The Battlefords and Area Horticultural Society is starting to prepare for spring activities.
It has been a long winter with nearly endless snow and the arrival of seed catalogues was a big note to brighten some days. Seeds will have been ordered and arrived, or some of us have been looking at the big racks in the stores. We should try some new varieties or give ones that did not do well last year another chance.
Due to the early winter, horticulture has been slow, but a seed exchange was held in October.
There were only five members at an annual meeting in November. Some business was discussed and the board of directors was returned by acclamation, with the resignation of Dorothy Sander who had agreed to serve only a one year term.
The Provincial Horticultural Association Convention was held at Kamsack in mid October. Elaine Poirier as society liaison and Ruth Bilanski as society delegate attended. Ruth gave a comprehensive report of the various components and programs. The first talk was by Lionel Hughes who started the garden magazine Prairies North. It has considerable Saskatchewan content and the circulation keeps increasing.
Jackie Bantle from the Horticultural Science Department at the University of Saskatchewan spoke about Sara Williams' hostel project in Tanzania. It started several years ago for 20 girls to provide housing so they could safely attend school. Money was raised mostly from friends in Saskatoon and across the province. On a repeat visit, and accompanied by some friends, enough finance was raised to increase the facilities to 80 girls. Many girls go onto a higher education and some come back to teach or help their communities in other ways.
Russ Brunt of Kamsack, with three farmer friends, started harvesting maple sap from the many trees growing in many areas around Kamsack. It takes 40 gallons to make one gallon of syrup , so it's processed in one cup bottles to sell for $14. A bottle was passed around with teaspoons for all to have a taste. It had a strong maple flavour and dark amber colour. Orders are coming from some areas in the United States after some samples were taken to a conference by government members.
Only 10 societies sent delegates, but all were enthusiastic participants in the silent auctions and other activities.
The convention this fall will be held in Regina as the association finds it useful to alternate the events between small and large societies.
Due to weather and other factors, the January and February meetings were cancelled. Now the days are longer and sun is warmer so we are more inspired to think green and start garden planning. The March 18 meeting will start with a potluck supper at 6 p.m., a presentation by Communities in Bloom will follow and conclude with a business meeting.
New members are always welcome and fee is still $5. Meetings are the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted and held at the Hillcrest Centre in Battleford. Fundraisers will be a house plant and bake sale in April and bedding and perennial sale in May.
