Winter gives gardeners a chance to reflect on their gardening goals. With this in mind, the topic chosen for the next meeting of Athens Garden Club, taking place on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m., at Athens District High School, is "Green Gardening."

Guest speaker Penny Stewart will talk about all the things gardeners can do to avoid the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals in their gardens. She will cover the importance of soil amending, plant selection and location, water-wise tips, and also biological and low-risk methods of pest control. Her talk will be supplemented by photographs she has taken in her own and others' gardens.

Stewart has been an active gardener for more than 50 years, having her own vegetable and flower garden as a child and learning from her father and grandparents, who were all gardeners. She still loves to be in her garden, which she has opened for tours. She has two grown children who, along with her spouse, help her "keep up with the weeds." She also enjoys photography as another hobby.

Stewart became involved in Gananoque Horticultural Society about seven years ago. She is an active member of the club's executive committee, a former president and is now back as second vice-president. She is also a member of the executive committee of District 3 of the Ontario Horticulture Association, as secretary and assistant director.

Professionally, she is a 31-year veteran of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, with broad experience in many areas of environmental protection. Having been a key player in the development of a green garden in front of the ministry offices in Kingston, she now enjoys gardening during coffee breaks and lunch hour. Everyone is welcome to attend this presentation. The evening is free for members, visitors will be asked to make a $3 donation.