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
Attendance: Marnie Latour, Jackie Laurie, Stacey Howard, Val Kowalko and guest Bonnie Keleher.
President Marnie L. welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 9:45.
Marnie L. adopted the minutes for the January 10, 2026 meeting and Jackie L. second the motion. At the same time the agenda for the meeting was accepted.
The treasurer’s report was provided in absentee. The current balance is $14,061.32. It was also noted that we received a grant of $2500 from the City of Langford as well as a grant of $5000 from the City of Colwood.
Jackie L. provided the membership report: 59 members have paid to date with one not responding. 5 members have given up their beds and an additional member gave notice they will be moving up island. There are currently 30 on the wait list with 2 returning member to be given priority.
Colwood City Hall Liaison report: With Barb S. being absent it was reported that Gord still needs to obtain the occupancy permit before construction of the gazebo can move forward.
In regards to old business: We had the privilege of meeting Bonnie Keleher a possible Volunteer Coordinator. Jackie L. shared a volunteer form for ideas. The hope is to tailor the list and brainstorm ideas to set up the position. There was very positive feedback to Jackie L. newsletter. There was some discussion regarding future ideas for the newsletter. Seedy Saturday is still moving forward on March 7 at Royal Bay Secondary School. Barb S., Jackie L., Marnie L. and Derek will be coordinating this event with more volunteers welcome. Marnie L. indicated that she had followed up to the request from Katie Gaetz the Indigenous Curriculum coordinator for School District 62 with no response so she will try again.
In regards to Insurance for Directors and Officers of the Garden Society Marnie L. is going to check with Barb S. and Naomie E. in regards to the status.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 by Marnie L. and second by Val K. Following the meeting a few members were checking the beds for possible work for the upcoming work party on February 21.
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on Colwood Garden Society Meeting of the BoardFebruary 14, 2026 @ Colwood Garden
Attendance: Barb Sibald, Marnie Latour, Naomi Ellis, Jackie Laurie and Val Kowalko.
President Marnie L. welcomed everyone to our first meeting of 2026 and called the meeting to order at 9:45.
Treasurer Naomi E. gave the financial report. Currently there is $12,161.52 in the bank account. There were 19 paid members with 28 outstanding. There are approximately 28 requests for future garden beds with one bed available.
Membership Coordinator Jackie L. indicated she would like to send out a monthly email to members. This would be in regards to news of interest, upcoming events and interesting gardening tips. This could also cover names of members in need of watering their beds if they are away. Jackie also mentioned a possible plexi glass cover for the notice board at the garden.
Discussion was once again held regarding the Volunteer Coordinator position. There was discussion on a list of volunteer opportunities. This list can be added to and amended.
Barb S. addressed the Gazebo project. All that is now required is a permit to dig, which is in the process. A carpenter had been tentatively hired. This person will submit a cost when the package has been purchased and he is able to assess the project.
It was confirmed that the Garden Society will once again participate in Seedy Saturday this year at Royal Bay Secondary School on March 7, 2026. Marnie L, Barb S. and Derrick will coordinate the event.
After a report that the water was possibly leaking at the garden Barb S. was to check with Chris to check the status of this.
Naomi E. indicated that she would check on what new tools need to be purchased for the upcoming season. As well as possibly repair some broken shovel handles.
It was confirmed that starting in February 2026 we will schedule an executive meeting the second Saturday of each month. As well the work parties will be scheduled for the third Saturday of each month.
Marnie L. adjourned the meeting at 10:20. Thanks to Barb S. we then enjoyed Tea/Coffee and goodies !!
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on Saturday Jan 10, 2026
On October 5, 2025 at the Colwood Community Garden – Marnie L. called the meeting to order at 9:12am with 10 members attending.
The minutes from August 2, 2025 meeting were adopted by Jackie L. and second by Barb S.
Barb S. accepted the Agenda and second by Donna F.
The treasures report from Naomi E. was given as per the AGM statement with no changes.
There was a motion by Barb S. to put Marnie L. on the Coast Capital account to replace Enzo D. Stacey H. second the motion.
New Business addressed:
Barb S. gave an update regarding the gazebo which is still awaiting approval by Colwood City Hall. Barb S. will be reaching out to members regarding a possible 10%contractor discount at Rona also to see if any current members have carpenter experience.
In regards to Colwood Creek Park new garden – the go ahead is in place and a possible spring start is hopeful. Barb S. is to check into insurance for garden board directors and officers. Barb S. is to question City Hall regarding Langford residents being able to drop off garden waste from Colwood Community Garden.
Discussion was given regarding a review of current bylaws which were last updated in 2021. Proposed that we extend the payment of members yearly dues be March 15 with one reminder phone call and one follow up email and a 7 day grace period. Refunds until May 15.
Discussion of a possible video regarding how to lock the gate properly and how to correctly coil up the hoses. Donna F. and Anika F. will work together to produce a video we can then send out to members.
Following up on a concern from Krys who does a Large amount of the weed control. It was suggested that any future rabbit fencing be at least 4”above the ground to facilitate efficient grass and weed control.
There was discussion regarding a “Garden Etiquette” message to send out to members regarding dogs, Community Garden fruit trees and Community Garden herb beds. Stacey H. will be working towards this.
It was mentioned that we need more attention to the bylaw regarding items outside of our designated garden plot.
A new email address was given out by Barb S. as well as direction on how to log in. Barb S. will be updating this information on the website and Facebook. Barb S. will be sending out a master list for emailing members to the garden executive.
There was discussion regarding a work party on October 18.
Marnie L. adjourned the meeting at 10:20am.
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on Colwood Garden Society Meeting of the Board October 5, 2025
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
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.
