May 15, 2010
By Wendy Harry CHT

LO’s London Chapter wrapped up its final chapter meeting for 2009/10 with a bang from guest speaker Paul Morris from Acorus Restoration Native Plant Nursery. He was featured on the cover of the January 2010 issue of Horticulture Review. With over 40 people in attendance, members discovered that native wetland plants can beautify a pond and are naturally hardy compared to non-native plants. Members also had a great information session from an accountant’s perspective on the HST.

All of the meetings this past fall/winter had an average attendance of over 30 members. Members who had been absent for awhile, and came out to a meeting this winter, noted the increased number of members in attendance.  

Most meeting agendas include an introduction of the board members, a guest speaker with topics beneficial to members, sponsors showcasing great products, a member profile to showcase a member’s history with LO and their area of expertise, plus a brief meeting portion which outlines what the chapter board is preparing for the coming year. The line-up of topics/speakers for fall 2010 is already in motion, and we hope our members mark the following dates on your calendars and join us! All meetings are the second Tuesday of the month: Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Feb. 8 and Mar. 8, and are held at the Lamplighter Inn on Wellington Road.

The February luncheon meeting had 46 members in attendance for a buffet lunch and a speaker from the Ministry of Labour to inform members on important changes for the season.

March is the month for elections of board members. This year three new members were welcomed to the board: Jan Hunter of Hunter Home and Garden, Derek Geddes of Coldstream Land Escape Company and Jarrett Woodard from Grand River Stone.

We say farewell to Darcy DeCaluwe, who served the board for many years and was a great asset to the chapter. He will still be involved as a member and with the London chapter golf tournament (Sept. 10) that he has helped organize since the beginning, playing a huge role in its success. Last year the event sold out!  Thank you Darcy!

The board continues to promote our members and brand LO to the public at the London Home and Garden show, April 23 -25, Gardens of Distinction tour this July 10, and the International Plowing Match in St. Thomas, Sept. 21 - 25.  We have a great presence at these events and are able to showcase and promote our members.

Have a safe and prosperous season!

 

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