GardenOntario: Fergus & District Horticultural Society

“Those who plant seeds plant hope”

All about us: Our 152nd year

Since 1857, we have been dedicated to preserving the horticultural heritage of the town of Fergus, Ontario. The mandate of our society is the promotion of horticultural education. Our regular meetings and shows encourage the study of cultivation, propagation, and the principles of design, while sharing common interests and fellowship.

Our floral emblem is a common weed found throughout Ontario. The Scotch Thistle has woody, branched stems with long, spine-edged wings running up the sides. It has numerous, large, bright violet to reddish flowers supported by large spine-tipped bracts. Woolly hairs cover large, irregularly-lobed leaves that have sharp yellow spikes. Mature plants can be up to 3m tall.

"Gardening is Canada's second most popular physical activity after walking. Gardening is much more than just taking the time to smell the roses and can be an excellent physical activity to keep you healthy. Just ask any gardener."

Horticultural Societies began to form in the last century as branches of Agricultural Societies. In 1857, Fergus formed an Independent Agricultural Society, making it the first Agricultural (Horticultural) Society in the province. This was primarily due to the early work of one of the directors of the Highland and Agricultural Society, Adam Fergusson, a lawyer and agriculturist, who settled in Canada in 1833 (founder of Fergus, Ontario), and became actively involved in organizing agricultural societies in Canada. In 1897, an act of the provincial legislature was passed which supported Horticultural Societies in Ontario "to encourage citizens to beautify their communities as well as their properties".

The Fergus Horticultural Society is affiliated with the Garden Ontario-Ontario Horticultural Association. The Association was formed in 1906. The Fergus Horticultural Society is subject to the Constitution of the OHA and the provisions of the Horticultural Societies Act, R.S.O. 1980, c.204. This organization gives guidance and support to all members.

Contact Us

Our president, Helen Lacroix would be pleased to answer all inquiries concerning our society. She can be reached at mycrystalwaters@hotmail.com.

Our Member's Gardens 2009

Click on the links to view the photos.

Pat & Glenn's Garden

Kathy Bouma's Garden

Susan & Ken’s Garden

Photo Gallery

Click on the links to view some of our photos.

Coffee in Templin July 2009

Garden Tour 2009

Peonies Terry Fox Park .

Year in Review 2007 - 150th Anniversary

Pruning and Small Tree Care

Dry Stone Gardening

Ornamental Grasses

Diggin' in the Dirt 2008 04

Membership

We always welcome new members. Just $10 a year gives all members the following benefits:

* the Society yearbook of events and gardening information

* monthly newsletter - “A Worm’s Eye View”

* 10% discount at the annual plant sale, Saturday May 9, 2009

* 10% discount at Grand Flags, 266 South River Rd., Elora

* 10% discount at LittleTree Horticultural Ltd., Hwy. 6 North, Fergus

* a role in the beautification of our community

* monthly meetings with great speakers, refreshments and door prizes

* access to our perennial and seed exchange via your e-mail address

* special activities, such as the annual Garden Tour and flower shows

* new friends, knowledge and experience

Meetings

Every third Wednesday of the month, except December, July and August we meet at the Victoria Seniors Centre (Map) at 7:30 p.m. Our 2010 monthly meetings begin in January and feature informative speakers from all over Ontario.

January 20

Our Members

"Show and Tell"

February 17

Dr. John Reaume

"Flowers and Birds of Ontario"

March 17

Jim Dougan

"Issues Affecting Native Plants in Our Region"

April 21

Sylvia Galbraith

"Photography in Your Garden"

May 19

TBA

June 16

Brenda and John Beaulieu

"Milkweed and Monarchs"

Sept. 15

Farley See

"Successful Water Gardening"

October 20

TBA

Community Gardens

Each year our Society plants and maintains 20 community gardens. Our community gardens are beautiful outdoor spaces on public or private lands, where our society members (your neighbours) meet to grow and care for flowers and native plant species.

Flower Shows

Click the link for our Show Entries:

May Show - Winners & Photos

June Show - Winners & Photos

September Show - Winners & Photos

Photo Competition 2009

Number of Visitors to this Page Since January 1, 2008

Fergus Horticultural Society