Wednesday 23 November 2011

Report on the Survey of MGS Members – November 2011

Report on the Survey of MGS Members – November 2011

Wherever a number of items are listed in this report, the order of the list reflects the order of importance to members or the number of times a point was mentioned.

Questionnaires were filled in by 400 members, representing 26% of the total membership and including representatives from every branch and those living outside the branch network. 20% of the replies came from members who had joined in the last two years and 94% were completed in English, the balance being in French or Greek.
Almost all (87%) had their own mediterranean garden. Of those without, most lived in non-mediterranean climate areas, but a number lived in cities within the zone, in particular, Athens.
How did you hear about the MGS?
52% of respondents heard about the society through a member or friend, a level that was very similar across all countries, but strongest in Spain. After this, at around 17% each, came the internet and articles in newspapers and magazines. Other avenues quoted included MGS stands at  plant fairs, gardening books and catalogues, other horticultural societies and public lectures.
It was also clear from the comments that word of mouth has been the most successful means of recruiting new members; many quoted the name of the individual who had inspired them to join.

The Aims of the Society
The MGS has a long and wide ranging list of aims and the survey sought to find out which ones are most important to members so that these can be given priority.
Two stood out as very high in importance:
-       the study and cultivation of mediterranean plants
-       the study of waterwise gardening techniques
The first was consistently strong across the entire membership, waterwise gardening scored very highly in Australia, Spain and France.
Next came:
-       the promotion of public education on dry gardening
-       the design and construction of mediterranean gardens
The former is particularly important to Greek members and the latter in California and Australia.
Attention to gardens of botanical and historical interest and activities associated with the environment and ecology came lower down the list, with the least important aim being the promotion of public education on the plant world.
Again, the comments added weight to the numerical data, with large numbers of members seeking practical help to create or develop their gardens using climate appropriate plants.

Benefits of membership
This part of the questionnaire looked both at the benefits available to all members and at those provided by some branches.
Once more two stood out as being valued most highly:
-       the MGS journal
-       branch visits to gardens and nurseries
The journal attracted favourable comment both for its style and content and is particularly appreciated by members without a branch. Visits to professionally designed gardens, demonstration gardens at specialist nurseries and modest gardens owned by MGS members were all mentioned, with members in France rating this as a particularly important activity.
Next came:
 - interaction with other members
Members commented on their appreciation of informal conversation at meetings and outings, many had joined specifically to meet likeminded people and had made friends through the MGS. Exchange of experiences with mediterranean gardeners all over the world was cited, as was the new Forum as an electronic means of communication.
Then three very different activities:
 -  lectures and workshop
 -  botanical walk
 -  the MGS website
The first two are mainly organised by branches, but take place also at the AGM and on international trips.
The website has been visited by 76% of members and is reviewed in more detail below. It is particularly appreciated by Scandinavians and members outside the branch network.
After that:
 -  plant exchanges
 - educational and scientific activities
 -  international garden and botanical tours
 -  the seed exchange service
 -  the “Ask the Expert” service
Plant exchanges are a useful way for people to extend their plant collections at very low cost and were mentioned particularly by members in Australia and Greece. The international trips were valued by members from all parts of the world, and especially by those without a mediterranean garden of their own, for whom this was a reason for joining. The “Ask the Expert” service was seen as an excellent idea, but underutilised, a number of respondents saying that they hadn’t known of its existence.
Finally:
 - interaction with local societies
 - the MGS garden at Sparoza
 - a library of garden and plant books
 -  the opportunity to attend the AGM
 -  the opportunity to work as a garden volunteer
The MGS garden at Sparoza was viewed as very important by members living in Greece, almost as important as the Journal, and some respondents wrote passionately of its role as a place of inspiration. For members outside Greece there was a rather different picture, including a number of suggestions as to how Sparoza could provide more value to more people.

The Website
The website pages most visited by respondents were, in order of mentions:
 -  own branch page
 - members’ gardens around the world
 - about the Society/Information
 - Sparoza
 - news and views
 - the Journal
 - other branch pages
 - in bloom now
 -  membership and subscriptions
 - the seed exchange
There was little difference in the number of mentions between any of the countries, apart from Sparoza, which was top of the list for members in Greece.

Activities
By far the most popular activity was participation in branch events, 74% of respondents had done so, and the figure was high for all branches. After this came attendance at the AGM, visiting Sparoza, using the seed exchange service, going on an MGS international trip and using the “Ask the Expert” service.

Reasons for joining
Members were asked what motivated them to join the MGS and two reasons stood out:
 -  to meet other gardeners facing the same challenges and to share experiences
 -  the purchase of a home in a mediterranean climate area
Many members wrote of the difficulties of creating a garden in a tough, dry climate and of their lack of knowledge of mediterranean plants and their needs. Some people were looking for local contacts and information about sourcing suitable plants and materials. Others, with little or expensive access to water, wanted advice on waterwise gardening techniques.

A significant, but smaller, number had broader motivation:
 - a general interest in mediterranean flora and landscape
 - a broad interest in all types of plants and gardening
People wrote of their love of plants, both cultivated and wild and of the mediterranean landscape.

A few had specific interests:
 -  to have the opportunity to visit gardens around the world
 - to support the MGS garden at Sparoza
 - academic or professional interest
 - an interest in ecology and the environment
 -  an interest in growing mediterranean plants in northern Europe
 -  for access to the seed exchange facility

Contributing time and skills
Many members offered to become more involved at branch level, including help with organisational tasks, offers to give lectures and workshops, to work as a volunteer in MGS ‘adopted’ gardens and to promote the MGS ideals to the public. All these offers have been passed on to Branch Heads.
A much smaller number said they would like to contribute at international level, probably because it is less obvious what skills are needed. However a few brave souls put their names forward to help with administration, recruitment and public education and to write articles, contribute to the Forum, participate in Discussion Groups and work at Sparoza.

Other comments
Most of the comments received have already been covered in the previous sections, however three other topics emerged:
 -  the importance of interacting with local communities, gardening professionals, horticultural colleges and other plant and garden societies
 - the need for easy communication channels, not only between the AC, Branch Heads and the membership, but also member to member
 -  the need to focus on recruitment, particularly of younger people and in countries without a branch

My thanks to all who contributed
Christine Savage

DECEMBER EVENT - SPANISH VERSION




MEDITERRÁNEO DE LA SOCIEDAD DEL JARDIN - CATALUÑA RAMA

Almuerzo de Navidad y Sesión de 2012-PLANIFICACIÓN
17 de diciembre de 2011 - 11 a.m.
VILLA PACHA MAMA - CALONGE


Este evento se llevará a cabo en "Pacha Mama" nuestra casa. El día comenzará con la oportunidad de pasear por el jardín con terraza.

Después de esto vamos a revisar las lecciones que hemos aprendido de nuestros eventos durante el año 2011 y llegar a un plan de actividades para el año 2011.

Esto será seguido por un almuerzo de Navidad - lo que exigirá a todos trayendo un plato de Navidad para compartir.

Habrá un cantar con música en vivo.

Si no puede asistir al evento, por favor enviar cualquier idea que pueda tener o tal vez le gustaría realizar un evento en su casa y el jardín durante el año 2012.

Por favor, hágamelo saber si usted desea asistir a más tardar el 10 de diciembre - joanball53@gmail.com

MGS DECEMBER EVENT



MEDITTERANEAN GARDEN SOCIETY – CATALONIA BRANCH
CHRISTMAS LUNCH & 2012-PLANNING SESSION
17TH DECEMBER 2011 – 11:00 a.m.
VILLA PACHA MAMA – CALONGE



This event will take place at our house ‘Pacha Mama’.  The day will start with the opportunity of wandering around our terraced garden. 

After this we will review the lessons we learnt from our events during 2011 and come up with a plan of activities for 2011. 

This will be followed by a Christmas lunch – which will require everyone bringing along a Christmas dish to share.

There will a sing along accompanied by live music.

If you cannot attend the event then please send any ideas you may have or maybe you would like to hold an event in your home and garden during 2012.

Please let me know if you would like to attend by 10th December – joanball53@gmail.com


                                                                                      

                       


Monday 14 November 2011

St Stephen's Christmas Fair


AGM MINUTES


MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN SOCIETY MINUTES of the SEVENTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
held in MALLORCA at 10.00 a.m. on SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2011
The following paid-up Members of the Society were present:
Administrative Committee
Jean Vaché George Brumder Jane Taniskidou Jill Yakas Caroline Harbouri
President
Vice President Secretary
Treasurer
Councillor and Editor

Branch Heads/representatives
Sally Beale, BH Balearics
Lindsay Blyth, BH Andalucia
Jane Claridge, representing Portugal
Brian Constable, representing Catalonia
Patricia Cullinan, BH Central California
Edith Haeuser, BH Costa Blanca
Miles Halford, representing Provence
Shelley Harter, BH Southern California
John Joynes, BH Cyprus
Merilyn Kuchel, BH Southern Australia, also representing Victoria
Heather Martin, BH UK, AC reserve
Maria Sansoni-Köchel, BH German-speaking countries
Christine Savage, BH Languedoc, AC reserve
Bracey Tiede, BH Northern California
Lars Vestergaard, BH Scandinavia
Silvia Villegas Navarro, BH Central Spain
Valerie Whittington, Crete group head, representing Greece
Members
Doris Anne Agro
Alisdair Aird
Marilee Anargyrou-Kyriazakou Richard Barrett
Graham Beale
Margaret Beard
Marianne Beith
Andrew Beith

Brigitta Berg
Josef Braunschweig
Isabel Keay Burton-Pierconti Marc Chappuis
Silvia Chappuis
Michael Claridge
Brian Constable
Paul Cools

Allan Cooper Sandra Cooper Freda Cox Anthony Daniels Elizabeth Debruin Katy Dimara
Cali Doxiadis Pamela Dunn
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Jacqueline Eliopoulos Karin Fichter Johannes Fichter David Glen
Katherine Greenberg Chantal Guiraud André Guiraud Rosemary Halford Richard Handscombe David Harlock
Birger Jensen
Peta Jensen Barbara Jones Corinne Tonie Jones Marilyn Kahan

Karin Lagergren Margo Levy Doreen Lewis Allan Lover Marlene Maguire Dick Martin
Non-members also present
Charithea Joynes Peter Johnson
1. Welcome
Ruth McVey
Patrick Mills
Valerie Mills
Duncan Munford
Mar Nieves Navarro Catherine Nightingale Jean Osborne

Yvonne Papazoglou Graham Petty Julia Petty
Gill Pound

Vivien Psaropoulou Patricia Psoma Alison Richards Anna Ritsatakis Sara Robinson John Saari Beverley Seaton David Seaton
Jan Smith Martin Stead
Cornelis Klip
Christina Quijano-Caballero

Vivian Stead
Pamela Steele
Ron Steele
Elsbeth Stoiber Jeffery Sugarman Nancy Swearengen Jorun Tharaldsen
Liz Thompson Jacques Thompson Richard Tiede Lorraine Ure
Dominique Vaché Jocelyn van Riemsdijk Sonia Vives
Martin Weieser
Helena Wiesner Robert Wright Alessandra Vinciguerra Ann Yarrow

Richard Yarrow
Martin Rubach Madeleine Rubach
President Jean Vaché (JV) welcomed those present. He noted that the Agenda as published in the July issue of The Mediterranean Garden would be presented on the central screen but that a change in the order of events might occur so that subjects on the same theme would be addressed together.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Joan Ball, Susan Bouchez, Fulla Chapple, Carol Connolly, Steve Elliot, Diana Farr-Lewis, Heidi Gildemeister, June Grindley, Christine Matthews, Brian Matthews, Rosie Peddle, Sally Razelou, Kay Cossar Stokes and Frosso Vassiliades.
3. Minutes of the 16th General Assembly
The Minutes had been provided in the conference packs to all AGM registrants. The President asked Vice President George Brumder (GB) to undertake their formal approval. GB asked if anyone had any comment or matters arising from them; there was none. Patricia Cullinan proposed that the Minutes be adopted as a true record; this was seconded by Sally Beale and approved unanimously.
4. President's Report
The President introduced Administrative Committee members and Reserve members present and proceeded to the different subjects covered by his report.
Branches The Catalonia branch has been revived and made quite active under the leadership of Joan Ball, who has also consented to assuming the role of Branch Head. Silvia Villegas has undertaken to lead the
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central Spain branch and Edith Haeuser is the Branch Head for the recently formed Costa Blanca branch. Informal groups have been formed on-line for Croatia and Turkey with the hope of attracting enough participants eventually to form branches in those areas.
Leaflets -- The MGS leaflets have been translated into Turkish with member Chevrel Traher as the contact person. John Joynes will also distribute leaflets in Turkish through his contacts in Northern Cyprus. We are seeking a translation into Croatian as well.
Sparoza -– Sparoza is a very special place with decades of existence. The MGS became the tenant of the property, bequeathed by original owner Jaqueline Tyrwhitt to the Goulandris Natural History Museum, when the Society was formed. Sparoza has traditionally consumed about 25% of the Society’s annual expenditures and has provided international stature and recognition but has not taken funds away from other MGS projects. It may be a good idea to begin exploring ways of reducing Sparoza’s share of the budget once the documentary, to be discussed shortly, has been produced; one possible way of reducing expenses would be to reduce the garden assistant’s tenure. The MGS reserves contain some funds restricted for use in connection with Sparoza and the possibility of seeking other specific funding is under consideration. One project could be the labelling of all the plants in the garden with professional-quality permanent labels. The President welcomes ideas and contributions from the members.
Documentary JV introduced Martin Rubach, who with his wife Madeleine had been invited to attend the GA. Mr. Rubach is an experienced filmmaker who has been granted permission to make a documentary featuring Sparoza as one of a series of planned documentaries on mediterranean gardens. The film crew will begin by filming at Sparoza in the spring of 2012 and will return to film in each season over the period of one year. It is anticipated that the film will be ready in early 2013, but Mr. Rubach has promised that a “pilot version” will be available to be shown at the AGM in Australia in October 2012. The only expense to the MGS will be the B&B expenses for the film crew, which is estimated at a total of €1000, available from the balance of the €10,000 grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation received in the previous fiscal year. In return for access to the garden and the input from MGS members, especially past Presidents of the Society, Mr. Rubach will prepare free of charge a DVD of Sparoza exclusively for MGS members.
Jaqueline Tyrwhitt’s book on Sparoza -- JV then announced that a new edition of Jaqueline Tyrwhitt’s book, Making a Garden on a Greek Hillside, is being produced. The new edition will contain further information in the introduction and an expanded appendix, and plant names will be updated to reflect current nomenclature.
At this point JV asked for questions from the floor. Anna Ritsatakis spoke in favour of keeping Sparoza as our home and favouring the idea of finding additional funding for Sparoza. Other questions about Sparoza focused on how it will continue to function given the age of Custodian Sally Razelou and suggesting that the Society look into other ways that Sparoza could be run. Martin Stead asked whether Sparoza could be opened to the public. JV responded that road access for more than a few private cars is limited and that buses would have to park on the main road from which there is a steep walk of several hundred metres. Additionally, the garden was not designed for heavy traffic and its narrow pathways can be traversed only in single file. Opening the garden to the public would require full-time paid staff, a potentially large expense set against uncertain income. To the question of why produce a documentary on a garden that is not publicly accessible, JV clarified that Sparoza will not be identified by name but as “a garden in Attica”, the idea being to bring recognition to the concept of mediterranean (low water use) gardening and the work of the Society rather than attract visitors to the specific location. A discussion ensued on how members can organize visits in advance, the possibility of scheduled ‘open days’ with volunteer staff on a monthly or per- season basis etc in return for a donation; Dick Handscombe gave the example of the l’Abarda garden in Spain. Further questions were asked about the documentary and JV gave a brief description of Martin Rubach’s credentials and the examples of his documentary work that had been provided to the AC prior to
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the execution of the contract. One question was the ownership of the DVD copyright and whether the MGS branches would have the right to have screenings, and JV agreed to investigate and follow up on this point. Donations the MGS’s historical reliance on its income from membership dues has resulted in stable reserves. The fact that the MGS has not relied on government support nor to any significant extent on donations has meant that our finances have not been materially affected thus far by the current financial situation. The Treasurer’s report will show that the MGS is operating on a healthy basis. While the on-line payment system has made it much easier for members to pay their dues, it is very difficult with the current system to incorporate on-line donations. The AC has recently decided to look into finding an additional on- line payment provider exclusively for processing donations. The AC is also exploring ways in which to involve our 288 life members and to encourage them to donate to the Society. Katherine Greenberg volunteered that, as a life member, she would be happy to “renew” her membership by making a donation equal to the amount of her original life membership, and would encourage the AC to contact all life members to ask them to consider doing the same. Her offer and proposal were greeted with spontaneous applause from those assembled.
Supplement feedback on the supplement that had been sent to all members with the July journal has been very positive, with newer members especially happy to receive articles on mediterranean plants from the first 20 issues of the Journal. The process of paying an additional small sum for the Supplement on an annual basis is still problematic.
On-line Journal Index following a suggestion from Rosie Peddle, Journal Editor Caroline Harbouri has provided for the website an index listing all the articles published in the Journal since the first issue, from 1995 to today. Members can search for articles in a number of ways and request copies of any particular article from the Journal Editor. JV thanked CH on behalf of the Society for her work and Jorun Tharaldsen added that she had tried the feature and it worked beautifully. These announcements were greeted with spontaneous applause from those assembled.
AGM in Australia October 2012 this represents a departure from tradition in that it will be the first AGM in the southern hemisphere and thus the first AGM that will be a spring rather than an autumn meeting (applause.) The organizers are intent on keeping the costs as low as possible and a delegate from the South Australia Branch is at this meeting (applause.) JV introduced Merilyn Kuchel, who, together with Kaye Cossar Stokes and Trevor Nottle, will be organizing the events. Dates will be posted on the website as soon as possible; the event will consist of three parts so that members can pick and choose which events they will attend in which locations. A Power Point presentation on the tentative program will be shown during the coffee break.
Peania JV presented a brief overview of the legal advice that caused the AC to decide that it was necessary to hold the GA in Peania, the legal seat of the MGS. Briefly, the AC learned for the first time in June, when consulting Athens attorney Christos Tzimas on other matters, that a GA held outside the legal seat of the Society could be subject to invalidation if challenged in court within six months of the Assembly in question, with no further grounds other than the location of the meeting. The AC was grateful to receive from Discussion Group 3 in September a fully researched legal opinon, prepared by Mr. Tracy Mitsidis, the attorney spouse of a Greek member, which clarified the provisions of the law and set forth the circumstances under which a decision to hold the GA outside the legal seat of the Society could be justified. JV emphasized that the AC is committed to including as many voices as possible and to honouring all points of view, whether presented at the Mallorca GA or the Peania GA. The GA scheduled for November 12, 2011 in Peania is being held for the sole purpose of adopting the resolutions decided upon in this GA. The idea for October 2012 is to have a video or audio link between the AGM in Adelaide and a simultaneous gathering in Peania, scheduled for a time when the eight-hour time difference would permit it to be daytime hours in both locations.
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Andrew Beith then read a proposed resolution prepared by DG3 (set forth below), and stated that the lack of agreement between the legal advice received should be resolved before a decision to hold GAs in Peania is taken. He suggested that the lawyers involved be requested to consult. Ron Steele seconded the resolution. Anna Ritsatakis, referring to further conversations with Mr. Mitsidis not reflected in his legal opinion, stated that the Charter does not contain any reference to ‘recapitulatory’ GAs and that her opinion is that it would be illegal.
At this point the Assembly adjourned temporarily for a coffee break and a brief address by a member of the local government.
Upon returning from the coffee break, General Secretary Jane Taniskidou (JT) gave a brief explanation of Greek law as it was understood by the AC from all sources. She noted that, according to Greek law as set forth in Mr. Mitsidis’ opinion, if a decision is made for good reasons to have the GA at a location other than the seat of the Society, it must not be at a location that would be difficult or expensive for members to attend. It was noted that defending a legal challenge would potentially subject the Society to considerable expense and would cast doubt on the validity of actions taken based on resolutions decided at the challenged GA. Cali Doxiadis spoke in support of the AC proposal and in favour of the option of a simultaneous meeting linking Australia and Peania. David Harlock suggested that, since the likelihood of a legal challenge is difficult to quantify but has never occurred, it might be better to proceed as always and hold an extraordinary GA in Peania, if necessary, if the validity of a non-Peania GA is challenged. Alisdair Aird, Graham Beale and Katherine Greenberg spoke in support of the AC proposal. Anna Ritsatakis relayed Mr. Mitisidis’ “personal opinion” that the proposal for future GAs to be held in Peania is “rubbish”. Duncan Munford, expressing the fear that the recapitulatory meeting in Peania could overturn the decisions of the GA in Mallorca and thus subvert the will of the members, stated his opposition to the recapitulatory meeting in Peania. Andrew Beith registered his offence at Alisdair Aird’s implication that the DG3 proposal was a spontaneous decision, and Alisdair Aird clarified that no offence was intended. Andrew Beith explained that the DG3 proposed resolution was the result of six weeks of work after which DG3 disagreed with the conclusion reached by the AC. He also saw the Peania meeting as an opportunity for a quorum of 15 members present to overturn the decisions taken at the current meeting. He expressed a distrust of the “continuity of thinking” between the two groups and stated that he could not support it (applause.)
Further discussion touched on the use of the term “recapitulatory” to describe the meeting scheduled for November 12th and the possibility that this meeting could expose the MGS to legal action and associated legal costs. Patricia Cullinan asked whether the two meetings in 2012 would carry equal weight and JT clarified that they would not. The issue of whether simultaneous meetings would be acceptable was raised again.
At this point, Duncan Munford called for a vote on the resolution proposed by Andrew Beith on behalf
of DG3, which was read aloud by JT:
“The duly constituted GA in Palma confirms: (1) that there should be no recapitulatory assembly in Peania;
(2) the next GA of the MGS will take place in the regions of Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia, in order for
the Society’s members to be able to study the flora and gardening practices of those mediterranean-
climate regions, to allow the Australian branch members to participate in the Society’s decision-making
process, and to promote the Society’s other fundamental purposes; and (3) that the future location of all
GAs will be decided by the GA, following a recommendation by the AC.”
The resolution was passed by a show of hands accompanied by applause.
Payment of AC airfares to the AGM JV raised this issue in the context of the expressed concern, in the context of travel to Australia, of some members over the MGS’ long-standing policy of reimbursing AC members for the cost of their airfares to the AGM. The AC proposes to seek the GA’s approval for a maximum total reimbursement of €3,500. Andrew Beith expressed some reservation that this could limit the attendance by AC members at the GA; JT clarified that the AC had determined that the proposed amount
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would cover the airfares for three members, which was deemed to be sufficient. Katherine Greenberg made a motion to approve the AC proposal, which was seconded by Richard Tiede and passed by a majority show of hands.
5. Optimum Banking and/or investment of the MGS’s reserves -- JV briefly outlined the steps that had been taken to safeguard the MGS reserve funds in light of the financial uncertainty prevalent in the Greek banking markets, noting that the majority of the reserves (€20,000, £20,000 and US $20,000) were now held in cash in a safe deposit box, it having been considered that the loss of minimal interest and the slightly higher fees incurred for banking services were justified by the need to safeguard the funds. He noted that the AC did not have a mandate to open a new bank account or to move funds elsewhere or into other investments without the assent of the GA. In response to an enquiry prior to the meeting, as to the safety of funds in a safe deposit box, JV confirmed that the contents of safe deposit boxes in Greece were last disturbed during the second World War and can therefore be considered to be quite secure. Andrew Beith enquired why it was not possible to move the funds outside Greece, and JY clarified that the obstacle was not legal, from the Society’s point of view, but practical. She listed the numerous institutions she and JV had contacted in the UK, France and Greece which had declined to open an account for a foreign not-for- profit organization. She noted further that the amounts involved, less than €80,000, may be an influential factor. Dick Martin mentioned the availability of euro- and pound-denominated accounts held in the name of the UK Branch of the MGS in the UK and JT noted that the AC would not be authorized to transfer funds to an account of which it was not the legal owner or beneficiary. The following resolution was proposed:
“The General Assembly authorises the
6. Secretary's Report
. The number of life members has dropped to 287 with one death and two members whose journals are being returned and who cannot be contacted. In terms of renewals, the five-year option has not had major appeal only 35 members have taken advantage of it. About 12% of the membership was already renewed for 2012 before the renewal notices went out with the October Journal, and the first renewals have already come in. The website, which is now established as the most popular means of payment for both new members and renewals, accounts for 50% of renewals and about 63% of new members. The membership continues to enjoy a broad base, with far-flung members in Oman, Monaco, Morocco, Montenegro, South Africa, Canada, Japan, Argentina and Thailand. Greece continues to be home of the largest contingent of members, with about 22% of the membership located there. The report was greeted with no comment and received general applause.
7. Treasurer's Report and Approval of the Financial Statement for the year 1/10/2010 30/9/2011
Administrative Committee to act as it sees fit for the beneficial use
or investment of the society’s funds in Greece or abroad, and to represent the society where necessary
when dealing with any competent authorities, and legal or physical persons, indicatively but not
exclusively including public or individual persons, banks, courts, administrative authorities, financial
authorities, consulates, tax authorities, and so on.”
The resolution was passed by a show of hands. It was agreed that further investigation would proceed into
the possibility of moving funds to an MGS account in another country.
JT read the Secretary’s report. This year has seen a modest upturn in the total number of members, 1545,
in comparison with 1508 at the same time last year.
The Society
retained more members, added 234 new
members in comparison with 222 for the previous year and saw the return of 30 members who had skipped
one or more years
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Copies of the Financial Statement for the year had been given to all present. Jill Yakas read the Treasurer's Report and highlighted those elements of the Financial Statement which might require explanation. The major innovation since last year is that the accounts are now presented on the accrual basis, which more accurately reflects actual income vs. obligations. The change, however, also means that the income statement does not take into account approximately €5000 which would properly be treated as income for the current fiscal year but which had already been counted as income for the previous fiscal year, when the accounting system was done on the cash basis. The cost of sending the Journal was reduced due to postage savings made possible by the introduction of a pre-paid, weight-independent mailing envelope; utilities costs for Sparoza were higher due to a once-off spike in electricity charges due to the public power company’s failure to read the meter on a scheduled basis. The worldwide trademarks have been renewed for a ten year period, thanks to Beth Goldman, an attorney in California who had been recruited by Katherine Greenberg to perform this service pro bono (applause). Interest income is down, and banking expenses slightly increased, due to the transfer of funds to the safe deposit box that was previously discussed. JY expressed her thanks to AC Reserve members Heather Martin (HM) and Christine Savage (CS) for their help in the current presentation of the financial statements. No objections were raised.
8. Auditors' Report
Jane Taniskidou read the Auditors' Statement signed by Sue Vlassis, Siobhan Kidd and Davina Michaelides which reported their regular meeting to monitor the Society's funds effectively. The WorldPay system works smoothly and the accountant has delivered the accounts in a fairly timely fashion. The Auditors note that it has been a pleasure to work with the Treasurer.
9. Budget
Copies of the Budget had been given to all members present. The sole question was raised by Andrew Beith, who asked whether the projected subscription income was presented on the accrual basis, and when this was confirmed, objected on the grounds that the previous year’s budget was on the cash basis, stating that the numbers were therefore not comparable. HM noted that, if the MGS were a large corporation, it would have been advisable to prepare re-stated accounts, but that this was felt to be unnecessary for a small society. HM demonstrated that the actual difference in projected subscription income, in comparable figures, was €46,000 vs. €45,000 for the current fiscal year, and AB withdrew his objection. Sally Beale noted that the costs of the current AGM, which is included in the budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, reflects no charge for speakers’ fees. Valerie Whittington noted that the AGM in Hania did not incur speakers’ fees either, only travel expenses. The presentation concluded with high praise and general applause for the Treasurer.
10. Preliminary Survey Results CS presented the preliminary report on the survey results, based on the 365 responses she had received and tabulated so far. She noted that responses were still coming in and that members from every Branch and from outside the Branch network had responded.
Overall commentary was overwhelmingly positive. The goals of the Society judged most important by the majority of the responders are (a) the study and cultivation of mediterranean plants and (b) the use and advocacy of waterwise gardening techniques. The vast majority of members rated the Journal as the most important benefit of the Society (applause), followed by branch visits to gardens and nurseries and interaction with other members. More than 75% of responders had visited the website and attended one or more branch events. Many responses seemed to come from novice gardeners seeking help and advice in establishing a mediterranean garden, and other respondents cited the satisfaction they received from sharing their knowledge. Most comments favoured the Journal to remain the same in terms of style and format, and very positive comments were received with respect to specific branches and the Plant Forum.

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Several responses indicated an ignorance of certain MGS-sponsored services like “Ask the Expert”. The conclusion of the presentation was greeted with applause.
At this point, Rosemary Halford read the recommendations of Discussion Group 2, Internal Communications: (a) the creation of a Society-wide directory which members could opt to join, issued as a printed accompaniment to the Journal once per year; (b) a password-protected
website as a “repository for Society documents” to contain minutes, agendas, discussion group recommendations and non-plant information; and (c) the establishment of procedures to “welcome and facilitate input from the membership, created through the discussion groups”. DG2 also requested a clarification of the policy on the availability of the minutes of AC meetings and encouraged the leaders of the discussion groups to send their reports and information on how to join a group to all BHs. Jeffery Sugarman requested that the discussion groups be incorporated as an integral part of the AGM agendas in the future. Sally Beale, noting that the DG meetings caused the Saturday program to be somewhat rushed, questioned whether discussion groups should be the focus of AGMs in future. Further support for the discussion groups as facilitating membership participation was expressed and there was a request for a vote of thanks to the DG leaders. In the ensuing discussion on how to incorporate the discussion groups into the AGM program in future, CS suggested that they might be timetabled as alternatives to other activities. Jeffery Sugarman called for a vote on including either the discussion groups or equivalent committees as agenda items for future AGMs. Katherine Greenberg thanked the AC and Sally Beale in particular for setting up the DG meetings and for involvement in discussions. She noted that committees have historically been a part of the MGS and that worldwide communication is beneficial. JV proposed a vote of thanks to all MGS members for their input and support, a suggestion greeted with general applause.
11. Sparoza Report
Caroline Harbouri read the report at Sally Razelou’s request The AGM unfortunately coincided with the semi- annual plant exchange at Sparoza, so that Sally Razelou was unable to attend it. Two recently introduced species, Sternbergia greuteriana and Colchicum psaridis, planted in the fall of 2009, flowered for the first time in the fall of 2010. Bulbs, corms and rhizomatous plants continue to proliferate in the phrygana. Miyon Yoo has just begun her second year as the garden assistant, returning in October after the summer away, and her “intelligence and nimble fingers” continue to make her an asset in the garden. The weekly volunteers are another valuable source of assistance. Winter rainfall was exceptionally high, but has been followed by four months of drought; new planting will be undertaken once the rains have begun. The garden continues to enjoy a steady stream of visitors, including a middle school excursion and several other groups. Visitors seem to enjoy the garden at all times of the year, even in high summer when much of the vegetation is aestivating. A potentially devastating accident with a municipal grader, whose brakes failed and caused it to crash into the low wall around the house and come to a rest against the house itself, turned out to have caused no structural damage, and Sally has maintained a posture of calm and optimism in the face of the damage it caused, mourning the plants that were destroyed but welcoming the opportunity for new plantings.
12. Editor's Report
CH reported that there has been a welcome increase in the numbers of contributors, but that there is still a constant need for material. The Journal’s strength and appeal is that most of its articles and book reviews are contributed by members. She emphasised that neither expertise nor experience are necessary and that all contributions are welcome.
13. Website Report
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JV noted the constant increase in visitor traffic to the main website as well to the French and Greek mini- websites and mentioned the current project to add a mini-website in Spanish. Alisdair Aird (AA) then proceeded to a demonstration of how the new Plant Forum works. The Forum has completed three months of a very successful existence. He thanked Fleur Pavlidis and Oron Peri for their invaluable assistance, noting in particular Oron’s “encyclopaedic knowledge”. Other valuable contributors include John Fielding, Jorun Tharaldsen, John Joynes, Alberto Castillo, Bracey Tiede and Carole Cross with practical advice for novices. AA also noted the contributions of two new members, “Hilary” and “Daisy”, located in Corinth and Crete respectively, who are beginners who have brought great enthusiasm and practical solutions to the site. Open to all, the Forum has to date had more than 2,530 posts on 408 topics. The most popular topic so far is cyclamens. Another very popular feature is the “plant identification” service, where Oron’s input is invaluable. Alessandra Vinciguerra’s feature on lists of plant suppliers has also been very popular, with more than 729 views so far, as is the “puzzle” feature, where one entry drew 753 responses.
The Forum features more than 800 colour photos, most of individual plants, and boasts 130 members and many more casual users. At least 600 people have used the “how to join” link, suggesting that the Forum may be a valuable source of new members. AA closed his presentation by urging all members to visit the site.
14. Any Other Business
Jeffery Sugarman repeated his request for a motion to make the discussion groups a formal part of the AGM, which motion was proposed and passed by a show of hands. JV announced that the annual €500 donation will be presented to the Sóller Botanical Gardens that was visited by the members on Friday.
15. Conclusion and Thanks
JV requested that GB undertake the traditional recognition of BHs and former presidents of the Society. The names of all BHs and former Presidents present were called and each was asked to stand and accept the applause of the assembled members.
Sally Beale was thanked for all her hard work in the time-consuming and arduous planning and preparation for this meeting
and presented with a gift as a token of the Society’s appreciation, to general enthusiastic applause.
The Assembly concluded at approximately 2:00 p.m.