There were bonuses at the Madawaska Valley Horticultural Society’s November meeting. Not only was it preceded by the annual Pot Luck Dinner where Society members and guests brought food to share — they also brought contributions for the Madawaska Valley Food Bank. The featured speaker was club director Ritsuko Honda who demonstrated seasonal arrangements. (above her Pot Luck design Photo Nola Leroux) The meeting was also the occasion to elect a new slate of directors and officers, so after the dinner Eden Guidroz presided over the elections process. Jeneene Brunton, Eden Guidroz and Ritsuko Honda were acclaimed as President, First Vice-President and Second Vice-President respectively. Connie Colton was elected Treasurer. The office of Secretary remains vacant so Guidroz encouraged members to consider volunteering. Because the club has overlapping terms, she thanked those who are continuing as directors. She also thanked the retiring directors for their volunteer time: Colina Taylor (speaker liaison), Nola Leroux (Flower & Vegetable Show organizer), Dan and Ann Isbister (social/kitchen convenors), and Julie Zurakowski (Adopt-A-Bed coordinator).
From left: (rear) Katrina Boguski, Stephanie Park, Terry Newcombe, Eden Guidroz, Georgina Van Hoof; (front) Sharon Mahussier, Ritsuko Honda, Jeneene Brunton, Enis Hunter, Maryjka Mychajlowycz, Sandy Kingsmith, Connie Colton.
Ritsuko Honda showed Valley gardeners how to create six seasonal designs based on three vital principles. In Honda’s view, arrangements must be:
- sustainable
- long-lasting
- cheap to create
Honda explained that using more local materials and fewer purchased elements fits not just the requirement of thrift but also reduces the carbon footprint of seasonal decorations. She offered tips for long-lasting types of foliage in the Valley and delighted members with her asymmetrical designs. The audience learned that Japanese arrangements avoid using four of any item; instead three is considered a better number. Honda also said that materials for arrangements are often available along Valley roads after brushing has taken place, and of course in our own gardens.
Ritsuko Honda explains the range of materials she uses
Wreath made of grapevine features winterberries and milkweed; Maryjka Mychajlowycz displays a dogwood twig star.
Terry Newcombe hold a pot-et-fleur arrangement containing potted plants and a few purchased blooms; a saucer of succulent plants arranged with driftwood, lichen.
This tray arrangement features pomegranites, clementines, cones and twigs with forest greenery but Honda assured the audience they could replace the spruce boughs with kale and then eat the arrangement after Christmas!