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.
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 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.
"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."
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
Donna Zarudny
"What's New - Plant Debut"
June 16, 2010
Brenda Stride & 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.
This year's plant sale was anticipated by many eager gardeners.The annual sale took place on May 15th, at the stone house next to Sportsplex.This was our only fundraiser.
Each year our 20 community gardens are evaluated and extra perennials are potted up.Members also scoured their own gardens and selected those plants which need dividing and included them in the sale.
This year's collection was very extensive. TemplinGardens and TerryFoxPark yielded a fine collection of hostas, lilies and peonies.The new growth peonies were snapped up in seconds.Other gardens offered traditional favourites and newer cultivars.
Members also contributed a wide selection of herbs, irises, ground covers and grasses.
The community began to lining up early.At 8 a.m. there was a mad dash to select plants and bring them to a holding area.Gardeners continued to collect wanted specimens using our wheelbarrows and wagons.
This year's co-coordinators, Kathy Bouma and Randy McLean, kept smiling throughout the sale. Their superb organizational skills made for a smooth, very successful fundraiser.
Contact Us Our president, Helen Lacroix would be pleased to
