June 2024 ~ The Pansy Post

Pembroke Horticultural Society. Established 1924
Address: c/o Pembroke City Hall, 1 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke, ON K8A 3J5
A member of the Ontario Horticultural Association www.gardenontario.org
Co-President: Cathy Hugli Tel: 613-401-1154 huglic2@gmail.com
Co-President: Ellen Vandersleen Tel: 613-732-7649 g.e.vandersleen@gmail.com
Editor: Sue Walton Tel: 613-585-7730 swalton238@gmail.com
Pembroke Horticultural Society email: gardenpembroke@gmail.com

100th Anniversary 1924 – 2024

June 2024

Date: Monday, June 24, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Sunset Nursery – 2177 Greenwood Road, Pembroke
Speaker: Alastair Hugli – Topic: Water Features

The Ottawa River where our beautiful city was founded and has flourished for over 100
years. We are but a wee speck in the history of this magnificent river. For 8,500 + years, dating
back to Algonquin ancestors, we have utilized its natural resources by hunting, gathering and
“living along its banks”. The more recent construction of urban estates, resource extraction,
area development, wetland destruction, river dams and other man-made factors, have all
compromised the sustainability of the river. Maintaining the ecological health of the Ottawa
River and learning how our cumulative human impact affects the richness and quality of the
river, is crucial to its generational livelihood and system.
The deep lakes and fast-flowing waters of the “Ottawa” are the perfect combination for
biotic and abiotic life to thrive and multiply in. It provides habitat for more than 85 fish species,
300 bird species, approximately 53 mammal species and 33 species of amphibians and reptiles.
You can also find at least 14 different species of freshwater mussels in this river. The forests
surrounding the Ottawa River are home to many other mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks,
rabbits, raccoons, mice, bats, and white-tailed deer. Along more northerly boreal section of the
river are wolves, wolverines, lynx, martens and moose. The Ottawa River is simply full of life,
richness and beauty and we, in this small part of it, are so fortunate to be able to share it. Let’s
keep it healthy!

On May 9th our annual Spring Flower Show was held at the Pembroke Mall. I hope you had a
chance to see it, because it was just beautiful. Grace R. and Jenny along with their very able
assistant, Denise C. did an amazing job of setting up the displays and encouraging passers-bye
to come in for a look. Following is an update from the Flower Show Committee (submitted by
Jenny B.):

The flower show held at the Pembroke Mall on May 9th was a big success. Grace and I were
very pleased with the number of entries (120) brought in by eight members. The new location,
The Spot, turned out to have more traffic with many people dropping by to see the flower show
entries and to watch the video of the pictures from the past 100 years of our Society displayed
on a screen. We were able to encourage 7 new members to join our society and informed
many visitors about our Legacy Fund, planting 100 trees and the 100th Anniversary celebrations
taking place this year. (*see photos in pdf format)

The next flower Show is on June 24th at Sunset Nursery where our general meeting is being
held. Please have your entries brought in no later than 6:45 p.m. so the judging can begin on
time. We encourage members to try your hand at a couple of entries. The more entries we
have the more we learn from each other about new varieties and methods of growing. If you
have any questions or concerns, please call Grace or myself and we will gladly help you out.
Jenny & Grace
For new members who may wish to place an entry in one of the flower shows, please see the
detailed attachment by Jenny B. on “Conditioning Flowers for Floral Arrangements” or call
Jenny at 613-732-7544.

On Monday, May 13th a group of society members went on a wonderful Garden Tour around
the city and area. We visited six beautiful gardens followed by lunch at Irving’s Big Stop
Restaurant. What a wonderful day! Each garden we visited was unique, eye popping and
obviously full of love. There is so much work required to get ready for a garden tour and all six
participants are to be commended – Carole Trepanier, Stewart Norman, Hugh Schooley, Barb
McGaw, Ellen Vandersleen and Sharon Watt. Congratulations and thank you to all! (*see photos in pdf format)

At an executive meeting this month, the terms of the Harvey Fraser Memorial
Bursary were discussed and amended. If any of the Pembroke Horticultural
Society members know of a student who in September, 2024 will be studying in
any of the following areas, we would like to consider that person for our $500.00
bursary. The fields of study are all related to our interests and concerns:
horticulture, agriculture, forestry, environmental studies, etc.
Please inform any member of the executive if you know of a qualifying student.

As you may be aware, a very zealous group of society members (and perhaps some
spouses and friends) attempted to improve the appearance of Paul Martin Drive,
which of course is the main entrance to our city. However it was a very daunting
and overwhelming task, so thanks to another enthusiastic member a letter was sent
to The Honourable Paul Martin himself asking for help with this project. In
response a beautiful letter was received from Mr Martin and we have subsequently
been approved for a grant from the Paul Martin Foundation to aid in our
endeavour. We will keep you apprised of the plans.

The Pembroke Horticultural Society Legacy Fund is progressing very smoothly.
If you know of anyone who may be interested in donating, information about the
Fund and a donation form can be seen as an attachment,. You may also contact
Larry TerMarsch by phone for further information: 613-732-5377.

The Giant Plant Sale: many thanks to Grace McL. and her volunteers for another
wonderful success. A new record was set!

A ceremony was held recently for the presentation of the Ontario Volunteer
Awards. Five members of our society were recipients this year: Elaine Metzger –
35 years, Grace McLaughlin – 20 years, Pamela Duplessis – 10 years, Catherine
Arends – 5 years and Peter Wegner – 5 years. Congratulations to everyone! (*see photos in pdf format)

Upcoming Events:

OHA Convention is being held in Guelph July 12th-14th
Sunday, July 21st – 1920’s Theme Picnic at the Pembroke Waterfront.
This is the “grand summer event” celebrating our 100 years, so come an join us! Wear period costumes if you can and bring your own lunch. Sweets will be provided. There will be fun for the whole family!
Saturday, August 17th – The District 2 Flower & Edibles Show is being hosted by the Almonte, Carleton Place and Pakenham Horticultural Societies at the Civitan Hall in Almonte. See attachment for further information.
Friday, August 23rd – Flower & Vegetable Show at the Waterfront Park from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Entries to be tabled by 9:30 a.m. This is a judged show. See attached August Flower Show criteria.
Thursday, November 14th – Centennial Gala Dinner and Flower Show at the Pembroke Legion. There will be entertainment and warm comradery. Bring a friend! More information will be forthcoming closer to the date.
The Christmas Tea – date and time to be arranged.

Volunteers for the June 24th General Meeting:

Greeters: Charlotte H. and Rosalie L.
Social: Sean R. and Renelle C.
Door Prizes: Rosalie L., Renelle C., Charlotte H. If you have an item that is new
or gently used, bring it along for a door prize. Anyone can donate at any time!

*The next Executive Meeting: August 19th at the Waterfront. Bring your
own lunch and lawn chair. Tour of gardens to follow. If raining, meeting will be
at the home of Ellen V. on Sawmill Road.

**The next newsletter will be coming your way in September. Happy and safe
summer to everyone! May your gardens flourish!