Dear Friends,
We continue to feel our way through the challenges this pandemic presents. Our club’s executive supports the belief that we all must do our part to slow the progress of this virus. In 2020 the spring meetings were cancelled, as well as the Spring & Summer Garden Shows. By August we resumed our general meetings.  Rather than congregating in person, we’re gathering via Zoom, where we safely meet virtually.  
We also modified the Fall Garden Show & hosted a socially-distant Fall Plant Sale.  The learning curve might be challenging but it’s rewarding to find safe ways to connect, learn and share with like-minded people.
We encourage members to participate in our Monthly General Meeting on Zoom. Each month a speaker shares with us their expertise on a variety of gardening subjects. Reviews say it’s nice not to be driving in the darkness of winter.  Folks with hearing aids have also mentioned that it’s much easier to hear speakers via this zoom format than it was in the Hall.  Hope to see you there.
A 2021 mini show schedule has been prepared but until we’re able to gather in person, we’re holding virtual mini-shows during our monthly Zoom meetings.  We’re asking you to select ONE item you’ve grown. Send a photo of it to our Zoom Host a day in advance of the meeting.  The host will ‘screen share’ the entries & then a poll. Members can vote online just like in People’s Choice. As the main focus is for fun and to show what you have grown, points will not be awarded. You’re also invited to display ONE decorative exhibit that will be a People’s Choice online vote.  (January’s decorative title is “Winter Treasures”).  The host will then later reveal the polls’ results.  
As we did last fall, we’d hoped to host another modified Garden Show in the spring, but it was not to be. Now our hopes are for a modified Summer Show. There will be no public viewing, no tea, and no trophies. The show will be photographed and results will be presented as a slideshow at the next garden club meeting. More information to come…
A Plant Sale is in the works with a tentative date of May 8.
We hope that everyone will do their part by limiting social contact and observing all instructions from our public health authorities.
The best news is that being out in the garden is safe! 🙂
Wishing you all good health and hoping to see you soon,
Carole Carver,
President, View Royal Garden Club
(January 2021)

4th Wednesday of each month,
except in July and December…. on ZOOM
ESQUIMALT UNITED CHURCH
in WHEELEY HALL,
500 Admirals Road,
(entrance on at Lyall St)

6:45 pm – SET UP

• REGISTRATION
  Drop-In $5 – Visitors are welcome. We hope you enjoy the evening & consider becoming a member (Individuals: $15/yr; Families: $20/yr.)
• MINI-SHOW
  Entries MUST be in place by 7:15 pm to allow judges time to make decisions
  A 2021 mini show schedule has been prepared but until we’re able to gather in person, we’re holding virtual mini-shows during our monthly Zoom meetings.  We’re asking you to select ONE item you’ve grown.  You’re also invited to display ONE decorative exhibit. Send a photo of each to our Zoom Host a day in advance of the meeting.
• SALES TABLE
  This is a source of great bargains for members. When you divide plants and start seeds, please remember the sales table. It’s an important fundraiser to cover hall rental, & other club expenses.

7:30 pm – GENERAL MEETING
Discussion of upcoming garden visits, workshops & other ideas.

7:45 pm – MINI-SHOW RESULTS
Judges explain their decisions, providing tips for exhibitors. The Zoom host will ‘screen share’ the entries for each category & then a poll. Members can vote online just like in People’s Choice. As the main focus is for fun and to show what you have grown, points will not be awarded. The host will then later reveal the polls’ results.  

7:50 pm – REFRESHMENT BREAK
Bring your mug & swap success stories with like-minded gardeners.

8:00 pm – – SPEAKER presentation
Other garden enthusiasts share their experiences & passion for gardening.

9:00 pm – WRAP UP
Please offer to help put away materials from the meeting if you’re able. Many hands make light work
Our rental ends at 930 pm.

updated Feb 9, 2021