Attendance: Marnie Latour, Jackie Laurie, Susan Howard, Val Kowalko, Barb Sibbald,
Naomi Ellis and guests Bonnie Keleher and Derek de Candole.
- President Marnie L. welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 9:45.
2. Naomi E. Adopted the minutes for the February 14, 2026 meeting and and Marnie L.
second the motion. At the same time the agenda for the meeting was accepted.
3. The treasurer’s report was provided by Naomi E. Currently the balance is $14,031.53.
4. Jackie L. provided the membership report: 62 members have paid to date. There are
currently 30 on the wait list. There are 4 vacant beds.
5. Barb S. gave a report on the gazebo project. It is advised that the proposed carpenter
check the area for possible hydro lines and give the society an estimate cost on
assembly. We could possibly purchase the package this week.
6. Derek de Candole was in attendance and gave an update on Colwood Creek gardens.
The city is willing to lease a 4-5 acre field to the Society. On April 13,2026 the proposal
will be put to counsel to set up the lease application. Anyone interested in supporting
this proposal is welcome to attend the meeting. After the April 13 meeting Barb S. will
send out an email to start a design planning committee. Derek mentioned the 30
applicants on our wait list should be included. Naomi agreed and suggested pushing
the current names on our wait list to the Colwood Creek committee. Derek addressed
the benefits of having a General Contractor to do a professional job on the design
aspects of the garden as well as permit applications. The need for a garden building
committee was also discussed. The grant applications from Colwood and Langford
were approved and received. It was mentioned that on March 21, 2026 The Friends of
Colwood Parks a nonprofit clean up group will be at the Colwood Creek garden site to
begin clean up of blackberry bushes and other debris.
7. In regards to old business: The status of Director and Officer Insurance is still unclear
therefore Naomi is continuing to follow up on this issue.
On Saturday March 21, 2026 we will be hosting another work party to continue on with bed repair and general maintenance. As well we will be hosting a seed exchange for members.
Barb S. has offered the use of their tent and to supply envelopes.
Bonnie K. has donated 7 of her beautiful handmade baskets which Barb will make available for a silent auction with the proceeds to go to a Fund for Colwood Creek gardens.
Barb S. is also going to check in regards to having new number signs made for our garden.
Jackie L. will be supplying additional baggies as well as demonstrating newspaper pot making. Susan H. is in charge of coffee/beverages and Timbits for the work party. It is encouraged that everyone brings their own mug.
Jackie inquired about more soil/compost being delivered for the year. Naomi is to check on prices from – By The Yard and Down to Earth Nursery.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 by Marnie L. and second by Naomi E