Hello NOTL Horticultural Society Members,

A belated Happy New Year to all!! I trust that everyone had a restful and enjoyable holiday season filled with good friends and family, delicious food and fun. Here’s to a wonderful 2023, with lots of happy gardening experiences.

Now back to normal routine. The first meeting for 2023 is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium at the NOTL Community Centre. I’m very pleased to report that our speaker this month is Owen Bjorgen, speaking on “Hidden Gardens of Niagara”. Many of you know Owen from his articles in the Lake Report, his tours and work with various groups in town and the region. He is a dynamic speaker – I’m sure everyone will enjoy it. Kerry Royer from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will be speaking in February. More information on that later.

Please see below for the minutes from our last meeting and the agenda for this meeting. Minutes
Agenda

When you have a minute, take a peek at our website – www.notlhortsociety.com. With thanks to Dee Fahlman, we now have an updated and refreshed look, with articles and links to some great information. We will not be publishing an annual paper brochure this year. Our website will be the “go to” place for information on each monthly meeting and all events and news for Hort Society members and others.

January brings us to our annual membership renewal time. Many thanks to those of you who have already submitted your renewal via our website. If you have not yet renewed, you can complete this task at the meeting - we will have a supply of membership forms at the registration table. Alternatively, you can renew on-line at www.notlhortsociety.com. Many thanks in advance.

You can also download a membership form here.

It is with great sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of two of our honorary, life members in the past few weeks – Sheila Hirsch Kalm on December 16 and Jean Cochrane on January 7. Both of these amazing women were pivotal members of our society for many years. There will be a memorial to them in the spring. More on this at the meeting.

The OHA is offering a 50/50 raffle to support environmental programs, awards and grants assisting with pollinators, tree planting and community beautification as well as post secondary scholarships. Note that the current “pot” is $1,650 – winner will take 50% of the final total amount. Members can participate through this link https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/ontario-ha

Sales end on Wednesday March 15 with the draw on Thursday March 16. There is a range of ticket prices - the minimum amount is $10 for 10 tickets. Might be worth it!!

Please arrive a bit early to renew your membership and grab a cup of tea or coffee and some yummy goodies. Remember to “lug your own mug” and get your 50/50 and door prize tickets as you arrive.

Looking to seeing everyone on Tuesday night!!

Cindy