultural course in conjunction with the local campus of AlgonquinCollege.MeetingsOur meetings are held on the 2 nd Wednesday of the month. They are a mixture of business, educationaland social. We have meetings every month except December. Our November meeting alsoincorporates a much anticipated potluck dinner.39

Group UpdateOur group is basically healthy and enthusiastic. We would like to raise our numbers to 15 from 12 andwill make that a priority this year.Coordinator Dale Odorizzi presenting the MG Certificate to VictorWark who had just completed his Dalhousie Training coursesMG Kathleen Lang Dividing perennials40

LindsayTotal # of enquiries 30Total # of clinics 22# Attending Clinics 160# of Speaking engagements 1Attendance at speaking engagements 35Newspaper/TD/Media 6# of Master Gardeners 8# of Master Gardeners in Training 0Total # of Administrative Hours 320Total # of Advice Hours 592# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 1Highlight of the YearOur Seedy Saturday was very successful and well received.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe held MG clinics at our local Farmer’s MarketWe manage a community garden which has 72 plotsWe look after the Lilacs of Lindsay GardensResearching and writing articles for the local paperFundraising ActivitiesSeedy Saturday was another success this year.MeetingsWe meet seven times per year.Group UpdateWe welcomed two new MGiT’s this year and we celebrated by taking a trip to Niagara Parks.41

London-MiddlesexTotal # of enquiries 261Total # of clinics 25# Attending Clinics# of Speaking engagements 53Attendance at speaking engagements 832Newspaper/TD/Media# of Master Gardeners 17# of Master Gardeners in Training 5Total # of Administrative Hours 1088Total # of Advice Hours 1721# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 66Highlight of the Year2012 brought a wonderful idea from Dorothy McGee and Nancy Abra. In response to questions atadvice clinics and from our webpage/helpline the “From Seeds to your Table” course was created. Thecourse is offered in concert with the London Community Resource Centre and Friends of the LondonCivic Garden Complex. The topics took the participants from soil preparation through to harvesting andpreserving their crops.The development of new members learning public speaking skills has been another huge plus stemmingfrom this initiative. Looking to future growth, a first ever fall event was held. The day was composed ofspeakers talking about planning bulbs and seed saving. Bulbs and seeds were sold. Funds from theevent were donated to Growing Chefs Ontario.Major Volunteer ActivitiesSeedy Saturday proved to be a successful event enjoyed by the public and our members. Part of theproceeds were contributed to Seeds of Diversity. Speaking engagements are held at local libraries, LeeValley and the many horticultural societies in the area. Our website based email questions continue tobe important to our community. The telephone hotline usage has decreased substantially. From “Seedsto Your Table” brought new speakers onboard to LMMG. We had an advice table at several venuesincluding local public library plant exchanges.Fundraising ActivitiesOur 5 th annual Seedy Saturday continues to be popular with more than 325 attendees. “From Seeds toyour Table” classes had small expenses of photocopying, snacks and thumb drives only because our likemindedassociates supplied free greenhouse and classroom space. Student fees were $100 each for 8weeks of classes. Three groups of 20 people attended. The 10 day Western Fair Advice table andvarious speaking engagements have contributed as well.42

MeetingsWe had 7 meetings plus the Annual General Meeting, the summer and Christmas potluck. Education isemployed at each meeting whether a speaker is brought in or we have a “plant of the month” talk by amember.Group UpdateWe have added one new MGiT . Two members have completed their courses and have been presentedwith their Master Gardener certificates. One member successfully challenged the Certification Examand will continue to accumulate his volunteer hours in 2013.43

MississaugaTotal # of enquiries 20Total # of clinics 34# Attending Clinics 1770# of Speaking engagements 11Attendance at speaking engagements# Newspaper/TD/Media 6# of Master Gardeners 15# of Master Gardeners in Training 7Total # of Administrative Hours 654Total # of Advice Hours 773# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 96Highlight of the Year2012 was a busy year for MMG. In addition to our regular advice clinics and other events, we held avery successful Fall Plant Sale which contributed to our financial health. We partnered with TheRiverwood Conservancy in Mississauga to develop plant information based on the specific plants in theirnew garden, MacEwan Terrace. This information will be used as part of their new “Garden Tour”program. In addition, we committed to develop and present a series of garden seminars as part of the“Discovery@Riverwood” program t begin in 2013. Finally, we developed a recruitment flyer for our owngroup.Major Volunteer ActivitiesAs in other years, the advice clinics at three major shows and numerous other events were keyto our community-based activitiesOur advice clinic at the CNE provided advice hours for Master Gardeners from Etobicoke,Halton, Lake Simcoe South, Mississauga and Toronto groups.Fundraising ActivitiesA new fundraising activity, the MMG plant sale enhanced our fundraising abilities, ably supported by thecontinued sale of MMG Garden Calendars, plus speaking engagement s for which honorariums weredonated to the group.MeetingsDuring the course of 2012, we held 8 meetings including our AGM and a potluck supper in the garden ofa member. Most meetings feature a keynote speakers (either MMG or external) on a diverse range oftopics. The speaker is followed by our regular meeting.44

Group UpdateThis was also a bumper year for individual MGs:Ten year badges were presented to 6 members: Susan Quirk, Bill Pooke, John Hethrington, EmmaChow, Dorothy Brand and Sandra Vander Wilp. Three members completed their education and receivedthe MG certificates, namely Janice Ekeland, Diane Rogers and Michelle Wilson.Our planned June excursion was to The Wychwood Barns, The Stop in Toronto and this provided anexcellent overview of the role they play in community programs including gardening, health, feedingand food bank and community activism/empowerment.In addition, MMG was invited to tour the restored heritage gardens at Black Creek Pioneer Village andwe spent a most enjoyable time on a cool day admiring the gardens and the extensive effort undertakento restore and maintain them.Two members resigned in 2012, due to other commitments. One new member joined in 2012, with onemore ready to join us in the New Year (2013).45

Muskoka-Parry SoundTotal # of enquiries 102Total # of clinics 25# Attending Clinics 180# of Speaking engagements 24Attendance at speaking engagements 920Newspaper/TD/Media 1# of Master Gardeners 7# of Master Gardeners in Training 3Total # of Administrative Hours 247Total # of Advice Hours 284# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 167Highlight of the YearOur highlight of the year was having guest speaker Carson Arthur.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe have been guest speakers at our local horticultural societies and for NipissingUniversity/Bracebridge CampusWe have also held workshops at senior’s retirement homes and at a children’s camp.Fundraising ActivitiesOur fundraiser was our guest speaker Carson Arthur. We also held a plant sale, unfortunately we gotrained out.MeetingsThis year we had a meeting at a garden centre which was much appreciated. For the first time ever wehad one meeting as a pot luck. It was great, not a lot of business, mostly social which we rarely get todo. We hold three meetings per year, most of them at member’s homes and while there we have agarden tour a great learning experience for all.Group UpdateAt each meeting we have a short educational component organized by members. This is done byrotation.46

NiagaraTotal # of enquiries 656+Total # of clinics 83# Attending Clinics 415# of Speaking engagements 28Attendance at speaking engagements 400+# of Newspaper/TD/Media 12+# of Master Gardeners 37# of Master Gardeners in Training 10Total # of Administrative Hours 929Total # of Advice Hours 930# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 98Highlight of the YearThe July MGOI Summer Workshop at the School of Horticulture featuring plant identificationand pruning techniques for shrubs and trees.The monthly “hands on “workshops at the School of Horticulture which included propagationand transplanting techniques, outdoor container design and general plant care practices.Our annual fall plant sale at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre which was not onlysuccessful as a fundraiser but also as a social experience for our members.Major Volunteer ActivitiesAdvice clinics held at the St. Catherine’s Library on Saturday mornings. These clinics are heldmonthly from October to March then weekly from April to September.Advice clinics at the seasonal Grimsby Farmer’s Market on Thursday evenings.Assisted at the plant sales of local horticultural societies; primarily with plant identification andplant selection for specific garden locations.Spoke at local horticultural societies on various topics.Volunteered and assisted at the Ontario Horticultural Association Convention held in August atNiagara College. Our MG display provided our group with three new MGiT’s.Acted as guides and resource personnel during the Shaw Festival Garden Tour in June. This yearwe will be producing the feature/description sheets for this event.Provided plant/garden advice at the Rice Road Nursery in May and June on Saturdays.Provided advice/workshops at Mori Gardens in NOTL.Took part in Seedy Saturday workshops in Niagara Falls.Manned a hotline/helpline five days a week year round. Garden advice is also offered throughour website via email. We have just recently opened a Facebook account and invite our“friends” to ask questions or leave comments. It is anticipated that future communications withthe public will be carried out electronically rather than by telephone.Provided support for the Start Me Up Niagara program and gardens located in Vineland.47

Fundraising ActivitiesCompensation for advice clinics at Rice Road Nursery.Compensation for advice clinics at Mori GardensNursery.Honoraria/fees from presentations and workshops.Donations for our invited participation in the ShawFestival Garden Tour.Proceeds from a highly successful plant sale.MeetingsOur meetings take place once a month on the second Thursday at 7 p.m. in Rittenhouse Hall located atthe OMAFRA offices in Vineland. Each month we have a speaker and a business meeting follows.Group UpdateWe offer congratulations to two of our MGiT’s on the completion of their mandatory course work.Our new LCD projector is indispensable – we no longer have to rent or borrow equipment. This year weplan on purchasing a PA system. We will continue our financial support of a successful second yearstudent at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture of two scholarships.Working and receiving instruction at the Niagara School ofHorticulture48

NorfolkTotal # of enquiries 79Total # of clinics# Attending Clinics 103# of Speaking engagements 2Attendance at speaking engagements 100Newspaper/TD/Media# of Master Gardeners 5# of Master Gardeners in Training 2Total # of Administrative Hours 217Total # of Advice Hours 256# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 48Highlights of the Year2012 marked our 10 year anniversary which we celebrated in October at our public clinic. Zone DirectorClaudette Sims was on hand to present five and ten year service awards to members: Jackie Cave - 5years; Mary Dillon, Anne Faulkner, Debra Featherstone, and Dottie Smith - 10 years.Our spring and fall public clinics continue to be very popular and well attended. In April YvonneCunnington talked to us about “A Garden for all Seasons: The Making of a Country Garden” in which sheshared with us the development of her own 10 acre country property. In October the highly energeticand enthusiastic Paul Zammit thrilled everyone with his excellent presentation “Drama in the FallGarden”. The venue for both of our clinics was the beautiful showroom at Eising Greenhouses andGarden Centre.Major Volunteer Activities spring and fall public clinics booth at the Norfolk County Fair. The theme this year was “Butterfly Gardening”. Our display,especially the Monarch Butterfly chrysalises in various stages of development, generated a lot ofattention and questions. members were on hand at local garden tours and plant sales to interpret and answer gardeningrelated questions.Fundraising ActivitiesAfter a hiatus in 2011, we resumed our May plant sale in 2012. As always, it was a great success. Withour bank balance replenished we feel we have the funds to carry us through into 2014 and therefore willnot be holding a spring plant sale in 2013.Meetings49

We meet monthly from March to December on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. The majority of ourmeetings are held in the boardroom at OMAFRA, Simcoe, On. Through the summer months we tourlocal gardens and have a potluck supper.Group UpdateThree members, Debra Featherstone, Suzi Hartwick, and Dottie Smith resigned from the group as theywere unable to continue with their volunteer commitments.Jim Mabee from the former Oxford MG group joined us and we also welcomed a new MGiT, CarolynHooper.Our remaining seven hard-working team members continue to be committed and optimistic going into2013.50

North BayTotal # of enquiries 40Total # of clinics 20# Attending Clinics 80# of Speaking engagements 17Attendance at speaking engagements 169Newspaper/TD/Media 9# of Master Gardeners 9# of Master Gardeners in Training 2Total # of Administrative Hours 333Total # of Advice Hours 347# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 68Highlight of the YearSince 2010 we have had six people join our group. All but two have obtained their MG certificates. Thishas almost doubled our membership numbers. Three of our members are working on creating a NorthBay and Area MG website under the MGOI website.As a new venture last year, two of our members, Lynn Farintosh and Carol Gough wrote articles for theHeritage Gardeners monthly newsletter.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe initiated a new set of advice sessions at the local Home Depot last spring as well as our usualtime in the garden centre at Dollar’s Independent GrocersWe gave plant selection and gardening advice to local gardenersWe also shared our expertise with the staff of the garden centers so they could assistcustomers.We were involved with a new venture at Widdifield Secondary School assisting in thedevelopment of a large vegetable garden as well as some perennial plantings both in the interiorcourt yard. It involved many hours of instruction in planting, weeding and harvesting, as well asseed saving. The produce was sent to the local soup kitchen as well as being used by theschool’s Family Study Dept. For this the school group was awarded the Ward SmithEnvironmental Youth AwardWe assisted the Mental Health group with planting vegetables and flowers in their garden boxesand oversaw the resident’s maintenance of the boxesWe also taught a Cub pack about seeds, plants and plantings in order for them to obtain theirgardener’s badge. We expect to do this for other Cub and Sparks groups in 2013.51

Fundraising ActivitiesWe participated in the third annual Seed Exchange in February 2012. We were very pleased with theattendance numbers and our sales were very good – especially in the area of heritage vegetables andherbs. A few of our members ran clinics during the exchange and these were well received.MeetingsFor the last four years, we have been meeting at the North Bay Public Library. One representative of theMaster Gardeners attends the local horticultural societies’ monthly meetings and the HeritageGardener’s monthly meetings as a resource person.Group UpdateIn recognition of 24 years of continuous service to the North Bay and Area Master Gardener Group andthe community, we have finally presented emeritus certificates to two of our members, HelenMcCombie and Vickie Wiemer.52

NorthumberlandTotal # of enquiriesTotal # of clinics 40# Attending Clinics 62# of Speaking engagements 7Attendance at speaking engagements 126Newspaper/TD/Media# of Master Gardeners 13# of Master Gardeners in Training 4Total # of Administrative Hours 423Total # of Advice Hours 433# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 136Highlight of the YearWe had a bus trip for 52 people to the Hudson River Valley the third week of September. We saw manybeautiful gardens and sites of interest.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe volunteered at the Independent Grocers large plant area in Port HopeWe are volunteers at the Big Brothers and Big Sisters annual garden tour in July and also thePort Hope Farmer’s Market and the Port Hope Fair in SeptemberFor the past two years we assisted at the Lavender Festival held in June in the Grafton area.Fundraising ActivitiesOur group arranges the speakers for the Peterborough Garden Show and we receive a portion of theproceeds from the ticket sales.MeetingsWe met ten times this year with the exception of January and February. Our December meeting wasour potluck social event. Most meetings also have an education component.53

Ottawa-CarletonTotal # of enquiries 1109Total # of clinics 71# Attending Clinics 1994# of Speaking engagements 26Attendance at speaking engagements 442Newspaper/TD/Media 6# of Master Gardeners 22# of Master Gardeners in Training 13Total # of Administrative Hours 934Total # of Advice Hours 1027# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 349Highlight of the YearOur continued growth stands out as a highlight for the year. A field trip to a local market vegetablegarden was also very informative, tasty and good fun.Major Volunteer ActivitiesOur “kick-off” event of the gardening season is the Ottawa Home and Garden Show at the endof March. This is one of our most popular and busy events. We provide speakers for the showand staff an advice clinic throughout the four day eventMGOC has a well established presence at four Ottawa area farmers markets. We have “regularclients” who ask us questions from year to year on an ongoing basisOur Telephone Helpline and our Email Help Desk also continue to be popular with Ottawa areagardenersAs well, our members speak to many local groups and we also have advice tables at some oneoffevents throughout the yearWe continue to publish a monthly garden advice newsletter.Fundraising ActivitiesWe host a spring plant sale in conjunction with an art studio and garden tour. A number of ourmembers donate speaker’s fees and Honourarium for articles. MGOC is under contract to providequarterly articles for Ottawa Family Living magazine. Our City of Ottawa clinics earn us a $500 fee eachyear.MeetingsWe hold six formal meetings a year (the 4 th Thursday of the month in Jan, Feb, March, Sept, Oct andNov) and an informal field trip. This year our field trip was to a market vegetable farm, Acorn Creek54

Farm. We also have speakers at our monthly meetings. This means we have one hour of business andone hour of learning at each meeting.Group UpdatesMGOC has seen good membership growth this year. Recruitment continues to be an important activityfor us and we have asked all our members to take an active role in helping us grow. MGOC continues tobe a respected and vibrant part of Ottawa’s horticultural community.Summer Pot Luck55

PeterboroughTotal # of enquiries 217Total # of clinics 122# Attending Clinics 2725# of Speaking engagements 40Attendance at speaking engagements 2145# Newspaper/TD/Media 87# of Master Gardeners 25# of Master Gardeners in Training 7Total # of Administrative Hours 1489Total # of Advice Hours 1114# of TUs/Continuing Education UnitsHighlight of the YearThe 2012 Peterborough Garden Show was very successful event with Peterborough members takinglead roles on the organizing committee. We also provided speakers and an advice table throughout theweekend.Our overnight summer excursion took us to Pathways to Perennial; Folmer’s Landscaping and GardenCentre in Walkerton; Wild Things, Clifford Rockway Gardens, Kitchener; followed by a presentation atRichter’s Herbs. We had wonderful food and great company which made this a fabulous break from ourusual responsibilities.In August, we toured the City of Peterborough compost facility to learn about the process wherebygreen waste is changed into black gold which is then made available to city residents at a reasonablecost. This high quality fully matured compost is screened to ½ inch and tested prior to selling.Major Volunteer ActivitiesOnce again we conducted advice clinics at the Peterborough Ecology Park throughout May andJuneAnnual May Plant saleAdditional clinics were held at local garden centres and horticultural societies’ plant salesWe set up a display at the Peterborough Seedy Sunday. A marked increase in attendance wasmost gratifying.Fundraising Activities56

The Peterborough Garden Show.MeetingsOur monthly meetings include an informative speaker followed by a short business meeting.Group UpdateOur group continues to increase in size. We honoured Laura Stockdale, a valued 20 year member withEmerita status.57

Prince Edward CountyTotal # of enquiries 56Total # of clinics 6# Attending Clinics 180# of Speaking engagements 4Attendance at speaking engagements 200Newspaper/TD/Media 28# of Master Gardeners 12# of Master Gardeners in Training 1Total # of Administrative Hours 300Total # of Advice Hours 400# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 76Highlight of the YearAwareness continues to grow as a result of our weekly “Ask a Master Gardener” column in our localweekly newspaper. We also use questions asked at our events as ideas to be explored in the weeklycolumns.We attended a Day of Wine and Roses held in the spring at Macaulay Heritage Park. This event alsohelped to increase our profile. Tim Bucknell spoke about rose growing and Deborah Paskus, winemakerat Closson Chase, talked about the intricacies of grape growing.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWeekly “Ask a Master Gardener” columnSpeaking engagements at local horticultural societies and garden clubsPresence and advice at Picton’s Canadian Tire creating and distributing advice sheetsAdvice booth at the Picton Fall FairAssisting at horticultural societies plant sales and providing advice at regular meetingsProvided advice at Macaulay Heritage ParkFundraising ActivitiesAnnual plant sale and lilac sale in MayAssisting at Picton’s Canadian Tire and Trenton’s Independent Grocery Stores where wereceived donationsMeetingsWe held 11 meetings along with a December AGM. The Coordinator and Assistant Coordinatorattended the Coordinator’s Conference and the MGOI AGM in October.58

Quinte-TweedTotal # of enquiries 85Total # of clinics 21# Attending Clinics 194# of Speaking engagements 3Attendance at speaking engagements 90Newspaper/TD/Media# of Master Gardeners 12# of Master Gardeners in Training 4Total # of Administrative Hours 420Total # of Advice Hours 726# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 103Highlights of the YearWe continue an ongoing collaboration with a local garden centre where members provide advice and work withactual plant materials to assist people on planting planters and placement of plants in flower/vegetable beds. Toprovide enough manpower coverage we have partnered with the Prince Edward Master Gardener s.The Quinte-Tweed Master Gardeners were featured in two articles in a local paper and a local magazinerespectively and this caused an “up-tick” in enquiries to our email info/helpline. The community newspaperarticle was written by Dan Clost in EMC Lifestyles. Dan received the “Garden Writers Award of Excellence” byLandscape Ontario in January 2012. Hastings County Roads Magazine featured Quinte Tweed Master Gardeners intheir spring 2012 edition and can be accessed via: countryroadshastings.ca/back issues (Spring, 2012)Major Volunteer ActivitiesOur members volunteered at plant sales held by garden clubs they belong to and at sales held by othercommunity groupsWe hold advice clinics at a Garden Centre in Trenton on Saturdays and Sundays during May and June.We provided ongoing technical assistance through the Master Gardener email account and members taketurns monitoring the account and responding to questions.We assisted the garden club at a retirement residence in Belleville in the planning and organizing of theplanting of their raised bedOne of our member’s volunteers in a greenhouse at Centre Hastings Secondary School aimed at teenagersin the Practical Learning Program.Fundraising ActivitiesWe held a plant sale in May. In addition, we received a generous donation from The Garden Centre in Trenton inreturn for holding this clinics.59

MeetingsOur business meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month (January to May and September toOctober) at Quinte Gardens in Belleville. We had a large variety of speakers over the course of the year. Duringthe summer, a business meeting and potluck was held at a member’s garden and in November, a business meetingand Christmas potluck at a member’s home.Group UpdateWe had an MGiT transfer to us from the Etobicoke Master Gardener Group and two additional MGiT’s joined us. Amember who resigned in 1988/99 has shown an interested in rejoining the group. Three additional peopleindicated an interest in joining us but declined as they felt they couldn’t commit to the volunteer hours at thistime. Unfortunately, one of our long time members has resigned due to personal commitments. We continue tofocus on new members throughout the year and currently our membership spans a geographic area in excess of140 km. On a positive note, we are able to partner with garden clubs in Belleville, Stirling, Tamworth andAmeliasburg.All photos by Sue UddenbergGardens of Sue and Cathy Pogue60

Rideau 1000 IslandsTotal # of enquiriesTotal # of clinics# Attending Clinics# of Speaking engagementsAttendance at speaking engagementsNewspaper/TD/Media# of Master Gardeners 13# of Master Gardeners in Training 2Total # of Administrative Hours 430Total # of Advice Hours 220# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 139Highlight of the YearFive of our seven MGiT’s completed their courses or passed the exams to obtain their Master Gardenercertificates. For the past two years, almost half of our members have been MGiT’s and we are pleased to beshifting the balance to having a majority of fully certified Master Gardeners.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe participated in the Kingston Gardening FestivalOur members arranged for and presented the speakers, organized the volunteers, designed and built thedisplay gardens and organized a display of Secondary School student artwork related to gardening. Threeof our members were on the steering committee for the event.Communities in Bloom Kick-Off EventMembers guided elementary school children in the planting of barrels to be displayed in the square behindKingston City Hall.Fundraising ActivitiesOur major fundraiser event was a joint Communities in Bloom/Master Garden tour in Kingston. Another fundraiser was a series of workshops at various garden centres as a joint project of Rideau 1000 Islands MasterGardeners, Gananoque Horticultural Society, Kingston Horticultural Society and Collins Bay and DistrictHorticultural Society. This was preceded by a presentation on 1812 gardens to celebrate the 200 th anniversary ofthe War of 1812 which figures prominently in the history of the area in and around Kingston.61

MeetingsMeetings are held on the 4 th Monday of every month from January to June and September to October at theGordon F. Tompkins Funeral home on 435 Davis Drive, Kingston. A potluck was held in June at the home of one ofour members and at our usual meeting place in November.Group UpdateWe have a very busy year planned for 2013. Three members resigned during 2012, and we are forging ahead witha number of projects. Our brochures on various gardening topics are being updated and revised into a consistentformat; we will have our own garden tour, separate from Communities in Bloom and a Technical Update on"Edible Gardening" is planned for October 5, 2013. We are definitely looking for new members and anyoneinterested should contact us at rideau1000islandsastergardeners@yahoo.ca .62

Sarnia-LambtonTotal # of enquiries 40Total # of clinics 2# Attending Clinics 100# of Speaking engagements 6Attendance at speaking engagements 20Newspaper/TD/Media 1# of Master Gardeners 12# of Master Gardeners in Training 2Total # of Administrative Hours 40Total # of Advice Hours# of TUs/Continuing Education UnitsHighlight of the YearThe highlight again this year was our participation in the Sarnia area “Celebration of Lights” where we judgedChristmas displays. We also judged the Walpole Island garden displays. We also visited a herb farm.Major Volunteer Activities Plant sale in May Forest Annual Home and Garden Show Art Walk and Hobby FestFundraising Activities Plant sale Gardening tips (pamphlet sale)MeetingsWe hold our meetings on the first Tuesday of each month with the exception of July and August.63

Simcoe CountyTotal # of enquiries 41Total # of clinics 24# Attending Clinics 48# of Speaking engagements 30Attendance at speaking engagements 1550#Newspaper/TD/Media 12# of Master Gardeners 13# of Master Gardeners in Training 5Total # of Administrative Hours 656Total # of Advice Hours 275# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 214Charlotte Vorstermans’s gardenHighlight of the YearSCMG hosted a Technical Update on Saturday, October 20, 2012 with the theme “Back to the Future”. This was asmaller than hoped for registration but participants enjoyed presentations by Sean James, Melanie Sifton andCharlie Dobbin. The silent auction was a huge success with a plethora of items which added to our coffersMajor ActivitiesOur PickSmart series at local horticultural societies and other groupsLibrary presentationsFive members of the group enrolled in the two year OHA flower judging course.FundraisingWe sold the ”Ask a Master Gardener” book to local horticultural societies and our PickSmart series.MeetingsWe meet eight times per year and we try to have an educational component at each meeting. We also have asummer potluck and BBQ in July and August at our member’s gardens.Group UpdateJohn Craw, past coordinator and general mover and shaker in the SCMG was honoured at the November windupmeeting with his Emeritus certificate. Kevin van Andel is now our new Zone Director.We recruited 2 new MGiT’s this past year.64

StratfordTotal # of enquiries 24Total # of clinics 2# Attending Clinics 50# of Speaking engagements 12Attendance at speaking engagements 600+Newspaper/TD/Media 2# of Master Gardeners 12# of Master Gardeners in Training 4Total # of Administrative Hours 287Total # of Advice Hours 468# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 196Major fundraiser: Selling coconut fibreHighlight of the YearOur highlight and major fundraiser is the selling coir at the Stratford Garden Festival.Major Volunteer ActivitiesGarden FestivalGarden chats at seven monthly meetings at the Stratford Horticultural SocietyAdvice at Garden Festival and St. Mary’s Garden FairParticipated and spoke at Seedy SaturdayGave advice at plant sale and garden tours in Stratford and MitchellFundraising ActivitiesOur major fundraiser is selling coir at the Stratford Garden Festival.Group UpdateSome members resigned but we also gained some new members and our group continues to be recognizedthroughout Perth County.65

SudburyTotal # of enquiries 131Total # of clinics 13# Attending Clinics 250# of Speaking engagements 9Attendance at speaking engagements 300Newspaper/TD/Media 7# of Master Gardeners 17# of Master Gardeners in Training 2Total # of Administrative Hours 411Total # of Advice Hours 214# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 75Highlight of the YearOur group hosted a seminar with Mr. Denis Flanagan as the Friday evening opening of the Sudbury HorticulturalSociety Annual Garden Festival. Some of our members assisted with the re-establishment of the greenhouse atthe Kirkwood site of the Sudbury Regional Hospital. One of our members had her garden featured in the SudburyLiving magazine.Major Volunteer ActivitiesWe have continued to work with the Sudbury Horticultural Society in their “Ugliest School Yard Contest”and also the John Street Park. This park is completely maintained by the Hort SocietyClinics were held at Seedy Sunday and the Home and Garden Show were especially well received as wasour presence at the Sudbury Hort Society’s Open Gardens tour in July,Fundraising ActivitiesOur “Evening with Denis Flanagan” with more than 140 in attendance was one of our major fundraisers as well asthe Annual Plant Sale held at the Garden Festival in July.MeetingsWe hold 9 meetings per year on the second Wednesday of every month except July, August and December.Group UpdateThis year has seen some memorable events for our group. Two of our charter members received their 25 yearbadge in recognition of their service to the Sudbury Master Gardeners. As well we have had the honour ofwelcoming Mr. Wayne Hugli to our group as an Honourary Master Gardener. We also welcomed one new MGiT.66

Thunder BayTotal # of enquiries 50Total # of clinics 5# Attending Clinics 454# of Speaking engagements 25Attendance at speaking engagements 975Newspaper/TD/Media 3# of Master Gardeners 18# of Master Gardeners in Training 5Total # of Administrative Hours 604Total # of Advice Hours 379# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 319Highlight of the YearOur 2012 Technical Update was held at Hazelwood Lake Nature Centre. The Lakehead Conservation Authorityreviewed the management of water, land and natural habitats, especially programs that control storm runoff. Thesecond part of this day included a presentation on rain gardens and other measures to prevent excessive runoff byEllen Mortfield at Eco Superior.Major Volunteer ActivitiesA booth was manned by our members at the Home and Garden Show. It featured an attractivedisplay titled 'Edible Landscaping'. Colourful posters and potted vegetables were used and handouts wereavailable. We received many questions and it was a very worthwhile eventA successful “Look, Listen and Learn” session was held in a member’s garden, together with a plant sale.Members donated their plants and many hours were spent 'potting up'Members provided information and assistance at the Art Gallery Garden Tour in JulyOne of our members assisted at a senior’s residence to develop a horticultural therapy program and lovelygardens have been planned and developed; others assisted with planting and maintenance.Fundraising ActivitiesWe partnered with Confederation College to present gardening courses. Seed starting and propagation were thefirst courses followed by waking the spring garden, vertical gardening and living walls.Honorariums were received for speaking engagements at a local church group, a senior’s centre and the NipigonHort Society.67

MeetingsOur regular meetings all begin with an educational component. Four members attended the Upper MidwestMaster Gardeners Conference in Minneapolis. Excellent lectures were offered as well as a tour of the arboretum.68

TorontoTotal # of enquiries 808Total # of clinics (without TTGG) 47Total # of advice clinic enquiries (without TTGG) 1423Total # of clinics (includes garden tour at TTGG) 49Total # of advice clinic enquiries 5982 *# Of Speaking engagements 49Attendance at speaking engagements 1172Newspaper/TV/Media# of Master Gardeners 109# of Master Gardeners in Training 27Total # of Administrative Hours 2695Total # of Advice Hours 5516# of TUs/Continuing Education Units 816Highlights of the YearWe launched a very successful website. Questions have increased at least three fold and are vetted by our newdedicated Best Practices Committee. In having this committee review responses has resulted in a high qualityadvice to our community.Major Volunteer ActivitiesOur Spring Speaker series was held at various branches of the Toronto Public LibraryWe also held advice clinics at Islington Nurseries. Both events served as fundraising initiatives as well.We partnered with the Toronto Botanical Garden on many educational programs including the children’sprogram “Growing under Glass” and tours of the TBG, Allan Gardens and the Music Garden.Group UpdateThe group has grown so large that finding meeting space, managing volunteer requests, co-ordinating all eventshas started to become a challenge.* Includes Through the Garden Gate TourToronto Master Gardeners 25 year celebration!69

Putting a Name and a Role to a FaceVacantJaneBeckRalphBulloughClaudetteSimsWendyFletcherWendyFletcherSeepage 22CharlotteVorstermansHelenScuttDenisFlanaganMGOI Board of Directors meetingat theNational Conference at Deerhurst70

Meet your Board of Directors!PresidentJane BeckJane is a Toronto Master Gardener having completed the designation throughthe University of Guelph. One of the things she has come to understand aboutbeing a gardener is that you are constantly learning how little you really do knowabout the subject. There’s always something that gets in the way of that perfectpicture you had painted for your garden during the winter months.Jane started her gardening on a farm in Ontario with idyllic soil; something wedon’t always have on our Toronto properties. Jane has lived and worked inEurope and that’s where she learned that Canadian gardeners really do have towork hard to garden. The harsh seasons take their toll on our efforts to createbeauty around us. Jane has been back in Canada for 6 years and owns aManagement Consulting business.Past PresidentRalph BulloughRalph Bullough has a BSc in geology, a BA in economics and a BEd in education.With this he became a Tool and Die Maker. Life leads in strange directions. Hisgardening interest probably came from his father as forced labour when he wasyoung. As a young man, Ralph made every effort to distance himself from hisfather’s projects. Later, after his father had passed away, the gardening genescame to the fore and Ralph started his long term interest in various parts ofhorticulture. Retirement pends and he hopes to devote more of his time togardening and finally catch up on all the tasks that could be done during a summerseason.TreasurerWendy FletcherWendy grew up being a natural/organic gardener, and as a child tended herparents huge vegetable garden while they were at work. Wendy took the firstprogram offered in Nova Scotia and upon graduating became the Treasurer ofMGOI, a position which she has held for six years. This position taught her howimportant Master Gardeners were and are. “We are passionate gardeners, weanswer questions and if we can’t, we research and find the answers. We are hereto help and we have fun doing it.”71

Zone DirectorsZone 1Donna Russell (currently on leave)Since retiring from nursing in 2004, I have become more passionate aboutgardening and painting as my new careers. I have been a Master Gardener for 11years, serving as the treasurer of our local branch for the past 4 years. Our cottagestylegardens on a small city property have been featured on numerous gardentours throughout the years.Zone 2Linda HugliLinda Hugli is a retired educator, having taught elementary school children for 33years. She has been an active member of the Sudbury Master Gardeners for 15years, and is the group’s Past Coordinator. Linda joined the MGOI Board ofDirectors in 2007 and is currently MGOI’s Zone 2 Director, Corporate Secretary,and Webmaster.Linda is Past President of the Sudbury Horticultural Society. She is also editor ofthe Ontario Horticultural Association’s quarterly periodical, Trillium.Linda and her husband have been gardening just outside of Sudbury, Ontario forthe past 18 years. Their garden has been featured on several tours, and in PatriciaSinger’s book, Ontario’s Outstanding Private Gardens. They enjoy visiting andphotographing botanical gardens throughout North America and the Caribbean.The Huglis also organize annual horticultural excursions for Northern Ontariogardening enthusiasts.Zone 3Bob WorthyBob Worthy joined the London MG group in 2004 after many years of beinginvolved in several horticultural societies.Bob worked 3 summers at Dept of Agriculture in Windsor in the early 1960'sinspecting plants at the border and tracking Japanese Beetle infestation.A professional accountant, since retiring as senior executive over 10 yearsago, he agreed to serve as interim General Manager of a large greenhouseoperation.He has extensive gardens at his summer lake home south of Bayfield; also,enjoys the annual OHA conventions for 6 of the last 7 years.Bob and his wife have travelled the globe, been on 29 cruises, and enjoy amonth each year in Hawaii, S California and Florida during the winter.72

Zone 4Anna PetersonAnna attended the orientation meeting for the Stratford Master Gardeners group inJanuary 1986 & has been active with the group ever since. She was assistantDistrict 10 Director of the OHA for over 10 years & Director from 2005 – 2010.Anna is a certified Floral and Horticultural Judge and worked as a floral designer forover 30 years. She has been a member of St. Marys Horticultural Society since1973 and is also a member of Stratford, Kirkton and London Fanshawe Societies.Anna gives talks & demonstrations on gardening and floral design. Anna grew upon a mixed farm and started gardening at the age of five. Her main gardening nowis in public gardens for the local Horticultural Society, a small bed in front of herapartment, growing sprouts in her kitchen window & growing as many house plantsas her house will hold.Zone 5Claudette SimsClaudette is a retired educator and has been a member of Halton Region MasterGardeners since 2004. She was coordinator of her group for 3 years and then wasproud to continue working as Zone 5 Director and more recently vice president forMGOI. She has lots of experience with invasive species given that she has grownso many of them! She loves to attract wildlife to her garden and has increasingknowledge and admiration for our beautiful native plants. Other interests includetravelling, line dancing, singing and playing ukulele!Zone 6Suzanne ZacharczykSuzanne Zacharczyk, an active member of the Etobicoke Master Gardenerssince September 2009, currently supports the group as Co-Coordinator, andrecently MGOI Zone 6 Director. As full time Project Manager she continues parttime studies in Horticulture and Landscape Design. Suzanne has been gardeninglocally for many years, and her interests in foliage plants and hostas are reflectedin her personal garden which was featured in a Community Garden Tour in 2012.As an active community member, Suzanne has been involved with multiple events,and coordinator of fund raising plants sales. Suzanne also volunteers as Presidentat the Applewood Garden Club where she lives in Mississauga.Suzanne has taken up the role of Zone Director from Lynne Marie Sullivan.Zone 7VacantThe position of Zone 7 Director is vacant. Thank you to Kelly Noel for stepping inas interim Zone Director.73

Zone 8Kelly NoelKelly Noel joined the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton in May 2003 and hasparticipated in several of the volunteer activities of the group, including writingarticles for a weekly column in the Ottawa Sun, answering telephone and emailhelplines, giving lectures, and answering questions at clinics. Kelly served as theCoordinator of the group from September 2004 to December 2006.Zone 9 (Co-Directors)Pamela LovePam's degree in Economics from Trent University led her to a 37 year career withBank of Montreal in various management roles, where she was a champion forpeople with disabilities. She completed the Adult Educators Certificate fromDurham College in 2002 to further develop her skills in training new employees.Because Pam inherited green thumbs from both her parents, and loved gardeningand learning, she joined the Durham Master Gardeners in 2006. She extendedher learning path by completing the Horticulturalist Certificate at Guelph Universityin 2012. She is a member of the Oshawa Garden club as well as serves on theHorticulture Advisory Committee for Durham College. After retirement, beingpassionate about gardening and helping others, Pam started her own business“Loves to Garden” which provides gardening services to people who do not havethe time, ability or knowledge to do their own gardening in the Durham region.Janice HardyJanice is a member and coordinator of the Haliburton County Master Gardenershaving completed her program through the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Shehas had an interest in gardening that has blossomed over the last 15-20 years.She owes this interest to her father who was passionate about roses. Gardening inHaliburton County is no easy task with acidic soil sitting on Canadian Shield butJanice has managed to develop some beautiful perennial beds around her lakesideproperty.74

Zone 10 (Co-Directors)Tena van AndelTena van Andel is delighted to have been a Master Gardener in Toronto since 2003where it has been a great pleasure to be the Volunteer Coordinator for severalyears. She enjoys talking to anyone about anything horticultural, although orchids,large trees and the exotic bring a special gleam to her eye.Connie HunterConnie Hunter is a member of the Toronto Master Gardeners, the Garden Clubof Toronto and the Creemore Horticultural Society. She is an accreditedhorticultural judge. Connie is a past co-chair of Canada Blooms – she was cochairfor the 2002, 2003 and 2004 shows. Connie gardens on the top of theNiagara Escarpment – in that small zone 4 area north of Orangeville. Conniethinks that she inherited her gardening genes – she was born and raised on adairy farm in Elgin County.Zone 11Kevin van AndelKevin Van Andel is a graduate of Laurentian University with a biology, earthscience and geography background. He inherited his passion for gardening fromhis mother who always had a vegetable garden, a flower garden and a house fullof plants. Or it could be his Dutch ancestry. The gardening bug really developedin his early 30’s when he would get out of bed early in the mornings and onweekends to watch the only gardening show on television, called the “CanadianGardener”. From this show Kevin got excited about gardening. More televisionshows followed and he has been gardening ever since. I joined the SimcoeCounty Master Gardeners in 2004 after encouragement from my family.Kevin has taken up the role of Zone Director from John Craw.75

Provincial AdministratorCharlotte VorstermansCharlotte has always loved gardening and as a young child, she had her ownflower garden. She has been gardening ever since, from a small balcony gardento half an acre today in Creemore, Ontario. Charlotte joined the Simcoe CountyMaster Gardeners in 2006 and became a Master Gardener in 2009. Charlotte isa member of the Creemore Horticultural Society and has also served asPresident. Charlotte became Provincial Administrator in 2007.Landscape Ontario RepresentativeDenis FlanaganAfter graduating from Horticulture in Surrey, England, Denis was involved in manyprojects including work for the Royal Family and achieved a Gold Medal at theChelsea Flower Show.Following a successful transplant to Canada, Denis continued designing awardwinning gardens including many for Canada Blooms. He has taught at severalcommunity colleges including Humber and Seneca.Denis is well known for his gardening shows on HGTV and continues to promotethe joys and benefits of horticulture through the “Green for Life” program atLandscape Ontario.OMAFRA RepresentativeHelen ScuttHelen Scutt is the Agriculture Organizations Specialist with OMAFRA her role is toadvise and liaise with not for profit organizations helping them achieve goodgovernance principles. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, conflictresolution, issues management, board governance, training and risk management.Helen also provides advice with respect to constitutions and bylaws as well asincreasing board efficiencies.76