APPLE COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB
CRAMAHE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
YEAR BOOK 2025
CRAMAHE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
OFFICERS FOR 2025
President Catherine Kaye
Past President Sharron MacDonald
Vice President
Secretary Trish O’Brien
Treasurer Clair Breton
DIRECTORS FOR 2025
Advertising & Publicity Ingrid Anderson & Carol Lee
Ecology Garden Len Salvati
Community Garden Len Salvati
Membership Clair Breton
Newsletter
Telephoning April Mackey
Show Awards Chair April Mackey
Speakers’ Chairperson April Mackey
Sunshine April Mackey
CONVENORS
Social Convenor Sharron MacDonald
May Flower Show Clair Breton and Len Salvati
June Flower Show Karen Prins
Sept. Flower/Vegetable/ Decorative Show JoAnne Titus
Oct. Photography Show Corrine Hall
Year Book/Website Sharron MacDonald Facebook Ingrid Anderson, Sharron MacDonald
DIRECTORS/COMMITTEES
Plant Sale Committee
Hanging Baskets Sharron MacDonald
Winter Greenery Trish O`Brien
Financial Reviewers/Auditors Independent TBD
OHA, the Ontario Horticultural Association, is led by a member elected executive and 19 District Directors. President: Sharlene DesJardins
Cramahe Horticultural Society is a part of OHA District 4. Our District is led by: District Director: Dennis Miluck, district4@gardenontario.org
Assistant Directors: Sharron MacDonald, Kathy Allam, Ralf Busse Secretary: Kathy Allam, ohadistrict4@gmail.com Treasurer: Leslie Hollick
Email: cramahe.hort@gmail.com • Websites: www.cramahehort.ca; www.gardenontario.org.
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The OHA is the umbrella organization for 19 Districts and 270 societies that more than 30,000 gardeners belong to. It provides support, programs, a newsletter, insurance, networking opportunities, a conference, awards, youth activities and a judging school for its societies and members. Its website is gardenontario.org
Our District 4 is made up of 17 horticultural societies in:
Bobcaygeon Cramahe Lakefield Norland
Brighton Ennismore Lindsay Norwood
Campbellford Fenelon Falls Minden Peterborough
Coboconk Grafton Omemee Port Hope Cobourg
Email: cramahe.hort@gmail.com • Websites: www.cramahehort.ca; www.gardenontario.org
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VICE PRESIDENT`S WRAP UP 2024
The Colour of the Year for 2024 was Orange and keeping with that theme, our flower of the year was the Nasturtium.
The past year was full of financial challenges, as costs rose and our fund-raising efforts struggled. The Board was able to provide a program of speakers, judges and workshops for the members. We were also able to provide a Scholarship to Tatum Deville, a graduating student from East Northumberland Secondary School.
All of us (through our volunteer hours) were able to meet our obligations to the Township to maintain the gardens, beautify Cramahe with freshly planted hanging baskets and build up the planters of winter greenery in both Colborne and Castleton. And of course, we continued in the gardens…..
• Len and his crew worked weekly to maintain the Ecology Garden – creating a beautiful and peaceful garden.
• This year, with the agreement of the Township, Len applied for and received funding to increase the capacity of our Sharing Garden. By building new raised beds, the club was able to grow more vegetables which are shared with residents in the area.
• The Castleton Carden had a major haircut this past year, removing the vines and climbing stems from the fence and the neighbor`s trees.
• The Gazebo Garden in Victoria Park is coming along as we add perennials.
• The Art Gallery Gardens were maintained and the Library planters were planted seasonally, including the addition of winter greenery.
As the Mayor said just this past weekend…the efforts of the Garden Club “matter” to the Town. The gardens, baskets and planters are important.
And our efforts were not limited to the gardens…the Board members were busy this year.
• Once again, we applied for and received grants that helped us meet our operating commitments: one from Cramahe, and two from the OHA.
• We completed the process of the By-Law Review and generated the revised version that was approved by the membership in October 2024.
• Trish, as Secretary
• Kept us all organized and focused.
• She kept the mail moving and prepared and distributed the agendas and minutes.
• She kept the records filed and retrievable, and
• She defined some of the issues we can expect with the new authority to retain electronic records.
• Shannon
• Continued to create and distribute the lovely posters that advertised our meetings and speakers.
• She coordinated signage for the gardens and for the plant sale.
• She compiled the articles and edited the quarterly newsletter for the Club.
• April, as Director responsible for Speakers
• Learned about the process of arranging for speakers and workshops.
• At the same time, she developed a feedback process that now lets the Board understand the member’s reaction to each speaker or workshop and have a strong basis for recommending speakers to other clubs.
• April, as Director responsible for Awards
• Also took this past year to learn the ins and outs of recording the results of the competitions to identify the Awards recipients.
• Valerie
• Kept in touch with those who were ill or away for any length of time.
• Kept her eye on the flowers in the library planters, and of course, Valerie and Jim met us each and every meeting at the front desk.
• Clair as Treasurer
• Worked with the bank to streamline the e-transfer process for the Club and managed the funds with extreme care to make sure that we got through the year without having to pay bank fees or miss payment deadlines.
• Clair as the Membership Chair:
• Clair received our dues, kept our records current, and updated contact lists.
• She combined both of her roles to advise the Board and Members on the advisably of increasing membership dues for 2025.
• Sharron, as President:
• Presided over meetings of the Board and the Members.
• Represented the Club at District and Province wide meetings.
• Offered mentorship support to April on the speaker agreements.
• Created the Yearbook and managed the Nominations process.
• Finally, the Club hosted the “Four Club Garden Tour” this year. Eight gardens were included in the tour and members from Port Hope, Cobourg, Grafton and Cramahe were invited to attend.
I would like to thank Joanne Titus and Barry Wood for once again reviewing our accounts and financial management practices. Each year, their documents of support have been forwarded to the Ministry, to the OHA and to the Township. Their documents form the foundation of most of our grant applications. Thank you so much for your continued support over the years.
And finally, thank you to the members of the Board and all of those who helped us through this past year.
I move that the 2024 actions and decisions of the Executive and the Board be approved.
Catherine
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF THE CRAMAHE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL AND THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND RURAL AFFAIRS.
NEW PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
I would like to start my comments by saying thank you to Ralf Busse. Ralf, a member of the Grafton Green Thumbs has been on the District 4 Board now for 2 years. Each year he has attended our Annual Meetings and has overseen the installation of the new Board. Not all clubs take advantage of this support from the district, but it does highlight the beginning of a new year for the club. So, on behalf of the Apple Country Garden Club, Ralf, thank you for taking the time to mark this occasion with us.
Thank you too, to those who have agreed to sit on the new Board and especially to those who have agreed to double up in your responsibilities. It is your support that will help us continue to meet the expectations of the Club and the Communities we serve. From the bottom of my heart – thank you.
This coming year will be a year transition as we adjust to being a smaller group with a reduced board and a reduced budget, and of course, a new set of guidelines for doing business.
The Board will try to adapt in a way that ensures the outcomes of precious boards continue to be met. Things may have to done differently. At the very least, we as a board will have to think differently to keep moving forward.
And, as we move forward, we will involve the members in decision-making to ensure understanding and agreement with proposals of the Board.
This coming year will be a year of “getting the word out there” about the Apple Country Garden Club…sharing the news about our programs, events and activities in the community and trying to increase our membership.
In 2026, we celebrate 60 years of incorporation... and we know that the society has a much longer story to tell. I am hoping that this, a small group on interested people will help us to dig into our own history.
The speakers and workshop schedules have been prepared and speakers confirmed.
The plan to increase the raised beds at the Ecology Garden is ready to put into place. We will not be able to apply for another grant though to fund the extension, so we will have to look for 2 x 4`s, hardware and soil from alternate sources.
Fundraising will keep us focused this year. Every new idea will have to be supported with a way to pay for itself... we will be looking for fundraising ideas at every turn as we review the lessons learned from last year`s plant sale and try to make this year`s sale bigger and better.
So, a year of transition, fundraising and communication with the community.
Things may have to done differently, but at our core we will continue to be a garden club – the Apple Country Garden Club.
Catherine
OHA SERVICE AWARDS
Many members have dedicated themselves to improving our society. The members listed below were presented with OHA Service Awards after serving over ten years towards the success of our Society:
1976 – Amy Gresham
1977 – Helen Rose
1978 – Cora Reid
1980 – Gordon Smith
1981 – Linda Mitchell
1982 – Elizabeth Rutherford
1983 – Harry Mayne
1984 – Shirley and Bob Griffith
1985 – Marjorie Vaughan
1986 – Ida Mills
1987 – Cicely Scroggs
1988 – Beatrice Turney
1989 – Gloria Taube
1990 – Peg Tozek, Harold & Ada Winter
1991 – Harold and Gladys Black
1992 – Helen Dance
1993 – Mary Bloomer
1994 – Kay Island
1995 – Ivy and George Maskell
1996 – Irene Osborne
1997 – Joyce Murray
1998 – Vi Morrison
1999 – Jean and Jacques Filteau
2003 – Agnes Lee
2004 – Gayle Barrett
2006 – Mary Jackson
2007 – Sandra Compton
2008 – Jill and John Sellers
2012 – Lenna Broatch
CHS LIFE MEMBERS
Sandra Compton, Irene Osborne, Jo-Anne Titus, June Johnson, Shirley Ross, Sharron MacDonald
IN MEMORIAM
CHS purchases a magazine subscription, the Ontario Gardener, for the Cramahe Libraries in remembrance of past members. It is CHS policy to enter the names of deceased member into the OHA Book of Remembrance along with a donation. Funds raised from these donations are returned to Societies by OHA in the form of a number of awards towards the planting of trees.
PROGRAM, SHOW DATES & SPECIAL EVENTS
Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Keeler Centre. Note change of time Jan-March. A show-off table will be available each month
JANUARY Tuesday 21 Rhododendrons
At 1:30 pm ED REEKIE
FEBRUARY Tuesday 18 The History of the Ecology Garden
At 1:30 pm LEN SALVATI and SHIRLEY ROSS
MARCH Tuesday 18 Willow Workshop - creating a star out of willow At 1:30 pm JESSICA YORK
18 participants at $25.00 per person
APRIL Saturday 5 OHA District 4 AGM, Brighton/Grafton hosting in Brighton
Tuesday 15 Container Gardening
JENNIFER GUERTIN
Monday 22 Earth Day
MAY Friday 3 Ecology Garden Clean-up
Tuesday 20 Creating Mini Meadows – Native plants to enhance biodiversity
CATHERINE McNEELY
Mini Spring Flower Show (judged by members)
Conveners: Clair Breton and Len Salvati
Saturday 31 PLANT SALE
Convener: Committee
Victoria Square, Colborne. Gently used garden items welcome.
JUNE Tuesday 17 SUMMER FLOWER SHOW
Convener: Karen Prins
JULY Tuesday 21 Tour – TBA
AUGUST Tuesday 19 Picnic Potluck at the Ecology Garden
SEPTEMBER Tuesday 16
Convener: Sharron MacDonald
Composting with Worms
Ryan Vieira
Vegetable and Decorative Flower Show
Convener: Jo-Anne Titus
Nominations for Officers for 2025
OCTOBER Tuesday 21 PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW
Convener: Corinne Hall
Nominations for Officers for 2025
Saturday 18
NOVEMBER Tuesday 18
OHA District 4 Fall Seminar, TBA
CHS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, Potluck, and Awards Dinner at 6:00 pm – Doors open at 5:00 pm
Election and Installation of Officers for 2025
HERBS AND THEIR USES
Anise – Annual – use in salads, breads, cakes, teas
Basil – Annual – use in tomato dishes, pesto, soups, stews, fish or poultry
Borage – Annual – leaf used in salads, pastry
Chevril – Annual – leaf used in salad dressings, egg dishes, poultry
Dill – Annual – use in fish, egg dishes (leaf part) use in pickles, potato salad (seed part)
French Tarragon – Perennial – leaf used in vinegars and oils, mayonnaise, chicken and lamb
Garlic – Annual and Perennial – use in any culinary dish, especially meat dishes
Rosemary – Perennial – use in egg, tuna, potato, fish, peas, stews and tea
Sage – Perennial – leaf used in soups and stews, use in stuffing, pork or lamb dishes
Rue – Perennial – rub on furniture etc. to deter cats from scratching
RECIPE – PESTO SAUCE
• 1 tbsp. Pine Nuts or any nuts
• 4 tbsp. chopped basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 oz. Parmesan Cheese
• 6 tsp. Sunflower or Olive Oil (not virgin)
Blend the pine nuts, basil and chopped garlic until smooth. Add the oil slowly and continue to blend until it becomes a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper. This can be stirred into cooked/drained pasta with Parmesan sprinkled on top or kept in a sealed container in the fridge for 1 week or double wrapped and frozen.
PESTO/PHILADELPHIA CREAM CHEESE
Blend Pesto Sauce with Philadelphia Cream Cheese and serve with crackers.
BRUSCHETTA WITH TOMATOE AND BASIL
2 -3 hours before eating, remove seeds and juice from 6 – 7 plum tomatoes. Chop finely, add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar and 6 – 8 chopped fresh basil leaves. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill until serving time.
Just before serving, slice 1 baguette French bread diagonally, score on one side, toast on both sides in 450 oven. Remove from oven, drizzle the scored side with ¼ cup olive oil (or you can use garlic bread). Immediately place hot bread on serving plate.
It is best to have guests spoon the chilled tomatoe/herb mixture onto their own bread so it does not get soggy. Important to have bread hot and tomatoe mixture cold.
CHS FLOWER OF THE YEAR
Monarda is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The genus is endemic to North America. Common names include, bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, and Oswego tea, the first being inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). The genus was named for the Spanish botanist Nicolas Monardes, who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants of the New World.
Monarda species include annual and perennial herbaceous plants. They grow erect to heights of 20-90 cm (18-35 in). The slender, serrated, lanceolate leaves are oppositely arranged on the square stem, hairless or sparsely hairy, and about 7-14 cn (2.8 – 5.5 in) long.
The flowers are tubular and bilaterally symmetric, with a narrow upper lip and a wider lower lip. The wild flowers are single, but some cultivated forms have double flowers. They are monoecious, with male and female structures in each flower. There are two stamens. Inflorescences occur at the top of the stem or emerge from the axils. They are typically crowded head-like clusters of flowers with leafy bracts. Flower colour varies, with wild species bearing red, pink, and light purple flowers. M. didyma has bright carmine red flowers, M. fistulosa has pink, and M. citriodora and M. petinata have pale purple. Hybrids occur in the wild, and they are common in cultivation. Seed collected from hybrids does not yield plants identical to the parent.
Bee Balm, Monarda
The crushed leaves of all species exude a spicy, fragrant essential oil. Of the species examined in one study, M. didyma contained the highest concentration of oil. Several species, including Monarda fistulosa and M. didyma, have a long history of use as medicinal plants by many Native Americans, such as the Blackfoot, Menominee, Ojibwa and Winnebago. The Blackfoot recognized the strong antiseptic action of the plants, and used them in poultices for skin infections and minor wounds. Native Americans and later settlers also used it to alleviate stomach and bronchial ailments. A tisane made from the plant was also used to treat mouth and throat infections caused by dental caries and gingivitis. Bee balm is a natural source of the antiseptic compound thymol, the primary active ingredient in some modern commercial mouthwash formulas. The Winnebago used bee balm tisane as a general stimulant. Bee balm was also used as a carminative herb by Native Americans to prevent excessive flatulence. Bee balm was traditionally used by Native Americans as a seasoning for wild game, particularly birds. The plants are widespread across North America and can be found in moist meadows, hillsides, and forest clearings up to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in elevation.
FLOWER OF THE YEAR HISTORY
2000 – Begonia
2001 – Geranium
2002 – Lily
2003 – Daisy
2004 – Clematis
2005 – Cactus
2006 – Marigold
2007 – Rose
2008 – Flowering Shrub
2009 – Native plants and Trees
2010 – Annual Aster
2011 – Bergamot
2012 – Salvia
2013 – Allium
2014 – Iris
2015 – Peony
2016 – Lupin
2017 – Gladiolus
2018 – Dahlia
2019 – Phlox
2020 – Bellflower (Campanula)
2021 – Shasta Daisy
2022 – Red Begonia
2023 – Cosmos
2024 – Orange Nasturtium
2025 – Bee Balm, Monarda
FLOWER SHOW RULES
GENERAL
1. Entries may be exhibited by members only.
2. All exhibits must be created by the member and grown in the exhibitor’s garden, unless otherwise stated. Materials from roadsides, fields, streams, woods, and general countryside may be used where appropriate.
3. Exhibits must be received in good time for judging – late entries will not be accepted. (see Show Schedule). Each exhibitor must label their entries. If possible, entry tags should be filled in prior to arrival at the show location. Entries must not be removed until the end of the show.
4. Exhibitors must furnish their own containers and remove them after the show. CHS will not be responsible for loss of or damage to containers.
5. The decision of the judge(s) shall be final. At the judge’s discretion, any class which contains different varieties in the same category may be divided. Also, in any class with seven or more entries, an Honorable Mention may be awarded.
HORTICULTURAL
1. Exhibitors may place one entry only in each class.
2. When the number of blooms, sprays, etc. is stated, this must be adhered to, otherwise the entry will be disqualified. A bud showing colour is counted as a bloom. (Watch pansies particularly.) Buds are allowed on sprays. Each entry is to be shown with own foliage, attached if possible. Carefully remove any finished blooms and damaged or diseased leaves.
3. Please make sure there are no bugs of any kind on entries. If insects are discovered, the entry will be removed from the show.
4. Potted plants must be owned by the exhibitor for at least three months prior to showing.
DECORATIVE
1. No artificial flowers may be used, unless otherwise stated, and no strings or wires are permitted except in corsages.
2. Accessories may be used in any arrangement unless otherwise stated.
NOVICE EXHIBITORS - An exhibitor shall be considered a novice if he/she has never won a prize at a CHS Flower Show or at any other flower show, fair, etc. A novice may enter any class. Please be sure to check the box under your name on your Entry Tags and your Summary of Exhibits if you are a novice. This status is valid for one year only.
DEFINITIONS: (see OHA Publication 34/2003 for complete list)
ACCESSORY: An inorganic object(s) used in a subordinate manner to enhance the design of plant material.
ANNUAL: A plant that normally completes its growth cycle from seed to seed.
ARRANGEMENT: A combination of fresh/dried plant materials with/without accessories.
BLOOM: An individual flower, one to a stem. Specimen blooms should be disbudded for exhibition purposes as buds count as a bloom.
BOWL: A container that is broader at its widest part than it is high.
COLLECTION: A specified number of different cut flowers, potted plants, branches, fruits, vegetables or nuts, exhibited for cultural perfection.
CONTAINER: Any receptacle for plant material. In design classes, it is an essential component to complete the design.
CULTIVAR: Forms of plants originated or maintained only in cultivation, eg, Petunia (Sugar Daddy), Geranium (Cardinal), and Rose (Peace).
DESIGN: A combination of fresh and/or dried plant materials and accessories arranged to produce an artistic unit. A design incorporating an accessory should look incomplete if the accessory is removed.
EXOTIC: A plant that cannot be grown outdoors year round in Canada.
FOLIAGE: When the term “Own Foliage” is used, it means the kind produced by the species or cultivar of plant being exhibited. “Any Foliage” is to be interpreted as any natural foliage.
HERB: Group of plants with aromatic or savory properties, used for medicine, food, flavor, fragrance, and or dyes.
MASS DESIGN: A design with a large quantity of plant material arranged in a closed silhouette with few or no voids.
MINIATURE DESIGN: A design in a small container measuring no more than 5 inches in any direction, including
container.
MINIATURE PLANT: A plant which is by nature or cultivation a miniature, and not an immature size of a normal plant.
MODERN DESIGN: A design of 3 to 5 groups of plant material, juxtaposed to give a sculptural effect. It is a creative design, characterized by bold forms, sharp contrasts. It may be a solid mass or a mass with space. Containers are bold, strong and simple in structure.
ORIENTAL STYLE: A design characterized by minimum use of plant material and careful placement of branches and flowers. Emphasis is on the lines of the flora arrangement.
PERENNIAL: A herbaceous plant that lives for more than 2 years, e.g. Peony, Phlox.
PLANTER: A number of different kinds of flowers artistically grouped growing in a single open container.
POTTED PLANT: A plant that has been growing long enough to have become established in the container in which it is shown.
SHRUB: A woody perennial that has several main stems - grows lower than a tree.
SPECIMEN: A single exhibit, i.e. plant, stem, spike, or stalk.
SPIKE: A thick, upright stem carrying several flowers, usually with short pedicels; eg, Gladiolus and Snapdragons..
SPRAY: The terminal flowering growth of an herbaceous or woody plant carried on one stem. Buds and leaves are allowed.
STALK OR STEM: A main plant structure which supports flowers, leaves, or fruit. A stalk may support several stems, e.g. Marigolds.
SUCCULENT: Any plant, including Cacti, which stores water in its fleshy stem or leaves.
VASE: A container whose height is greater than its width at its widest part.
UNDER WATER DESIGN: A design with part(s) placed under water to create interest (no definite percentage required). The entire design may not be under water.
WATERVIEWING: Design, usually a line design in a shallow container with half to two thirds of a container surface showing water.
ROSE DEFINITIONS
HYBRID TEA (Large flowered): Repeat bloomers on long stems; Peace, Tropicana. Blossoms are beautifully shaped with a high profile, making them excellent for showing. They need winter protection in our area (Zone 5).
FLORIBUNDA (Cluster-flowered): Shorter and bushier than Hybrid Teas, Floribundas have large distinctive clusters of blossoms, e.g. Fashion, Apricot Nectar. These make great mass plantings, in beds or in borders.
GRANDIFLORA: A tall upright rosebush which produces full-blossomed flowers, e.g. Queen Elizabeth, Chrysler Imperial. These display a good combination of Hybrid Tea (bush height) and Floribunda (single and clustered blooms) characteristics.
POLYANTHA: Bushy, low-growing, well-foliated, prolific bloomers all season long with sprays of small double blossoms, e.g. The Fairy, Yesterday.
CLIMBERS: Repeat flowering, Climbers’ canes grow so long they can be trained up and over a support, e.g. Blaze, Coral Dawn. Most produce double blooms. Frequent deadheading will produce more blooms.
RUGOSA/RUGOSA HYBRIDS: Very winter hardy, disease resistant, easy to grow, bushy, with leather foliage and prickly canes, their flowers come single or double and bloom throughout the season. Their colourful hips last through the winter.
SHRUB ROSES: A diverse group of roses which are bushy and produce sprays or clusters of blossoms. Most of our Canadian-bred roses come under this category, e.g. the Explorer series and the Morden series.
ENGLISH: Bred mainly by David Austin, who describes them as “combining the delicate charm and fragrance of an Old Rose, with the wide colour range and summer-long flowering of a Modern Rose, e.g. Pretty Jessica, Constance Spry. These require winter protection in our area (Zone 5).
“Iron Your Roses”
To keep aphids away from your roses, try this simple step of spraying them with iron chelates every three weeks. Also, apply to fruit trees and shrubs if the leaves turn yellow, and repeat every three weeks.
FORMS of FLOWER DESIGN
SUGGESTIONS FOR EXHIBITORS
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO GET READY FOR THE SHOW: A sharp knife, a good set of gardening scissors, pruning shears, ratchet shears, a hammer, Stick-um adhesive putty, floral foam (check to see if it’s for wet or dry arrangements), and a good imagination!
CONDITIONING: it is essential to pick your flowers in time to let them harden before making your arrangements or preparing your exhibits. Flowers need to be cut properly and at the proper time. The best time is early morning; next is evening after sundown and dew is formed. Before putting in warm water, cut the stems again at a long angle with a very sharp knife. This opens the stems to take up the most amount of water. Flowers with woody stems should not be cut again, so crush the bottom 3” of the stem with a hammer to open it. Some flowers bleed when cut, so it is necessary to seal the stem by burning the stems of poppies with a lighted match or sealing the stem with floral putty or placing stems in a shallow bowl of wood alcohol for half an hour. Flowers should be stripped of foliage on the lower third of the stem. In the case of roses, the thorns should be removed. Place the flowers in water with the lower third completely immersed.
GROOMING: remove evidence of disease, bugs, dust, stains, pollen, and any foreign material. If you can, bring a few extra blooms to the show in a separate container to replace any that may be damaged, but be sure not to include more blooms than the class calls for. A bud showing colour is considered to be a bloom. Check pansies for extra buds. For interest’s sake, specimen exhibits should be named if possible. “Ontario Judging & Exhibiting Standards for Horticulture and Floral Design” Publication 34/2003 is the judges’ guide, a great help to exhibitors.
DESIGN DIVISION
Judges look for specific principles when evaluating a design. These include:
Balance – which provides visual stability from any angle;
Rhythm – is the visual path which suggests motion in the design accomplished by the repetition of an element at intervals – these may be in line, form, colour, spacing or the repetition of curves or planes.
Proportion – is the relative amount of one area to another, i.e. the amount of plant material to the container, the amount of round forms to linear forms, the amount of rough texture to smooth;
Scale – the size relationship of all components;
Contrast – achieved by juxtaposing elements in such a way as to emphasize difference;
Dominance – the force of one element in the design which implies subordination of others.
TREATMENT OF CUT FLOWERS
Flower When to Cut
How to Treat
Aster Half to fully open Scrape ends of stem and stand in water full depth of stems for 2 hours. Add 1 tsp. sugar/qt. water
Chrysanthemum Fully open Break stems off plants, scrape & crush end of stems. Sear over flame
Dahlia Fully open Sear ends of stem in a flame then place in water with 1 handful of salt to 1 qt. of water
Daylily Half to fully open Flowers last 1 day only
Delphinium Lower part fully open Scrape ends of stem. Add l tsp.alcohol /2qt. water
Ferns Break off rather than cut stems & completely submerge in cool water for 12 hours
Gladiolus As 2nd flower opens Scrape ends of stem and place in strong vinegar water
Iris As 1st bud opens
Scrape ends of stem
Peony Bud in colour to Scrape ends of stem part open
Rose As 2nd petal opens
Scrape, crush or split ends of stems, dip in powdered alum and place in water. If rose tends to wilt, place ends of stem in boiling water for 5 minutes. Protect leaves, place full length of stem in warm water for 1 hour. Gentle blowing into the bloom will help it open. To keep early blooms for the show, refrigerate up to 3 days, place in water and put a plastic bag over bloom
CRAMAHE ECOLOGY GARDEN
The Ecology Garden, one of the Cramahe Horticultural Societies major projects, is located on Rotary Centennial Park Drive and you may want to check it out for it is a wonderful place to visit for some quiet time. Snap a photo of your favourite flower or enjoy the fragrance of many different flowers and herbs we (the committee) grow and maintain throughout the year.
Also, just next to the Ecology Garden, we built and maintain what has become a small community garden where we grow vegetables and herbs for residents and visitors alike to taste and savour. The blackberry patch located between the two gardens has been a success story every year with the kids and grownups.
This year, besides regular upkeep of the gardens, we added a 4` X 10` raised bed and expanded the grow areas along the creek to accommodate more Hostas and native plants. Also, the Insect Hotel got a new face, so our pollinators keep up the important work they do. One of our members installed a Seed Library last year and it saw a lot of use. You are welcome to take seeds and you can also leave seeds for others to use.
I would like to thank everyone that participated in any way to this growing season, most of all, our four-member committee for all their work and dedication to the gardens.
Len – Ecology Garden Director
P.S. There is always room for more help, if anyone is interested. Len is happy to talk to anyone that would like to help. 905-355-5133.
Please join us in the Cramahe Ecology Garden, our growing concern!!
ENTRY TAG & EXHIBIT SUMMARY
To the left are samples of the Entry Tag and the Exhibit Summary that are required for each show. Please try to have your tags filled out ahead of time. Be sure to check them for accuracy.
POINTS AVAILABLE IN FLOWER SHOWS
DECORATIVE SECTION
1st place 7 points
2nd “ 6 points
3rd “ 5 points
Awarded to non-winners 1 point
SPECIMENS, POTTED PLANTS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS
1st place 4 points
2nd “ 3 points
3rd “ 2 points
BEST IN SHOW, BEST PHOTOGRAPH Ribbons 5 points
MINI SPRING FLOWER SHOW
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Please bring your entries in to the Keeler Centre between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. There will be categories for daffodils, narcissus, tulips, crocus, etc. and sprays of spring bloomers.
NB: This show will be judged by CHS members using marbles. Remember to attach an ENTRY TAG
Creating Mini Meadows – Native Plants to enhance Biodiversity
SPEAKER: CATHERINE MCNEELY
Convenor: Clair Breton and Len Salvati
PESTICIDE ALTERNATIVES worth trying:
• Insecticidal Soap: 1 to 2 Tbsp. liquid soap (not detergent) with 1 quart water – spray on insects.
• Apple Maggot Bait: Combine 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup sugar, 1 gallon water, 1 banana peel into an open plastic bottle – hang in an apple tree.
• Ant Bait: Combine 1 tsp. boric acid, 6 Tbsp sugar, 2 cups boiling water – Saturate cotton balls with solution and place in a lidded plastic container with holes punched in the sides and bottom.
• Slug Egg Stopper: Combine 10 parts water, 1 part ammonia. Spray over plant before foliage opens.
• Dormant Oil Spray: Combine ½ pint mineral oil, 1 gallon warm water, 2 oz. liquid soap – spray on leaves in early spring, spray on fruit trees and roses on a winter day when the temperature is above freezing.
• Japanese Beetle Bait: Combine 2 cups water, 1 mashed banana, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup wine, ¼ tsp baking yeast – hang the fermented mixture in a tree.
• Moss killer: Apply iron sulphate in spring or early fall.
• Mosquito Repellants: Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets; Vick’s Vapor Rub; Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed about half and half with alcohol; pure Vanilla; or try eating a B1 vitamin tablet (Thiamine Hydrochloride 100 mg.) each day. Above all, avoid bananas at that time of year. Mosquitoes love banana oil as the body processes it.
• Earwig Bait: Combine equal parts molasses and canola oil – place in the garden in a tuna tin and empty daily.
• Super Herbicide: Combine pot of boiling vinegar, 2 Tbsp. salt, 1 tsp. liquid soap – Pour when boiling on weeds in pavers or flagstones.
JUNE FLOWER SHOW
Tuesday June 17, 2025
All exhibits must be in the Keeler Centre between 4:30 and 5:30pm, ready for judging.
Convenor: Karen Prins
Results are determined by a judge at this show.
RIBBONS ARE GIVEN FOR:
HORTICULTURAL SECTION
Roses - Hybrid Tea
1. One Bloom
Floribunda
2. One Spray
Grandiflora
3. One Spray
Polyantha
4. One spray
Canadian Bred Roses
(i.e. Explorer, Morden, Fleming, etc.)
5. One spray
Other Roses
6. Shrub (including rugosa and Canadian bred) –
ROSE
POTTED PLANT
one spray
DECORATIVE
EXHIBIT
7. Miniature (not mini flora) – one spray
8. English bred (i.e. David Austin) – one bloom or spray
9. Other (i.e. carpet, patio, ground cover) – one bloom or spray
10. Rose floating in a bowl
Delphinium - one spike
11. Blue
12. Any other colour
Iris 13. Tall bearded, blue/purple – one stalk
14. Tall bearded, pink – one stalk
15. Tall bearded, multicolour – one stalk
16. Tall bearded, any other solid colour – one stalk
17. Medium bearded, blue/purple – one stalk
18. Medium bearded, pink – one stalk
19. Medium bearded, multicolour – one stalk
20. Medium bearded, any other solid colour – one stalk
21. Beardless – (i.e. Siberian, Japanese) - three stalks alike
22. Bulbous, English, Spanish, Dutch – three stalks
23. Any other – multibloom – one stalk
Other Flowers
24. Bleeding Heart (dicentra) – one stem
25. Campanula – one stalk
26. Clematis – three blooms the same colour
27. Columbine – one stalk
28. Daylily – (hemerocalis, ie.Stella d’Oro) – one scape (may have additional buds)
29. Digitalis, Foxglove – one stem
30. Gaillardia – three stems
31. Hosta without bloom – three different cultivars
32. Lily (lilium), any variety – one stem
33. Pansy – three stems
34. Pelargonium – three blooms
35. Peony – Single – one bloom
3
6. Peony – Semi-double – pink, one bloom 37. Peony – Semi-double – white, one bloom 38. Peony – Semi-double – red, one bloom
39. Peony – Double – pink, one bloom
40. Peony – Double – white, one bloom
41. Peony – Double – red, one bloom
42. Peony – any other, one bloom
43. Loosestrife – 3 stems
DECORATIVE SECTION
44. Any annual – one stem or bloom
45. Any other biennial – one stem
46. Any other biennial – three stems
47. Any other perennial – one stem
48. Any other perennial – three stems
BEE BALM – MONARDA – FLOWER OF THE YEAR
POTTED PLANTS – should be owned by exhibitor for at least 3 months (see rules)
African Violets (one pot - all, except trailing, must have single crown)
49. Single, any colour 50. Double or semi-double, any colour
Flowering Potted Plants (no larger than 24 inches in any direction - grown primarily for flowers)
51. Succulent (includes cacti)
52. Pelargonium
53. Gloxinia
54. Ivy Geranium
55. Orchid
56. Any other
Foliage Potted Plants (no larger than 24 inches in any direction - grown primarily for interesting foliage)
57. Begonia
58. Collection of cacti and or succulents 59. Succulent without flower
60. Any other
61. “Oh Canada” – design using red & white flowers – some greenery allowed
62. “Take Five” – a design using 5 identical flowers
63. “In the Kitchen” – a vertical design using any kitchen gadget
64. “Coffee with Dad” – a design in a coffee mug
65. “Summer Breezes” – a design showing movement
66. “The Rain in Spain” – a design in a child`s rain boot
Please see Yearbook for definitions of design.
VEGETABLE, FLOWER AND DECORATIVE FLOWER SHOW
Please bring entries to the Keeler Centre between 4:30 – 5:30pm, ready for judging. All exhibits should be named whenever possible for education and general interest.
Exhibitors are allowed up to 2 entries per class provided each specimum is a different cultivar/variety.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Composting with Worms
RYAN VIEIRA
Convenor: JoAnne Titus
Nomination for officers for 2025
VEGETABLES
1. Beets – one cultivar, top trimmed to 1 inch - 3
2. Garlic – one cultivar - 3
3. Kale/Swiss Chard – one cultivar – leaves in water - 2
4. Pepper – Sweet - 1
5. Pepper – Hot - 1
6. Squash – Winter - 1
HORTICULTURE
12. Flower of the Year – one cultivar – 3 stems
13. Aster – any cultivar – 1 spray
14. Chrysanthemum – Garden/Landscape – 1 spray
15. Chrysanthemum – any one cultivar – 1 spray
16. Cosmos – any one cultivar – 3 stems
17. Cosmos – any one cultivar – 1 stem
18. Dahlia – Ball – in vase with stem and foliage – 1 stem
19. Dahlia – Decorative – in a vase with foliage – 1 stem
20. Dahlia – any one cultivar - in a vase with foliage –1 stem
21. Gladiolus – any cultivar – 1 stem
22. Gladiolus – any one cultivar – 3 stems
23. Gladiolus Collection – variety of colours –maximum 9
24. Grasses – any cultivar – 3 stems
25. Hydrangea – any cultivar – 1 branch
26. Marigold – any one cultivar with foliage
27. Nasturtium – any one cultivar – 3 stems
28. Pelargonium (annual geranium) bloom with leaves –
HOUSE PLANTS
African Violets – any cultivar – 1 pot
45. Ivy – any cultivar – 1 pot
46. Cactus – any cultivar – 1 pot
47. Succulent – any cultivar – 1 pot
BEE BALM – MONARDA - FLOWER OF THE YEAR
DECORATIVE
7. Tomato – Slicing – any cultivar with calyx - 1
8. Tomato – Small on a truss
9. Herb Collection in water – minimum 5 different named
10. Vegetables in a basket – minimum 5 different named
11. Any other vegetable – 1
1 stem
29. Phlox – any cultivar – 1 stem
30. Rose – climbing – any cultivar – 1 spray
31. Rose – any cultivar floating in a bowl, no stem or leaves – 1
32. Rose – any cultivar stem 8`` plus – 1 stem
33. Rose – any cultivar – 1 spray
34. Rose collection - 1 stem/cultivar – 3-5 stems
35. Rudebeckia – any cultivar – 1stem
36. Sedum – any cultivar – 1
37. Snapdragon – any one cultivar – 3 spikes
38. Sunflower – any cultivar – 1 stem
39. Sunflower – seed head dried – 1
40. Zinnia – any cultivar – 1 stem
41. Zinnia – any one cultivar – 3 stems
42. Zinnia collection – 3-5 cultivars – 1 stem each
43. Any other Annual – 1 stem
44. Any other perennial – 1 stem
48. Pelegorium (annual geranium) - 1 pot
Collection in a Dish – minimum 3 cultivars
49. “Last Showing” - arrangement in a vase using flowers and grasses from your own garden
50. “Summers End” - a Fall arrangement which includes leaves and/or berries - Maximum 24 inches
51. “Peach Jam” - Small arrangement (5 ½ to 10 inches) in a jam jar
52. “Upcycle” - Container design using 3 or more rooted plants displayed in a recycled container
OCTOBER PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW
And Other Garden Related Media
Please bring your photographs to the Keeler Centre between 5:30 and 6:30pm, ready for judging. Garden Related Media – paintings, needlework, etc. may be brought at 7:00pm for the Show-Off Table. Tuesday October 21, 2025
Workshop – TBA
PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW – Convenor: Corinne Hall
Nominations for officers for 2025
CATEGORIES FOR PHOTOGRAPH ENTRIES
1. Visitors to the garden
2. Tree or shrub in bloom
3. Winter interest in your garden
4. An open and shut case – photo of a gate or doorremember Horticulture aspect
ENTRY RULES
1. Members may submit only one entry per class.
2. Photos should be 4” x 6”, mounted on stiff board, measuring 5” x 7” overall.
5. Fall Blaze
6. Just Hanging Around – hanging vegetation
7. Brave Warriors – spring flowers emerging from snow
8. Bee or Hummingbird on Bee Balm
3. At the judge’s discretion, classes may also be subdivided, i.e. distance and close-up.
4. The judge will choose the photo from among the entries which, in his/her opinion, is Best in Show, whether or not that photo has won in its class.
PHOTO TIPS from NEVILLE GLENN
• Make sure the flower appears large and fills your camera screen; if possible use Macro.
• Try to get the background as plain as possible so as not to distract from the flower.
• For best colours, take the photo with morning or late afternoon light.
RIBBONS are given for: BEST PHOTO IN SHOW2024 AWARDS AND TROPHIES
Arthur and Marjorie Rutherford Trophy
Awarded annually to the exhibitor with the most points in shows over the season.
Hoselton Studio Trophy
Awarded annually to the novice with the most points.
Joan and Harold Harnden Silver Rose Bowl
Awarded annually to the exhibitor with the most points in the Decorative Section.
Amy Gresham Memorial Trophy
Valerie Dentenbeck
Valerie Dentenbeck
Awarded annually to the exhibitor with the most points for the ‘Flower of the Year’ – ORANGE NASTURTIUM
25th Anniversary Trophy
Awarded annually to the exhibitor with the most points in the Potted Plant Section (trophy donated by Joan Fawcett).
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Rose Bowl
Awarded annually to the exhibitor with the most points for Roses.
Photography Trophy
Awarded annually to the exhibitor with the most points in the Photography Section (trophy donated by Lenna Broatch).
Members Memorial Trophy
Awarded annually to the exhibitor with the most marbles in the Mini Spring Flower Show.
April Mackey
Valerie Dentenbeck
Corinne Hall
Valerie Detenbeck
2024 CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION IN SHOWS
INGRID ANDERSON
CLAIR BRETON
PAT CAMPBELL VALERIE
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Mark Cullen defined the terms used to describe plants in the following way:
Genus: The family or large group from which a plant is derived.
Species: A group of plants capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Variety: This is the last name on a plant label often denoting hybridization.
For example: Paeonia lactiflora Doreen. Paeonia is the genus, lactiflora is the species and Doreen is the variety or cultivar.
Other Useful Terms:
Open Pollinated: This term is usually associated with vegetables. These are cultivars that have been pollinated naturally by insects, wind or self-pollination. The seeds of these vegetables will produce plants that are true to the parent plants.
Hybrid: Two closely related species are mated mostly synthetically in order to produce an improvement over the originals. In the case of flowering plants this would involve either colour or a longer flowering period or, in the case of vegetables, better flavour and improved productivity. The downside is that the seeds of such plants will not necessarily be identical to the parent.
Organic: Seeds and plants that carry this label have been produced under strict guidelines and regulations. The land on which these plants were grown has been free of toxic chemicals for at least three years and they have been grown strictly without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The use of sewage sludge, irradiation and genetic engineering are also prohibited.
Heirloom: These plants have a history of at least 50 years of open pollination. Such vegetables often have a better flavour than newer hybrids. It is important to note that, in the past 40 years of so, we have lost more than 2,000 fruit and vegetable cultivars. The Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation in the U.S. estimates that 96 per cent of the commercial vegetable cultivars that were available in 1903 are now extinct.
BRING SPRING EARLY INTO YOUR HOME!
Towards the end of February select branches of spring flowering shrubs to bring indoors. Choose your specimens carefully so that the overall appearance of the shrub is not compromised and cut next to an outward facing bud. A mild day when the temperature is above freezing makes this a pleasant task and helps the branches to make a successful move into the warmth. Put the branches into warm water and add a flower preservative to help prolong the vase life. Keep the container in a cool, partially shaded place until the buds start to show colour. Then move the flowering branches into your chosen location.
Forsythia and Pussy Willow respond well to this treatment. Other shrubs than can be forced are Bridle Wreath Spirea, Flowering Quince, Honeysuckle, Serviceberry and Redtwig Dogwood. It is best to cut Lilac, Mock Orange and Rhododendron later in March.
Forsythia and Pussy Willow respond well to this treatment. Other shrubs that can be forced are Bridle Wreath Spirea, Flowering Quince, Honeysuckle, Serviceberry and Redtwig Dogwood. It is best to cut Lilac, Mock Orange and Rhododendron later in March.
Members Memorial Trophy
Arthur & Marjorie Rutherford Trophy
Joan & Harold Harnden Silver Rose Bowl
CIBC Rose Bowl
Valerie D. Absent: Corinne H., Photography Trophy
Rosa L.