​Bervie W.I. learns about planting native plants instead of invasive species

The Bervie Women’s Institute met at the Bervie United Church, Wednesday morning. President Bev Berndt opened the meeting with the usual openings followed by the land acknowledgement and a poem, “Mother’s Day.”

The Roll Call: “Your favourite butterfly or native plant,” was answered by 10 members. Betty Jean White read the minutes of the last meeting and Islay Eby gave the treasurer’s report. Sandra MacDonald provided the Sunshine Report.

Ellen Waye’s report included an explanation regarding the “Mary Stewart Collect,” and word that all Women’s Institute records must be kept whether in handwritten form or on computer.

The Bervie W.I. is holding a Plant and Bake Sale at the church, Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to Noon. Several members will attend the Bruce District Annual in Ripley, May 28th.

Convener Kim Armitage introduced the guest speaker, Christine Roberts, who spoke on the theme: “Grow Me Instead.” A nature expert and a member of the Kincardine Environmental Action Network (KEAN), Christine gave a slide presentation with information on how to get rid of invasive plants, such as garlic mustard, gout weed, English Ivy and periwinkle, mainly by pulling them out and disposing of them permanently – do not take to the landfill.

Where invasive plants grow, other flowers, native plants and small trees cannot grow. Replace with native plants to provide food for insects, birds and butterflies. Invasive plants can come into your own gardens by way of purchased plants. A good website for more information, is ontarioinvasiveplants.ca.

Kim thanked Christine for her timely message.

The meeting closed with the closing ode and “God Save the King.”

The next meeting is June 3 at the church at 10 a.m., with the theme being International Year of the Woman Farmer.