MGOI Annual Report 2012 - Master Gardeners of Ontario

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