Here is the first announcement for the Society, as it appeared in the Georgetown Herald Newspaper March 31st, 1920:

The objects of a Horticultural Society such as it is proposed to organize in Georgetown, shall be to encourage improvement in horticulture by holding meetings for discussion and for hearing lectures on subjects connected with the theory and practice of improved horticulture; by holding exhibition and awarding premiums for the production of vegetables, plants, flowers, fruits, trees and shrubs; by the distribution of seeds, plants, bulbs, flowers, shrubs and tree in ways calculated to create an interest in horticulture; by promoting the circulations of horticultural periodicals; by encouraging the improvement of home and public grounds, by the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers, and by otherwise promoting outdoor and public beauty; by offering prizes for essays on questions relating to horticulture; by importing and otherwise procuring and distributing seed, plants, shrubs, and trees of new and valuable kinds.

Well though quite wordy for our times, it seems that not much has changed in 90 years! Below you will find a list of people that help in that endeavor. Please feel free to talk any one of them if you need assistance, we're here to help.

In 2010 we celebrated our 90th anniversary! If you'd like, here is a little bit of our history, 'Celebrating our 90th'

Executive

President - Dorinne Wagner
Past President - Lil Taggart
Treasurer - David Soward
Secretary - Debbie Lang

Director - Heather Bosman
Director - Jo MacLean
Director - Carol Mathison
Director - Mary Megelink
Director - Diana Pooke
Director - Karri Robichaud
Director - Lil Taggart
Director - Sandra Williamson
Director - Nancy Wilson

President's Message

After a hot, humid summer, a cool fall and a snowy winter, we all began thinking about our gardens and the coming spring; however, late snow storms continued followed by days of rain.

The weather did not curtail our Society’s activities. A huge thank you to those who helped with the fall and spring clean ups and the summer maintenance at Greenwood Cemetery, Civic Centre, Georgetown Hospital and Mary Street Parkette. At the Parkette, a new garden of grasses was created, adding another horticultural element as we continue with our re-vitalization plans. Many members enjoyed a relaxing summer picnic lunch under the trees – definitely an activity to be continued.

As always, there was a great lineup of speakers. It’s interesting to look back at the topics from several years ago and see the transition from focusing on flowers to including vegetables and container gardening – a reflection of current interests and ecological concerns. Of particular note were presentations by our members - travelers, Heather and Sandra, on the Chelsea Flower Show and English gardens and our master gardener, Diana, on geraniums and gathering seeds.

Our three flower shows were quite successful with members showing off their pride and joy from their gardens. For the first time, vegetables were added – no doubt entries will grow in the future, especially if it is a good season at the allotment gardens, where there continues to be a wait list.. The design workshops were well attended with participants sharing their creations at the pot luck dinner and summer flower show. In January, when it was very snowy outside, what a treat to see everyone’s photos from their gardens and to be reminded of nature’s beauty. This year special monthly raffles were held and the pumpkin carving contest was reintroduced – both to be continued in the coming year.

As in the past, our Christmas Pot Luck was an evening of great food, fun, conversation and laughter with our poet, Diana, sharing her experiences at judging school. What a range of items in the penny auction and raffle! Thank you to everyone for donating your hidden treasures and for all of the assistance provided in creating such a festive setting.

May marked our Society’s main fund-raising event – the plant sale and silent auction. This was a nail biter! Finally, the week of the sale, the rain stopped long enough to enable digging and potting. On the day of the sale, thankfully the rain held off until after the sale began and we came close to matching the record set by the previous year’s sale. So many members give generously of their time during the weeks leading up to and including the day of the sale. Thank you to everyone, especially the committee who made the event run so smoothly.

In June the weather co-operated for our Garden Tour and Garden Contest. Over 90 people participated in the Garden Tour which included a variety of gardening styles. From the conversation, stopping to view particular plants, and snapping of photos, it was apparent that people were garnering ideas for their own gardens. For the Garden Contest, 16 entries were received, mostly through our website. Also, for most, this was their first time entering the Contest – a sign of the important role gardening is playing in people’s lives. What an evening we will have when our team of judges announces the winners and gives a visual presentation of the gardens.

During the year, several members were congratulated for achievements beyond our Society – Sandra Williamson for receiving second place for our Yearbook at the OHA Convention in Barrie; Heather Bosman, Irene Oldford, and Diana Pooke for becoming certified horticultural judges; and Heather Bosman, Lil Taggart, and Sandra Williamson for entering floral designs in the World Association of Flower Arrangers 10th World Flower Show with Lil receiving a Mention.

Thank you to the Executive for their support and work throughout a very busy year. With the addition of two new members to the Executive, the Society has a bright future.

Dorinne Wagner

Allotment Garden