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Gardeners' Corner at the

Calgary Horticultural Society

2019 What a Year!
Talks, Courses Workshops

The Society had a very active year of programming in 2019. We offered 50 different talks, workshops and courses. Especially at the beginning of the year, many of the programs sold out. Due to popular demand, some programs were repeated. Over 850 people registered for the programs. Of these attendees, 72% were Society members. These programs were held at 20 different venues throughout the city. We graduated our second class of Master Gardeners. Even though many students find the program challenging, the feedback for the course is positive and enthusiastic. Two of the new program topics offered were Sustainable Garden Design and Photographing Plants with a Phone Camera. Both were very popular and are offered again this year.

Open Gardens
Open Gardens were a huge success. The season opened May 26 for viewing spring blooms and ended August 25 to capture late-season flowers. A total of 26 gardens were open for visiting, including a tour in the Canmore area. Typically, each garden received at least 100 visitors over the afternoon.  

Member Talks
Our eight Member Talks were well received too. The Sweet Pea talk was especially popular, filling the room and spilling attendees into the hallway. 

Plant Shares
Both the spring and fall Plant Shares were brief, fast-paced events that had some unusual and interesting plants. After the rain-drenching close of the spring Plant Share, we made sure we had a tent over our  volunteer cashiers at the fall Plant Share. The fall Plant Share was the first event for the Society's new Executive Director, Natasha Guillot. 

Events
We also hosted two big events in 2019—our Garden Show, which moved to a new venue, the Max Bell Centre, and the Garlic Fair. We're building on our experience to grow and develop these important events for this year. 

It was an exciting, program-filled year and we're planning to have lots to offer throughout 2020, too! Thanks to our volunteers who help facilitate our programs—we really can't do it without you. To anyone who attended a program, thanks for your interest in gardening and your support. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event—visit What's Happening to discover what's available now. Join us in Gardening for Life!
Side bar photos, top to bottom: Succulents in Abbi Singh's winning Garden Show container; Spring Plant share volunteer; a little fall Plant Share colour; Kath Smyth demonstrating during a Garden Coaching session; Peonies from Gene and Patrish Ostapovich's Open Garden. (Deborah Maier)
It's a New Year!
Stop by the office and pick up a 2020 calendar ($10). It's created with Society members in mind. Key events such as Member Talks, Plant Shares and the June, July and August Open Gardens dates are already marked so you'll know when they are happening. The calendar is beautiful and packed with features for Calgary gardeners, including indoor seed-starting charts, “To Do” checklists and inspiring thoughts about gardening from local gardeners. Get yours today!
Welcome Back!
Nisha Sridhar has returned to the Society after a leave. We're excited to have her back! One of her roles is coordinating the Garden Show which is coming up quickly—April 25 and 26. If you have any questions about the Show, email gardenshow@calhort.org...and be sure to say welcome back!
Climate Change and Calgary Gardeners
The news has been full of stories about climate change and its impact, from the Greta Thunberg speaking and rally tour of North America, the terrible fires in Australia to weather events here. This topic has been addressed in the current issue of our member magazine Calgary Gardening. Visit Calgary Gardening under the Members Only section of the website to access the magazine and read the article Climate Change and Calgary Gardeners by Glynn Wright to learn what we can do to help our environment.
Classes
New Year, New Programs! The 2020 Program Calendar is Ready!
See calhort.org | What's Happening for program details.
Don't miss out on the popular programs. Sign up today! Online registration is always open.
Decorative Terracotta Pots
Sunday, January 19, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Society Office, 208 50 Avenue SW
Instructor: Elaine Rude
$50 members, $65 non-members
Register online

Come paint a decorative terracotta plant pot.

Join us for a fun workshop where we will turn an ordinary terracotta pot (8–10 inch) into a work of art using a variety of painting techniques.  The only requirement is creativity!

This family-friendly workshop is for ages 8
and up. Registration is for one adult who may bring a child at no additional cost. 
All supplies are provided (one pot per registration).

This is a new hands-on workshop for the Society. Be one of the first to give it a try! 

Registration for this workshop closes on Monday, January 13.
Kickstart Your Garden
Saturday, February 1, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Society Office, 208 50 Avenue SW
Instructor: Janet Melrose
Cost: $45 members, $60 non-members
Register online

Get your garden ready with this comprehensive workshop covering everything you need to know to launch into spring! Learn about spring soil amendments, indoor and outdoor winter sowing, the best ways to clean up your garden after winter, and early direct sowing and planting. This workshop has two hands-on activities: starting microgreens and seed starting through winter sowing.

Registration for this course closes on Monday, January 27.
Creating Resiliency in the Garden—Member Talk and Seed Share
Thursday, February 6, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Haysboro Community Association
1204 89 Avenue SW
Speaker: Elaine Rude
Cost: Free for members, $10 for non-members (cash at the door). Registration is not required.

Exceptional garden plantings instill in us a sense of being immersed in nature. They can evoke strong emotional responses allowing us to experience the garden with mind, body and spirit. These designed plant communities evoke a spirit of place with an emphasis on ecological vs geological preferences.

Changing climate and weather patterns are creating challenges in how and what we grow. With some thought to our plant choices and pairings, the garden can continue to thrive and feed the soul. 

Resiliency in the garden is created by a more natural approach to pairing plants in communities, using layers and a lighter touch. Join us for this talk and discover:
  • How to pair plants in a manner that mimics nature
  • How to create resiliency through pairing and plant diversity
  • How to layer plants effectively
  • How to manage your garden evolution in a naturalistic manner
  • How all these things benefit people, wildlife and the overall environment
Seed Share
Come early for a seed swap! If you have seeds that you'd like to exchange or give away, bring them to this Member Talk. During the social time between 6:30 and 7:00 pm, we will have a seed swap. Ensure that seeds are in clearly labelled packages. This will be a member-to-member swap, giving you a chance to chat with other members about their seeds. Seeds may be left on the sharing table or exchanged directly with another member. A basket will also be available to make a donation of seeds to the Society. Please only bring seeds collected or purchased in 2019 or 2020.
Cacti and Succulents: Jewels of the Home
Thursday, January 30, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
CNIB, 10 11A Street NE
Instructor: John Ostrowdun, from greengate Garden Centres
Cost: $25 members, $35 non-members
Register online

Cacti and succulents have become incredibly popular in the gardening world in recent times.  Learn how to care for these jewels of the home and succeed in growing cacti and succulents in Calgary.

Registration for this course closes on Monday, January 20.
Sustainable Garden Design
10 Weeknights—Mondays and Wednesdays starting Monday, January 27, and ending Monday, March 2, 6:30 to 9:30 pm (excludes February 17, Family Day) 
Society Office, 208 50 Avenue SW (Location Change)
Instructors: Jeremy Zoller, Michelle Edworthy, Mike Dorion and Mike Light
Cost: $300 members, $350 non-members  
Register online

Students will create a finished home garden design based on ecological principles such as water-saving, closed loops and habitat creation.  

Participants will learn: 
  • Technical design skills, such as drafting and site analysis  
  • Differences and similarities between sustainable design systems such as permaculture, xeriscaping and food forestry  
  • Water movement through soil and around properties; hardscaping to direct and/or store water  
  • Best practices for building a greenhouse  
  • How to build and amend soil while considering the soil biology  
  • Plant selection based on water needs, habitats, niches, wildlife value and personal goals  
Participants will have the opportunity to present their final design to fellow students and instructors for comments and suggestions. 

Registration for this course closes on Monday, January 20.
2020 Program Calendar
Watch What's Happening on the website for program updates as Michelle, the Society's Program Coordinator, has been finalizing details for the Society's talks, workshops and courses. New offerings are regularly being added to the calendar. Visit the website and check the coming months to sign up early for our popular programs. Coming soon...seed starting!
Valentine's Day Planter
Saturday, February 8, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
greengate Garden Centres,
14111 MacLeod Trail SW
Instructor: Verne Williams
Cost: $65 members, $85 non-members
Register online

Create a beautiful planter for yourself or special someone for this Valentine's Day!

The planter will feature roses and a personalized container.  The instructor will guide you through the creative process and teach you how to keep your container looking wonderful.

Registration for this workshop closes on Friday, January 31.
Support the Society

New Year— Start a Plan with a Garden Journal

Stop by the Society office to purchase your copy ($20) of The Growing Journal. The Society's journal is a terrific tool to help keep track of your plans and the activity in the garden. The pages are not dated, so you can journal at your own pace, without the stress of finishing an annual diary. It's a great gift for a gardener on any occasion. Purchase this gardening resource and support the Society.

Help Us Grow!

The Calgary Horticultural Society is a registered charity dedicated to cultivating Calgary’s gardening community. Your support helps us continue our mission to enrich the lives of Calgarians by supporting gardening and the enhancement of the environment through our programs of talks, workshops and courses. Donations enable the Society to engage Calgarians in Gardening for Life—every donation is appreciated. Thank you for supporting the Calgary Horticultural Society. Donate online.

If you prefer, you are welcome to drop by the office (208 50 Avenue SW) to make a donation or call us at 403.287.3469 and we will be happy to assist you.


Membership—a Gift that Blooms Year-round
It's a gift that gives throughout the year—free Member Talks, garden centre and workshop discounts, online resources, e-news, e-magazines and Open Gardens tours. Gift memberships may be purchased online—visit Membership/Join the Society and scroll to the bottom of the page. Or, come to the office (208 50 Avenue SW) to purchase the gift membership and you can take the membership card home.

Volunteer with us in 2020!

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the Society and help grow our gardening community. Contact the Society's Volunteer Coordinator, Norm Cook, at 403.287.3469 ext. 1 or email volunteer@calhort.org if you would like to volunteer for a Society event, talk, class or course. All Society classes have volunteer monitors who help set up, introduce the instructor and assist class participants. We're preparing for events such as:
  • Parks School (for City of Calgary employees) 
  • Calgary Home + Garden Show
  • Seedy Saturday
  • Aggie Days
  • Casino
  • Garden Show 
  • Open Gardens
  • Community Outreach
  • Workshops, talks and courses
These events are successful because our volunteer community helps out—Come Grow with Us!  Visit Get Involved/Volunteer on the website for more information about volunteering.
Copy Editors Needed!
We are looking for a couple of volunteer copy editors for the magazine and e-news. If you have experience editing content, have an eye for detail, are knowledgeable about plants and have an interest in working with a great team, contact Julie at editor@calhort.org. You can work from home.
Director/Board Secretary
The Calgary Horticultural Society Board of Directors is seeking to fill an immediate vacancy for the position of Director/Board Secretary. This volunteer role requires a minimum two-year term commitment as well as availability for approximately ten hours per month to attend Board and Committee meetings and attend Society events. Applicants must have previous experience in an administrative role, be familiar with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Though gardening expertise is not a must, support for our mission and organizational goals are key.

To learn more about the Board of Directors and how to apply, visit calhort.org/Get Involved/Volunteer. Scroll down the page to the Society Board of Directors section/Board Opportunities link.
Be an Open Gardens Host
Open Gardens will be here soon. The dates are May 24, June 7, July 5, July 19, August 9 and September 13. Gardens on the tour need to be interesting, but perfection is not required. We welcome all types of gardens: food, xeriscape, low or high maintenance, half a duplex or acreage, showcase or a work-in-progress. Your garden and story should captivate the visitor for at least a 15-minute visit. If you're interested in being a host, visit What's Happening/Open Gardens on our website for details. Fill in the Submit an Open Garden form and one of our volunteer Open Gardens coordinators will contact you. If you're unsure if your garden is ready to be a garden on the tour, then note that in the form and a team member can help you decide.
Coming Soon!
Be part of the Garden Show team!
The Society's Garden Show is on April 25 and 26, 2020, at the Max Bell Centre. We will be building on last year's experience to enhance the show! We've started planning. If you're interested in being part of the Garden Show team, contact Norm at volunteer@calhort.org or call 403.287.3469 ext. 1. Save the date and plan to attend.
Spread the word! 
Invite your friends to subscribe to this e-news. Forward this email and ask your friends to subscribe by clicking this JOIN link. 
Thanks—come grow with us!
Do you have a gardening question? Did you find a great source for unique seeds you'd like to share? Log in to the Members' Forum, choose a topic and let other members know. We look forward to hearing from you!
Copyright Calgary Horticultural Society | 2020 | All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
208 50 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2S 2S1

Phone: 403.287.3469


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