Prince Albert Horticultural Society

2001 Calendar of Events

January 21- Our Annual Potluck Supper held on Sunday, January 21 was once again a great success. The theme this year was MARDI GRAS, and the hall and tables were decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colours of gold, purple, and green. As usual the food was exceptional, and to add to the Mardi Gras atmosphere, we had an authentic, traditional King Cake, baked and decorated by Lasia Paul. Musical entertainment during the meal was provided by Paul Lomheim. After supper, our King and Queen for the evening, presided over several competitions for prizes of doubloons (foil-wrapped chocolate coins), Mardi Gras beaded necklaces, and other trinkets donated by local businesses. The costume competition was decided after each of the finalists did their best 'dance', with Mike Palawaga being declared the winner after impressing the Queen with his hat…….and not necessarily his dancing technique! Many thanks go out to all the Members who volunteered their time and talents to make the evening enjoyable for everyone.

February 28 - The meeting on Wednesday, February 28 was followed by a presentation by Joy Ogden on how to do rock painting. The steps to create a rock 'gnome home' were demonstrated. Rocks, paints and fill material for the roof and eaves were provided for those wanting to make their own rock house. Approximately 20 Members experienced a very enjoyable and educational evening, and surprised themselves by creating their own beautiful and unique garden ornaments.

March 10 & 11 - Focus on Women at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre. As in the past years, we had a booth promoting the Horticultural Society and our events and speakers for the upcoming year. A sale of live plants, and a draw for a basket filled with dozens of gardening goodies donated by Members were also part of our display. The decorating theme this year was "Flower Fairy Garden Party," and our decorating volunteers did an excellent job. For the second year in a row, we were awarded the "Best Booth - Exhibitors Choice" plaque for having the best booth as judged by the other exhibitors at the show. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to make this event another successful one. To see our booth and display, click here.

March 28 - The presentation following the meeting will be "Pond-ering Water Garden Construction."

April 22 - Our major Spring Event this year was a thoroughly entertaining and informative presentation, "Building Better Borders" by David Tarrant, internationally known host of CBC Television's long-running program, "The Canadian Gardener." He spoke at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre on Sunday, April 22 to a sold-out audience of 300. We enjoyed a second, 'bonus' presentation of extra slides that David had brought along in case there was enough time to show more of his excellent photos. Many of the photos, from gardens located in Saskatchewan, served as proof that "Building Better Borders" in our climate is far from an impossible dream! A question & answer session, book signing, and draws for numerous door-prizes donated by local businesses finished off the afternoon. We're thrilled that the success of our first two "Big Name" speakers, Lois Hole in 1999, and Liz Primeau in 2000, was repeated this year with David Tarrant. Many thanks go out to all those Members who volunteered their time and talents to make this event such a huge success. Please check back soon for photos.

April 25 - The monthly meeting was followed by a presentation by crop production specialist, Clarence Peters, with slides on the newest and best fruit varieties to grow in our area.

May 23 - Annual Plant Exchange for Members only. If you would like to attend but aren't already a Member, Memberships will be available at the door for $4.00. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23. Admission (aside from Membership) is one or two plants, depending on size and rarity, as a donation for the Plant Sale (see below). Other plants you bring will give you credits toward the 'purchase' of any of the plants brought by other participants. Almost anything can turn up….from small bedding plants to trees and shrubs! The Plant Exchange takes place at the Carlton Park Community Hall, 3100 Dunn Drive.

May 26 - Annual Plant Sale held Saturday, May 26. Plants donated as admission to the Plant Exchange are sold at very reasonable prices (usually $1 to $2). The sale will be held in the parking lot in front of the Royal Bank branch at 29th Street and 2nd Avenue West, between 9:00 a.m. and Noon.

June 27 - The presentation following the meeting will be "Fundamentals of Plant Photography."

July (date to be announced) - possible workshop on exhibiting vegetables, fruit, and flowers at the Prince Albert Exhibition and at the Horticultural Show.

July 25 - "Stop and Smell the Flowers" Garden Tour for Members only (time and location to be announced).

August 14 & 15 - The Annual Horticultural Show will be held at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre. Entries may be made the evening of Monday, August 13 or the morning of Tuesday, August 14. Copies of the new Prize List will be available very soon.

August 22 - "Herbal Delights" Garden Tour for Members only (time and location to be announced).

September 26 - The topic "Fun With Forest Fungi: Wild Mushroom I.D. and Picking" will be presented after the meeting.

October 24 - A slide presentation on "Edibles in the Landscape" will follow the meeting.

November 28 - Annual General Meeting and Elections.

Please note that all regular meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
at the Carlton Park Community Hall, 3100 Dunn Drive, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.