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The London Fanshawe Horticultural Society has grown from 5 gardeners with a dream in 2003 to 222 members in 2011.  

In May 2008, the London Fanshawe Horticultural Society celebrated our first milestone - our 5th year anniversary.  In 2003 five gardeners met at a local north London bagel shop for coffee and a chat.  The group envisioned a North London Horticultural Society.  During coffee they drew up a plan, consulted Jim Mabee (the Regional Director at that time) for advice, and started the paperwork necessary for setting up a society.  The first meeting was held May 22, 2003 at a nearby school with 34 members in attendance.  A slate of officers was elected and the society was up and running!

Our special day to celebrate the five years was May 15, 2008.  The Society planned an ambitious program, complete with the traditional birthday cake.  Joining us for that evening was special guest Denis Flanagan from Landscape Ontario, Anna Peterson and Jim Mabee, representatives from the OHA, as well as city representatives.

To commemorate the anniversary a new society banner was designed and quilted by two board members.  The banner, which showcases the society's official flower, the Jackmanii Clematis, measures 65 cm wide and 120 cm long.  The two volunteeers contributed over 100 hours of quilting time.  On the reverse of the banner there are 180 green and beige "garden patches".  Members who wished to purchase a patch for $10 had their names written on a green or beige patch as a memory of the celebration.  All proceeds donated were used to purchase plants and shrubs for two elementary schools which were entered in the Communities in Blooms Competition.

Other activites included making scrapbooks and framed collages of photographs representing many of the society's horticultural activities of the last five years.  Two special garden walks for the members were scheduled for June and July as well as a flower and photography show.

Last Updated: 2012-01-30