Our branch meeting on Tuesday, April 9 featured our guest speaker – Conway Lum from Garden Works. We had over 20 attendees.
Following meeting room evacuation instructions by branch president John Davies, new members were welcomed, then John introduced our speaker.
Conway works for Garden Works (originally Mandeville Garden Centre located at corner of Nelson Street and Marine Drive, Burnaby, BC). Mr. Lum graduated from UBC with Bachelor of Science in plant science (ornamental horticulture and botany) in 1985. He is one of the first three candidates to receive the “Canadian Certified Horticultural Technician for Retail Garden Centre” from Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association in 1998. He also completed “Landscape Certified Technical” exam specializing in ornamental and turf maintenance, served on the provincial landscape certification committee for British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association, and recently received a Red Seal for Landscape Horticulturist in 2023.
Conway did an educational and entertaining presentation on how to plant containers, the various soils available for purchase, as well as containers and fertilizers for different gardening needs. Container gardening needs pots with drain holes for excess water. Fertilizing is also a key ingredient in your plants growth, however you should check with your garden centre on which fertilizer is required for your planting needs.
Conway mentioned that at Garden Works, there are in-house seminars/workshops, and recommends attending a session if you are a newcomer in starting your container or outdoor space gardens.
To find information such as a guide to plants that might do well in your garden space, go to growgreenguide.ca
The business part of the meeting then commenced.
Our fundraising in support of BC Children’s Hospital Small is Mighty campaign commences in early May. Tables will be set up at the BC Hydro Dunsmuir and Edmonds lobbies. If you’re interested in helping by spending time at our lobby tables, please email Maureen Lachnit at mlachnit22@gmail.com
Vancouver 5-Pin Bowling League will be ending their annual bowling season at the end of April with playoffs and a lunch with awards. New bowlers are welcome to join as a regular or spare bowler when the new season starts in September. If interested, please contact Elly Tower at eleanor_tower@hotmail.com
Caring Crafts – Barbara Conrad reported that new crafters are always welcome to make items for BC Children’s Hospital. Yarn donations are also welcome. You can find details on the website, or contact Barbara at bconrad@telus.net
Rob Kikkert reported that the UBC Science Fair was a successful event, with Peter DaSilva heading up a team of volunteers.
Pat Moschenross noted the passing of John Baker.
Upcoming branch meetings at Edmonds:
Tuesday, May 14 – “Enjoy the Journey“ with Troy Opper – a presentation of chartered tours, such as the Fraser Valley winery tour some of our group enjoyed last fall.
Tuesday, June 11 – Community Service Award presentation to successful applicants.
Door prize draws ended the meeting, with congrats to the cash prize draw winners.
And… Conway Lum presented the completed hanging basket to winner Norris Colby.