Achievements and Activities in 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007
At an extraordinary meeting held in February, a new committee was elected. The group decided to try a new meeting strategy for the year ie, a meeting every second month at Barton Hall. Activities, [garden visits, bushwalks, stalls,] were to be held in the other months.
It took a little while for the new committee to settle in and learn procedures, but things got underway in March with a members’ night. The evening’s theme, “What’s Bugging You?” bought out problems members were facing in their gardens, from pests to planting failures. The combined group wisdom and experience offered loads of advice and practical solutions.
In May, J. Hayes gave a wonderful presentation on her visit to the “Australian Botanical Garden” in Victoria. P. Brady spoke to our group in July on the adaption of plants to the drier weather patterns experienced so frequently in Australia. In September, B. Roach presented ideas on selecting the “right plant.” November saw the group discussing “Summer survival in the garden.”
The “activities calendar” kept the group busy in between meetings. In April, many members enjoyed a trip to Silky Oaks, near Oakdale. There was plenty to see, speakers to hear, and lots of plants on sale. Betty Rymer invited us to her garden in June. We learnt the history of the garden, enjoyed a peaceful ramble, finishing with afternoon tea. In September we enjoyed Jean and Allan Wright’s garden. There were so many beautiful plants and so much to learn. Again, another great afternoon tea! Brian Roach invited us to his garden in October. His friend Geoff Howes also opened his garden to our group on the same afternoon. Both of these gardens participate in the Open Gardens Scheme. Two very interesting gardens with so much to see in each! A stop in between for a picnic afternoon tea in the local park was great fun.
During August, our community event was participating in the Samuel Gilbert Public School fete. We sold cut native flowers grown by our members, and native plants. This was an opportunity to promote our group with the focus on using native plants in gardens. Towards year end, our next community project was directed to Annangrove Public School. Our group was able to help the school set up a small native plant garden next to the “walk in” entrance. Our “Euphoriya” grant funds were used to purchase plants for this garden. Members were able to help with advice on the site and with plantings.
Many members helped to keep our group active and vibrant. The propagation group was kept busy every month supplying plants for the community. Members supplied many articles for the newsletter, Calgaroo, sharing information, and gardening advice. Our busy web master, editor, librarians, and plant steward, kept us informed. We never stopped learning thanks to their efforts. Thanks to our supper hosts who made sure there was always a “hot cuppa” at our meetings. The committee says thank you for your invaluable help .
If you would like to know more, come along and meet our members. They are always most happy to see and meet new faces!
What is the “Euphoriya” grant?
The Parramatta and Hills District Group A.P.S. was given a grant of money by a secondary group of students called “Euphoriya.” This group of students was taking part in the
Young Achievement Australia program. The program which operates Australia wide, is aimed at senior high school, post compulsory, and tertiary students. It provides an authentic learning environment for a team of 15-25 young people to build their skills, knowledge and experience, by putting their ideas into action to establish, plan, and operate a self directed business.
Participants are guided by comprehensive program manuals, and experienced business and industry mentors. At the end of 24 weeks, students conduct an orderly closedown of the business.
Euphoriya produced customised Tshirts. Throughout their operations, Euphoriya tried to be as environmentally conscious as possible.
[Personnel from Resmed gave their time to mentor this student group.]
Over the 24 weeks, Euphoriya used electricity in the form of an ironing press, [for an average of 2 hours a week.] In presenting the grant to the A.P.S. the students believed that the money could be used to buy and plant enough plants to offset their carbon emissions.
After much consideration, the Parramatta and Hills Group found a worthy project. A native garden containing small trees, bushes, and ground cover was donated to Annangrove Public School. The plants were put to good use in establishing a new “walk –in” entrance garden. Our members helped with advice on soil preparation and planting techniques. A happy result was achieved for all!
Thank you to the environmentally conscious students of the Euphoriya group!