September 28, 2025
Called to order at 9:30 by Marnie L.
22 members in attendance at the Colwood Garden location.
2025 financial report which was sent by Magda K. As of September 25, 2025 the bank balance was $11,456.97. Jacquie L. moved to accept the report as presented and it was second by Naomi E.
Barb S. addressed the board members positions and their respective jobs. With the resignation
of Enzo D. as president, Marnie L. announced she would run for the position of president.
Marnie L. was named president by acclamation.
Naomi E. nominated Susan H. for vicepresident. Susan H. was named vice president by acclamation.
Val K. stated she would remain as secretary and she was named secretary by acclamation.
With Magda K. stepping as treasurer Naomi E. stated she would take on the role and was declared treasure by acclamation.
Jacquie L. stated she would assume the role of membership secretary and was declared by acclamation.
With Robert F. and Gail H. stepping down as members at large, Nicole S. and Astrid W. stated they would assume the positions.
The role of work party manager still needs to filled.
Barb S. will remain on as Colwood garden liaison to Colwood City Hall.
In the question period Evelyn S. asked the question if and when the current location of the
garden was to change. It was stated that there has been no update on this and that the
location will remain for now.
With no further questions Marnie L. adjourned the meeting at 9:54am
The attending members enjoyed tea/coffee and treats
September 25, 2025
President and Vice President’s Report
Hello fellow gardeners; I am writing this report on behalf of our outgoing board president, Enzo Divito, who is unable to join us at the AGM and combining it with the VP Report.
It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing October but here we are. It was a relatively slow year by comparison to past ones for a variety of reasons. There were fewer work parties but they were well attended. Repairs were made to some of the beds. The long anticipated gazebo project remains with the City of Colwood for consideration; we expect to be able to move forward soon. We did attend Seedy Saturday at Belmont Secondary and met many community members. And we were able to host several small groups of preschoolers from a local day care, who among other activities enjoyed a garden themed scavenger hunt. Our Living Edge beds were very productive and provided nourishing fresh produce for many families.
The coming year will bring a renewed focus on work parties and garden maintenance, as well as a review of our bylaws and member guidelines to ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly understood by all. I also hope we’re able to do some more social events with a view to building and strengthening our sense of community in the community garden. The seed swap is always popular. Suggestions are welcome.
Sincere thanks to the many members who pitched in to help with various activities, Living Edge, garden maintenance and work parties. The garden society runs smoothly thanks to you. I would also like to thank Enzo for his leadership this year. Many thanks also to Magda Kernel, who is stepping back from her role as Treasurer, and Robert Fraser, who is stepping down as member at large, as well as the rest of the board, both present and past, for their ongoing support.
I look forward to the next gardening season!
Respectfully submitted,
Marnie Latour
Vice President
Colwood Garden Society
Financial Report
Opening Balance September 28, 2024 9,753.53
Ending Balance September 25, 2025 11,456.97
Balance in the bank increased by: 1,703.44
Only 77 transactions during the year. No major transactions. Planned expenditures include
wood and supplies to repair beds, new signs for the gates (re: restricted access), gazebo, table, benches, soil.
Largest Expenses last year were: purchase of wood from Barb Sibbald for $1,600, and the Insurance $484.
Deposits for bottles added up to $971.30. Bed rentals $2,655. New memberships $160.00
Sep-28-2024 Opening Balance Sept 28, 2024 9,753.53
Nov-04-2024 Deposit 417.30
Opening BalanceSeptember 28, 2024 9,753.53
Ending Balance September 25, 2025 11,456.97
Balance in the bank increased by: 1,703.44
| ENDING BALANCE September 25, 2025 | 11,456.97 |
City of Colwood Liaison Report
This has been a frustrating year of many meetings, many suggestions and visiting of sites in Royal Bay to look for an available site for a Community Garden, only to be told finally by staff at City of Colwood, there is no room in Royal Bay for a community garden. Disappointing to not only myself and those that attended the meetings with me, but also to those gardeners at Royal Bay who were led to believe there would be a garden in their area.
There is some good news regarding Colwood Creek Park, though. The Colwood Garden Society has has received permission to build a garden on a site across the street from the park, on Sunridge Valley Drive. This garden will have between 20-30 plots. Derek de Candole will be the lead on this park. At present he is the President of the Colwood Creek Community Garden and will be looking for gardeners to fill plots and responsibilities in that space. All going well, we may have a new community garden for next spring. And that is good news!
Barbara Sibbald
City of Colwood Liaison
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR REPORT
This past year we worked hard on repairing most of the garden beds that needed boards replaced, and rebuilt the Living Edge beds, making them 20’ x 4’ and 20” high. Soil was purchased for the use of refilling the Living Edge beds and topping up any other bed that needed soil. The rest of the left-over soil was moved inside the garden, and member Scott did plant some squash and a few other things into the pile for Living Edge. Most people, being afraid of the rabbits, added netting, plastic netting, boards, and anything else to persuade them to not eat their veggies, and it seemed to have worked, so far. Some folks just left their beds, and the rabbits did not seem to harm them, however this may change come fall. The rabbits that we do see seem to be pretty fat for not eating our garden.
We have 69 beds, minus 2 for the Living Edge. So far, we have had 2 people advise us that they would not be wanting their garden bed due to moving and health, and one bed that will be available due to lack of use. However, our waiting list has 23 people on it, with more to come, I am sure. As well one member from last year who became ill was given a promise of a bed this year if they recovered from their illness.
At this time, I would like to thank those people who stepped up to harvest and deliver the vegetables for Living Edge. I was away on holidays in June and when I returned, I managed to break a bone in my ankle, then get Covid so I was totally unable to help out for almost 8 weeks. Thanks to Val, Gail, Susan, Barb, Enzo, Joanna, Krys, Masako, and all the others who helped out that I am not sure of who you are. Much appreciated.
Happy Gardening
Naomi Ellis
Membership Director