​Ripley Horticultural Society combines business and pleasure to launch new season

The promise of good food in the company of good friends brought more than 45 new and returning Ripley and District Horticultural Society members and guests to the Ripley-Huron Community Centre, Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 21). They enjoyed delicious chili, soup, buns, cake and hot drinks, provided by the executive and board of directors, and a chance to socialize.

Following the meal, members welcomed Sarah and Glenn Farrell to introduce their business, Farrell’s Pick Your Own.

Located on the 12th Concession of Huron-Kinloss, the Farrells are fourth generation farmers who, in 2016, decided to launch a new agricultural enterprise. In the intervening years, their operation has evolved and grown to include a pumpkin patch, greenhouses, livestock, vegetables, flowers, and wood.

COVID-19 pandemic times were scary as markets were unpredictable, teaching the Farrells not to put all their tomatoes in one basket. The current diversity of products reflects years of trial-and-error in growing procedures and understanding market demand and market entry points.

The farm supplies produce to local restaurants, grocery stores and market stands in addition to selling at craft shows and directly from the farm. Their website, farrellsfarm.com, showcases their many products and invites the public to make contact on-line or better yet, visit in-person.

Horticultural society members were particularly interested in the floral subscription which entails paying once to receive a bouquet bi-weekly throughout the summer and into the fall. Information for 2024 subscriptions will appear on the website and Facebook page in late April.

The fall is particularly special as the Farrells welcome the public to their pumpkin patch, to visit and enjoy the farm. They also host outings by schools and community groups, including the society’s “For Our Youth” club.

This young farming couple’s passion for family and agriculture shone throughout the presentation, in photos and videos of their operation and children. Members appreciated learning more about the business and where their products can be obtained.
The second half of the meeting was largely a celebration of the people who make the society special.

Cherie Johnson of the Royal Bank of Canada presented Shirley Harris with a handsome vase etched with the RBC logo, in recognition of her highest overall standing in the society’s flower show in June, 2023.

Society president Rose-Marie Meyer presented the Life Member Award to Elaine Shantz and thanked her for 25-plus years of outstanding service and contribution to the organization.

Christine Roberts, on behalf of herself and her husband, Jim, accepted the President’s Award from Dianne Simpson, in recognition of their efforts to plant and promote pollinator gardens in Huron-Kinloss Township.

Rose-Marie Meyer and Elaine Shantz teamed up to present the In Memoriam tribute, in recognition of members who had passed away in 2023: Mary Worthington, Joan MacKay, Gwyneth Farrell and Brian McLaughlin. At times emotional, Shantz highlighted each member’s contribution and the special qualities he/she brought to the horticultural society. Meyer closed with a reading of the touching poem, “Meet You at the Gate.”

Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) District 8 director Karen Redmond installed the new executive and board: president Rose-Marie Meyer, first vice-president Wayne Koch, second vice-president Dianne Simpson, treasurer and youth convener Heather Newman, secretary Shirley Galloway, communications director Christine Roberts, archivist Gail Vander Hoek, and directors Linda Jaynes, Gail Lotton, Bonnie Ernest, Debbie France and Cathy Lobraico.

Redmond enjoined them to accept the objectives and responsibilities of their respective offices. Correspondingly, she tasked the assembled members with the responsibility to support the new board.

She then provided some OHA updates, including details of the District 8 Annual General Meeting in April and plans for the OHA annual convention in Guelph mid-July which is being jointly planned by Districts 7 and 8. She encouraged participation of Ripley members through volunteer opportunities and attendance at workshops and tours.

Winding down the meeting, Christine Roberts updated members on her application to the Huron-Kinloss Community Well-Being Program with hopes to plant at least three new pollinator gardens in the township. She also directed attention to the new society banner and detailed plans for another photo contest in October.

The next meeting will be held Wednesday, March 13, at 1:30 p.m. in the social room of the Ripley-Huron Community Centre. This is the annual combined meeting of adult and youth members and is open to area children, aged six to 14, accompanied by an adult.

“Branching Out with FOY” is the theme, and participants can expect to learn about flowering shrubs and complete a craft activity. Youngsters and guests will play games while the adult members complete the business portion before converging again to enjoy refreshments.

Pre-registration and society membership are not required and the event is free. Inquiries can be made through the society’s Facebook page, @Ripleyhorticulture.