Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44FOCUS - MARCH 2017 9 “ Where Gardeners Come to Bloom” Happy 40th Pine Ridge Garden Club: ave you always wanted to learn how to grow the most beautiful roses? How about some tips and tricks for a successful herb garden? Wondering what you can plant to attract hummingbirds, or how to produce that award-winning tomato to enter at the Port Perry fair? Expert speakers on horticul- tural topics, such as Jeff Mason and Conrad Richter, visit the monthly meetings of the local Pine Ridge Garden Club. The meetings are held at Nestleton Hall at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month (except January and February.) It’s $15 for a single annual mem- bership, or $20 for a family. For this low fee, you get seasonal gardening tips, chances to win competitions, potluck dinners and a sociable night out with other green thumbs. This club has been going strong for 40 years and a gala anniversary celebration is planned for April 4. The public is welcome to attend. There will be interesting artifacts on display, and a festive cake. Gary and Dianne Westlake’s presentation “Tiptoe through the Tulips” prom- ises to be interesting. Pine Ridge Garden Club was formed in 1977 by Frances Newton, who emigrated from England, where the term ‘garden club’ was more prevalent than ‘horticultural society.’ After she retired, she returned to England, but the organization she founded continued to grow. At pres- ent, there are 90 members from all over Scugog Township. Past President/Director Shirley Love commented that the member- ship was very pleased to receive the Mayor’s Heritage Award for reju- venating the gardens at the Scugog Heritage Museum site. Volunteers have also enjoyed planting colour- ful gardens for the public to enjoy at Port Perry Hospital and Nestleton Hall. One annual fundraiser enables the club to buy plants for this civic beautification program. The popular Plant, Yard and Bake Sale, is slated for Saturday May 20, at Nestleton Hall at 8:30 a.m. Come on out and get your seedlings for spring plant- ing and support a good cause at the same time. Perennials and annuals will both be available. There are three flower and veg- etable shows held throughout the year, in May, July and September. Accredited judges choose which gardeners will receive the presti- gious trophies and plaques for their accomplishments. Professional pho- tographers adjudicate the themed photography shows. Some of the 2017 categories include Summer Jewels, Single Bloom and Landing Pad (insects.) Pine Ridge Garden Club is part of District 17, which includes 12 horti- cultural societies in the area. There are a lot of competitions and special events, and new people to meet and learn from. Everyone looks forward to trips, such as visiting the Canada Blooms show in March. “It’s a friendly group,” enthuses Shirley. “New members are always welcome.” So why not check out pineridge- gardenclub.ca and “be a part of something wonderful.” By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED We have been serving Scugog Township and Southern Ontario with Competitive, Comprehensive and Personalized Service for 100 years. 193 Queen Street, Port Perry, ON 905-985-7306 1-800-387-5642