February 2026 newsletter
The February 2026 issue of Seeders and Weeders covers the first meeting of the year. Twenty-seven people came, including ten members of Communities in Bloom.
Guest speaker: making great compost
Club member Roy Reinmuth spoke about building compost on his sandy acreage near Salmon Arm. He started with bare land two years ago. His tips:
- Compost leaves and kitchen scraps, but no meat
- Aim for about three parts brown material to one part green
- Make a nitrogen-rich brew from grass and weed clippings in spring
- With good compost, you do not need fertilizer
Roy now has 50 compost bins built from pallets. He also collects rainwater from his roofs. He is happy to help other members set up their own compost.
Club news
Members elected the 2026 executive by acclamation. Heather Hayes is president, Mary Jackson is secretary, Chris Williams is membership chair, Dianne Lockton runs the newsletter, Suzie Simms coordinates speakers, and Glenn Gytenbeek is director at large.
The club gave $3,500 in bursaries and community donations last year. It received thank-you cards from the Good Food Box and Communities in Bloom.
Coming up
- A seed exchange at the March 3 meeting. Bring seeds you won’t use.
- March speaker: a biologist on the wetland restoration and pocket forest in Armstrong
- May speaker: Bob Martin of the Bonsai Club of Vernon
- Possible tours to Salmon Arm, Bolean Gardens in Falkland, Madalea Growers in Mara, and the Summerland Ornamental Gardens
Our 100th year
The club was founded in April 1927. Heather is forming a committee to plan for the 100th anniversary in 2027. Let her know if you would like to help.
Also in this issue
- Seedy Saturday dates around the region
- Garden trivia for a winter day
