Each year at our annual meeting, the WheatleyHorticultural Society recognizes some of its outstanding members with awards. Learn moreabout this year’s winners.
Strong Seedling Award – Dana Taylor
Since first joining us for a meeting in early 2025, Dana Taylor has been sharing great ideas. She is a regular attendee at Maintenance Monday and even took the reins on a few nights when the organizer wasn’t available. She jumped in with both feet to help with our planter decor additions this year, and she and her husband were instrumental in making them happen.
Echinacea Award – Shannon Matheson
We give the echinacea award to a member that exemplifies the qualities of our floral emblem. In the garden, the echinaceas shines with very little attention, multiplying in a steady way, supporting wildlife and blooming through the summer. Shannon Matheson reflects that – leading the charge on one of our most important fundraisers, our fish totes, with minimal support. She is also a regular participant and sponsor of our golf tournament and was a garden host on our 2024 Garden Tour.
Award of Merit – Deb Mineau-Wenzler and Gary Moody
The Award of Merit is our highest honour and is reserved for members who have made longstanding, significant contributions. In fact, this is the first time that it will be given to a member that hasn’t served in an executive position. That being said, we have decided to honour two members with the award this year, in part because of the contributions that they have made together, but also because of their individual contributions. Deb Mineau-Wenzler and Gary Moody are long-standing directors and have both been involved with the Wheatley Horticultural Society from its early days. They have both made significant contributions to the beautification of Wheatley, by being involved in the decision making process as well as direct support with things many don’t think about, such as storage and plumbing of the watering trailer. They are key individuals in the support of our plant sale, our Santa Claus parade float and have either been or plan to be part of one of our garden tours. They are always thinking about ways to improve Wheatley and bringing actionable suggestions to the table.
