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.
* 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, 2010
Our Members
"Show and Tell"
February 17, 2010
Dr. John Reaume
"Flowers and Birds of Ontario"
March 17, 2010
Jim Dougan
"Issues Affecting Native Plants in Our Region"
April 21, 2010
Sylvia Galbraith
"Photography in Your Garden"
May 19, 2010
May-Donna Zardundy
"What's New for 2010"
June 16, 2010
Brenda and John Beaulieu
"Milkweed and Monarchs"
Sept. 15, 2010
Farley See
"Successful Water Gardening"
October 20, 2010
Wendy Sherarer
"Victorian Kitchen Gardens"
CommunityGardens
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.
A Worm's Eye View - FEBRUARY 2010 by Editor: Elena North
Editor’s Message
We will not have a President’s Message in each Worm’s-Eye View this year but there will be remarks from the Editor from time to time.
In this issue, I’m pleased to welcome Barry Vanderveer, a talented horticulturalist with two excellent gardening blogs of his own, to the publication. Barry has written a super book review that will have you running to the library (or to Cherry Hill Video, which had the book). For those that have Internet access, more...
