District 11

Tilbury Success Story
by A collaboration

Tilbury and District Horticultural Society

Congratulations to a great society who has, by its own record, proven that a group of avid and eager members can make a huge difference in a town and its surrounding areas. What a tremendous example the Tilbury and District Horticultural Society has been to the community and to other Horticultural Societies in Ontario. An album of photos taken at a couple of this year’s activities (2011) can be seen by clicking this link.

As Emeril Lagasse would say, “Thanks to everyone in the Tilbury Society who, by example, has helped the Ontario Horticultural Society “”raise it up a notch.””

Read the following notes to learn about some of the activities they have provided over the past 25 years.

The History of the Tilbury and District Horticultural Society

How we came to be a Society

Fifty people gathered at the Tilbury Area Public School on September 24, 1986. The list of the fifty people in attendance and needed to start a society was sent to the head office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, in Guelph, ON.

The District 11 Director of the Ontario Horticultural Society, Harry Wyma, was in charge of the meeting. He outlined the purpose of a Horticultural Society:

·         Help beautify your community.

·         Interest youth and others in the study of horticulture.

·         Visit gardens and areas of interest.

·         Have flower shows.

·         Obtain gardening information.

·         Relax and have fun!!!

On October 6, 1986, Cathy Wathy received a letter from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food authorizing her to call an organizational meeting of the Tilbury and District Horticultural Society.

On October 25, 1986, the initiation of a Tilbury Horticultural Society was pronounced at the annual meeting of the District 11, Ontario Horticultural Society.

Mr. Harry Wyma returned to Tilbury Area Public School on Oct 29, 1986 where the election of officers was held. Cathy Wathy was elected President, Gabrielle Deubel - first Vice-President, Roger Beaulieu - second Vice-President, Beth Duplessie - Secretary and Barb Bellemore - Treasurer.

Letters of congratulation were sent from the Tilbury Town Council, the Kingsville Horticultural Society, and the Blenheim-Harwich Horticultural Society.

On January 9, 1987, the Charter certificate for the Tilbury and District Horticultural Society was sent to the president from Peter Fleming, Manager of Rural Organizations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

And we’ve never looked back…

During the first year of existence (the growing season of 1987), the Society planted 5,000 marigolds in the spring and 2,000 tulip bulbs in the fall in the various town flower beds. Students in all of the area schools started the marigold seeds as a class project to use in the town and at their homes in celebration of the centennial year. The Society also entered a float in the town Centennial parade and received third place (out of 40 floats). There were 10 monthly meetings held and we had 81 members.

Over the years, many people have held the president’s position: Cathy Wathy, Carol Anne Jones, Howard Hill, Bill Lumley, Joy Davis, Randy Keech, Paul Tremblay, Kathy Smyth and Sandra Rammelaere.

For our 25th anniversary year we had a wheelbarrow precision drill team in the Funfest Parade in June, walking with our banners, etc. (Photo)

We hosted the first District 11 garden party - we had about 15 attend from Ridgetown, Chatham, Windsor and Tilbury The group thought it was a great idea, and nice to meet others and see some local gardens and nurseries.

For our combination Flower and Vegetable Show and 25th Anniversary Tea, we had over 60 guests. We had 8 children and 16 adults bring in 11 and 160 exhibits respectively. We gave out recognition certificates to past presidents, two 25-year pins and certificates, and certificates of appreciation for the 2 members who initiated Northside Park as the Memorial Forest. Our two Ward 1 representatives, Brian King and Bryon Fluker were present to offer their congratulations. We also received a certificate, signed by the Mayor, for our Society.

In the last 25 years, the Horticultural Society has continued with its original objectives. Each year our members plant the town flowerbeds using different colour combinations and themes. The town of Tilbury has the largest number of beds and planters to maintain (excepting the city of Chatham) in all of Chatham-Kent. We give out vouchers to local schools, church groups, and non-profit organizations so that they can purchase plant material from our local gardening centres to beautify their areas. In 2009 we awarded a bursary to a local girl who is continuing her studies in horticulture.

Over the years, the Society has planned outings to many different gardens, greenhouses and garden centres - locally and at a distance - to places like Niagara Falls. Sometimes meetings are held at a greenhouse where members get to learn something new, tour the establishment, and purchase some unique plants.

The Tilbury and District Horticultural Society has held Flower Shows for many years. All avid gardeners are welcome to enter exhibits and win a ribbon - there are even categories for children! Our meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month (except for December, July and August) at 7 pm at the Tilbury Area Public School library. We often have a guest speaker to teach on a specific topic; e.g. hostas, daylilies, irises, photographing flowers, container gardening, native plant species, flower arranging, etc. At our meetings, there is always time for questions and answers to common gardening enquiries.

We have taken part in Southwestern District 11 activities, either attending or hosting events, and some of our members are on its executive. Our members regularly attend the annual Ontario Horticultural Association Convention, held in different locations. This year (2011), 3 of our members attended the OHA Convention in Sudbury. It is a great place to learn something new about gardening, and get some ideas for town beautification. They have interesting and educational speakers, garden tours, and flower show activities. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with others who are interested in horticulture.

In the past 25 years, our Society has developed many projects; Northside Park, at the town entrances, and most recently the new Veteran’s Memorial Gate Garden at the entrance to Memorial Park, and the 1812 Peace Garden is in the works for this year (2012). We are very involved with the town; we partner with various businesses in the area, with the municipality, Communities in Bloom, and the Tilbury Historical Society for the Lanoue House. We also have a representative on the BIA. For the past 7 years we have held a Memorial Tree Planting Service at Northside Park in partnership with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

To celebrate our 25^th Anniversary, we held a Flower and Vegetable Show at the Tilbury Legion. Gardeners (adult and children) were invited to place their exhibits in the show. In conjunction with the show, we had an Anniversary Tea with desserts and beverages, special presentations, and door prizes. Everyone was invited and welcomed to attend and see the beautiful flowers and 25 years of memorabilia from the Tilbury and District Horticultural Society.

WOW – What else can we say! Congratulations from the Southwestern District 11 Executive and every Executive and member of all 14 Societies within its jurisdiction.

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