Oro-Medonte Horticultural Society

In 2024 our 142 members provided 4325 volunteer hours. Our activities remained constrained in the first several months of the fiscal year resulting in our expenses being much lower than budgeted. Ongoing programs included maintaining gardens at township parks and public buildings. Our Bloomin' Good Gardens volunteers recognized gardening efforts in the community providing a sign a certificate to residents. The annual plant sale was a huge success. Plant donations from members gardens are offered to the general pubic a low prices in the interest of promoting gardening in the community. The annual Garden Tour resumed as well which showcases exceptional gardens in the community Our general meetings were held both in-person and virtually and covered a wide variety of horticultural topics. These meeting are open to the general public at no cost. The society was able to resume in-person flower show competitions and workshops. Financial donations were made to local food banks shelters and conservation groups. The Society contributes to the Dr. Raymond Ives Fund which provides financial assistance to students in post secondary horticultural and environmental programs in Ontario In the coming fiscal year the Society intends to reach out to area schools to provide funding and materials for promoting horticultural activities such as pollinator gardens and native species gardens. There is also a proposal to assist and promote tree planting in the wake of the destruction of ash trees due to invasive insects. The Society is exploring working with existing wood lot owners on this initiative. We are exploring funding a defibrillator at a popular Township park where the Society is currently maintaining a series of gardens including a native species project.