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About Us

Our emblem, the Potentilla

The Potentilla was adopted as the Nepean Horticultural Society's official flower in 1965. Its common name is Cinquefoil, derived from the old French spelling cinq feuilles meaning 5 leaves. The variety symbolized is the Potentilla reptans, the variety that earned the plant its name. The Potentilla is widely distributed throughout Canada, some known by gardeners as weeds, others as desirable perennials and shrubs. The wild form, bearing lemon yellow flowers, occurs in many parts of Canada, with some hardy types surviving to zone 2b. Now niany hybrids with a broad range of colours including yellow, cream, salmon, orange, pink, red and white have been developed for gardens. Orange, red and pink cultivars do best if partly shaded from the sun. Perennials vary in height from ground covers to those reaching 60 cm (24"). Shrubs vary in height from 50 cm to 1.2 m (20" to 4'). Potentillas are relatively disease free. Some forms bear double flowers, as does the Potentilla reptans pleniflora. This is a ground cover with bright, double yellow flowers that can be used instead of grass in areas where grass does not grow well. There are always new hybrids being developed in this versatile plant.

Our objectives

The objectives of the Nepean Horticultural Society as defined in our constitution are to encourage interest and improvement in horticulture by:

• Holding meetings on the theory and practice of horticulture.
• Encouraging the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers on public and private grounds.
• Promoting outdoor art, public beautification, balcony and plot gardening.
• Arranging field trips, contests, competitions and exhibitions related to horticulture and by awarding prizes.
• Distributing seeds, plants, bulbs, flowers, trees and shrubs.
• Promoting the protection of the environment.
• Promoting the circulation of horticulture information through any media.
• Encouraging youth in horticulture.

Notes on the activities of the Nepean Horticultural Society from past annual reports of the Ontario Horticultural Association

City View 1957

City View is our newest Society. Just formed in the spring of 1957, during the balance of the year they held 8 open and 5 board meetings. Junior work is being done, and a public planting project for 1958 is now under way. Their first show, held in September, was very successful. As a group effort, entries were placed in the Central Canada Exhibition at Ottawa, and this Society won 2 first prizes. Three of their members attended the District Annual Meeting. Their first year has been one of great satisfaction both to themselves and the Director, and we wish them a bigger year in 1958.

City View 1959

Spring and Fall Shows were held, and entries in the Central Canada Exhibition took 5 first prizes, and 1 second prize. Competitions for Children's Gardens attracted a large number of entries.

City View 1960

With 60 members is now four progressive years old.

Its programme of activity has been full and well rounded.

The crowds visiting its flower shows testify as to quality and size of works undertaken.

In Junior work, 140 children's gardens were examined and a large I number of Juniors took part in a fall show.

This Society is sponsoring a shelf of garden books at the local library.

Mature Societies could gather fresh enthusiasm from this group.

City View 1961

A progressive young society is doing splendid Horticultural work with a full Society programme.

Its 102 members, an increase of 20 %, held ten Board meetings and eleven open meetings. Two Flower Shows and a Tour of member's gardens were part of this year's activities.

Public plantings of 100 shrub roses and trees, also sodding the lawn of City View Public Library were especially successful projects.

This society also sponsored a Spring Garden competition in City View, and judged the 50 entries.

An excellent programme of Junior Work was carried through. Forty ­ five Junior gardens were judged and silver cups were awarded as prizes.

Floral entries and exhibits were made in both the Central Canada Exhibition and the Ottawa Winter Fair.

This Society invests both in its members, and its community with exceptional results.

City View 1962

An excellent and well organized year's work included two large flower shows. The flower arrangements entries were truly beautiful. For hosting our most successful district meeting, again, thank you

City View 1963

This is a very active Society which has a membership of eighty-five. Co-operation with the City View Community Association, helped plant 321 trees. There are two Flower Shows, one Spring and one Fall, a Plant Show and a Plant Auction. Tuberous begonias and annuals were planted at two churches. They sponsored a Junior garden competition, with 35 entries, and a Weed scrap book competition with six entries. Six exhibits at the Central Canada Exhibition proved very successful.

City View 1964

An action teeming Society having a membership of 110. Three Flower Shows were held with a total of over 435 entries and also a garden competition in which every member's garden was entered. Extensive Junior competitions were held, including June and Fall Flower Shows (140 entries), Leaf Scrapbook (9 entries), and a Garden Competition (24 entries). Steps are being taken to organize a Junior Society. Other activities included ten general meetings, two pot-luck suppers, four exhibits at the Central Canada Exhibition, and the planting of some 80 Almey Crabapple Trees at local schools. The Society is also co-operating with Nepean Township in connection with Centennial planning.

City View 1965

The highlights of this Society's activities were the three Flower Shows, culminating in 500 entries at the Fall Show and many entries in the Junior section. Junior Garden Crests were awarded to winners in two competitions. The Society's first Year Book was published. An extensive garden competition was held in which all members were automatically entered, besides outings and meetings. For a Centennial project, the Society is planning a memorial to honor the memory of the early settlers in Nepean Township, with a perennial planting around it. Success also attended members' photo efforts in the winning of two firsts and one second in the District Competition.

City View 1967

This group is an example to the district of what a Horticultural Society can offer members even though they are next door to the information desk of the Central Experimental Farm. They make good use of experts within their own membership. Excellent junior entries were displayed at the fall show. Forty-six children's gardens were judged. A "Clean-Up" poster competition for juniors was the source of posters used in the adult campaign. A memorial stone with a bronze plaque in memory of the first settlers in Nepean Township was dedicated. An entry in the Central Canada Exhibition at Ottawa was a source of income as well as being a source of pride for the entire district.

City View 1968

Excellent junior entries at the June and fall flower shows were displayed by the City View Society. Juniors had five entries at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and received five awards. They held regular monthly meetings. One hundred and eleven entries were received in the spring garden competition; 125 in the summer garden competition and they provided potted plants to the Good Companion Group.

City View 1969

City View Society has had a very interesting year with a diversity of speakers and topics. The meetings were very well attended in spite of adverse weather conditions. One evening was devoted to the showing of films and all speakers came well prepared with illustrated lectures which were exceptionally good. The ever-popular Sandy Cavaye gave all the latest news from the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa. The society has a very energetic group of juniors, 175 of whom participated in a poster competition. A joint meeting was also held with the Stittsville Society which was highlighted by a beautiful, illustrated lecture by Mr. A. R. Buckley on four seasons in the garden. Other activities of the society were a plant auction, pot luck supper, planting of a centennial garden, house plants given to senior citizens and garden competitions for juniors. They are an looking forward to more progress being made during 1970.

City View 1970

City View Horticultural Society has again enjoyed a busy and interesting year. They had a variety of speakers covering many topics which were made more enjoyable by the showing of extremely good slides. They held several flower shows. Members also donated house plants to a Senior Citizens group and also bedding plants were donated for a Girl Guide project and they continue to keep their Centennial Garden in trim by the planting of additional bulbs. Junior work was also encouraged and the Junior entries in both the Spring and Flower shows were of a high standard and very plentiful. A special meeting was held for Juniors where films were shown. Also there were thirty-five entries in the Junior Garden contest.

City View - Nepean 1971

This Society had another full and enjoyable year. They had a variety of speakers with a wide range of topics. They also had a social evening at which slides of members' gardens were shown. The Annual Dinner was a huge success. Dr. Bousfield gave a very interesting illustrated talk on the Canadian Hudson 70 Expedition. The name of the Society was changed from the City View Society to City View-Nepean. The plant auction was very successful. They also held a Mum Show and looked after the care of two flower plots. They donated house plants to senior citizens and kept up their centennial garden with annuals.

City View - Nepean 1972

They planted 5000 bulbs and 2 members led the Brownies in maintaining The Centennial garden. Spring and summer gardens were judged, and junior activities were promoted. Four shows produced 476 adult and 140 children's entries. Members tended two allotment gardens, presented 30 dried flower arrangements to Carleton Home for the Aged, and house plants to the Good Companions Handicapped Group. Held a pot luck supper and visited Montreal Botanical Gardens and Elba at Carleton University.

City View - Nepean 1973

This society increased its membership by 28. They held five flower shows and spring and summer garden competitions with trophies. They planted bulbs, perennials and annuals in their Centennial Garden and maintained two NCC garden plots for juniors.

City View - Nepean 1974

They planted 1500 bulbs as well as annuals and perennials in the Centennial Garden. Their juniors cultivated and maintained an NCC allotment garden, and prepared an exhibition of posters for the fall show. Five major shows were held, as well as garden competitions for which trophies were awarded. Fuschias, geraniums and flower pots were purchased for resale to members.

City View - Nepean 1975

This group held two garden competitions and 5 flower shows, with generous trophy awards. They planted 1500 bulbs, with annuals and perennials at the Centennial Garden. A plant auction and a sale of flowers were held, while bulbs, mums and lilies were purchased for re-sale. Junior classes at the shows and an exhibition of posters at the fall show were sponsored. Their juniors held regular winter meetings, also planting and maintaining the NCC garden plot.

City View - Nepean: 1976

1500 bulbs were planted and the Centennial Garden maintained with bulbs and summer flowers. 5 flower shows and 4 competitions, including those for gardens, were held. Financial and general assistance were given to the retarded children at Silver Springs Farm.

City View - Nepean 1977

Members planted bulbs in their Centennial garden, with annuals for summer. Three garden competitions were held, including juniors'. A booth was named at the Mayfest, another at Home Expo. Plants and flowers were donated to Extendicare and to Civic and Queensway Hospitals. Horticultural materials were purchased for resale to members, and bedding plants and Christmas plant material were provided to Silver Springs Farm, a project for mentally retarded young people. In fall, crocus corms were presented to juniors for forcing and for display.

City View - Nepean 1978

A very productive year, with 5 flower shows, 3 competitions and 10 general meetings being held. Bursary and Scholarship awards were made to horticultural students at Algonquin College and Highland Park High School. A booth was maintained at Home Expo. Exhibition, and continuing support given to Silver Spring Farm for the horticultural training of mentally retarded students. Public planting at the Library was carried out. Juniors were encouraged to participate in the District Junior Garden Competition. 48 bulbs added to the Centennial Garden, established and maintained by this society. Support was given to a protest petition on the proposed closing of Petawawa Forest Station.

City View - Nepean 1979

1979 was a full and interesting one for the 248 members. The junior program with 30 members was a great success again this year.

The year book was very well received. The News Letters kept all informed of the monthly happenings. Community involvement consisted of flower arranging for residents of Extendicare Home; planting and maintaining the Centennial Garden; teaching workshop of decorative arrangements; planting hanging baskets for the Library. Bursaries and a scholarship were presented to the Highland Park High School, and Algonquin College students of Horticulture. Purchased equipment for the retarded adults horticulture program at Silver Springs Farm. Sale of plant material and Mushroom compost for resale was very well attended. The society's entry in the decorative section of the Central Canada Exhibition 'won first prize, and the vegetable display second. Two tours were arranged and well received. Five Shows and an expanded garden competition helped to make it a very busy year.

City View - Nepean 1980

1980 was a full and active year for the 211 members. With the youth once again taking an active part, a second place in the District Youth gardens competition was won by Derek Rymerson. Two special achievements were a 2nd prize in the OHA for a painting by Joan Long, and a 2nd prize for the society's Year Book in the OHA competition. The society also placed well in the CNE competition. The society held 6 shows; 2 competitions; and 10 general meetings. Some highlights were 3 visits by speakers from the RBG Outreach Program. A visit to the Floralies '80 in Montreal, a pot luck supper in March, and the Annual dinner in November. Plant material and mushroom compost were available to the membership. Public planting was carried out in 3 locations. A weekly horticultural program was offered at Extendicare Nursing Home. Bursaries and a scholarship were offered to students at Algonquin College and Highland Park High School. Preparations are under way for 1981, to celebrate the society's 25th and the O.H.A. 75th Anniversaries, by hosting the District Annual meeting and the planting of some trees.

Nepean 1987

It was an active year with a full program of meetings, public plantings, plant sales and auctions, shows, and a trip to Upper Canada Village. A constitution was drafted, youth members entered the RAWF and their Year Book was first in the OHA at the Convention.

Nepean 1988

Regular meetings, shows, plant sales, mushroom compost sale, and a bazaar. A major and

varied junior program. 162 members and 22 juniors.

Nepean 1991

The City View Horticultural Society was organized on June 11, 1957. Josephine: Brown was elected President. During the first year there were monthly meetings, a children's program, a fall show, and members entered the flower competition at Central Canada Exhibition.

In 1983 we changed our name to Nepean Horticultural Society, to reflect the larger area from where our membership was coming.

1991 will be a busy year since in addition to conducting our regular program and activity, we will be making preparations for the celebration of the 35th anniversary of our Society.

Nepean 1992

The Nepean Horticultural Society celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 1992 and on hand to help with the celebration was the very 1st President, Josephine Brown who had even baked and brought her own anniversary cake. The Society purchased a commemorative paving stone which was placed in the Heritage Park opposite Nepean Civic Square in celebration of Nepean's 200th Anniversary as well as the Society's 35th. Nepean had the highest number of entries in the District 2 Flower and Vegetable Show. The members participated in many flower, vegetable, garden and photographic slide competitions, craft demonstrations, guest and club speakers, and the annual Bazaar. A new event, the Pumpkin Caper, was so successful it's bound to return as an annual event. A commercial landscaping competition was held while others continued with community service by planting gardens at the local museum, Reesor House, Telci House and Nepean Sportsplex. Bulk bulb and mum purchases were made. Fundraisers included an auction and a Mushroom compost sale. The large adult membership is augmented by a Junior Gardener group as well.

Nepean 1993

An "Opportunity Table" at regular meetings, a mushroom compost sale and a plant auction are cited as special projects of this Society which consists of 147 members with 9 Life Members and 20 Youth Members. Telci and Reeser House are community service projects. One flower bed was planted, 3 were maintained, 50 bulbs were planted and 7 trees. The Youth Group planted flower boxes at the Nepean Museum, ran a Pumpkin Challenge, exhibited at malls, regular meetings and the District Show and conducted a nature walk. The Society works also to encourage commercial beautification and describes itself as a "Hotbed for new ideas".

Nepean 1994-1995

Nepean Society was very "high profile" this year with a booth and talk at the Home and Garden Sho a booth at the CBC Garden Fair, talks and demonstrations at local schools and a Senior's Home and participation in City Hall's Leisure Fair. Other projects include a Plant Auction, providing mushroom compost, judging Crystal Beach Gardens (232) and a commercial landscape project. The active youth club met regularly and planted and maintained 4 flower beds in total, sponsored a pho­tography contest, held a banquet and awards night and had youth and adult competitions and shows.

Nepean 1995-1996

Date of inception: 1957

Floral Emblem: Potentilla Reptans

The gardens at Telsa House and the flower and vegetable gardens at Reesor House are the result of the efforts of this society. Further civic beautification is encouraged by means of a Commercial Gardens Competition sponsored by the Nepean Society. Plantings were also done at the Nepean Lawn Bowls.

Apart from their regular meetings, the Junior Gardeners took on the community project of supplying the Nepean Museum with pretty box planters. The juniors have their gardens judged, participate in shows, and are included as part of the adult society's awards night and banquet.

The society conducts a Spring Plant Auction, a Fall Plant Sale and a November Bazaar. It was the Nepean Society who hosted this year's Annual Judge's Update, a day-long event that was described by the judges as a "Class Act' .

Nepean 1996-1997

139 adults and 16 juniors belong to this active society who plant and maintain 3 flower beds and who planted 100 bulbs this year. The Youth group did the flower boxes at the Nepean Museum. Events included a May Plant Auction, tulip bulb sales, Chrysanthemum sales, a May compost sale and a fall plant sale. There were various flower shows over the course of the year and a garden competition. Nepean is proud that the Provincial Yearbook Cover Competition was won by one of their Youth Members.

Nepean 1997-1998

1997 marked the 20th Anniversary of this society who boast a membership of 119 and 11 Junior Gardeners. The society's special event to celebrate this Anniversary was to host the District Annual Meeting which was like a day long convention which was enjoyed thoroughly by the many who attended throughout the Ottawa Valley. They were greeted by members of the society, then proceeded to the Garden market Place with 33 vendors. Speakers and luncheon were followed by a tour of the campus greenhouses and then more speakers and presentations. A fun day was had by all. The Juniors do the plantings at the Nepean Museum and the adult members did the flower boxes there. A perennial bed is also maintained at the Nepean Lawn Bowls and a tree was planted at the Woodroffe Campus of Algonquin College. The society has proposed a bench for the tropical greenhouse at the Central Experimental Farm. Funds were raised by means of a May Plant Auction, Compost Sale, Amaryllis Bulb Sale and 50/50 Draws. Shows include a Houseplant Show, Spring Bulb Show in conjunction with the Ottawa Society, a Mini Show and Harvest Show.

Nepean 1998-1999

floral emblem - Potentilla

The City of Nepean has earned a national reputation for green leadership. The city has a deep commitment to preserving and rebuilding its natural environment. Enriched by such commitment, Nepean coordinates a

constellation of environmental projects, ranging from the umbrella "Greening Our City", to Communities In Bloom. The Nepean Horticultural Society, in partnership with the city, have a number of projects that support and strengthen each other. A perennial bed is maintained at the Nepean Lawn Bowl and the first-ever Communities in Bloom for Nepean was begun in 1998. The Society also placed their bench for the tropical greenhouse at the central Experimental Farm. Fund-raising is an important element for our Society. The annual May plant auction was a huge success. Our members supported this major effort with quality plants and other items for sale. It was indeed a great evening to introduce new members to our circle. Our usual shows, throughout the season, had great participation. There was a House Plant Show, Spring Bulb Show, and Fall Harvest Show, as well as the District 2 Summer Show. The year concluded with an awards banquet where all the hard work paid off as the members walked away with numerous and well deserved prizes.

Nepean 1999-2000

The Nepean Horticultural Society was involved with the city of Nepean's Communities In Bloom competition in 1999, and also in the city's Commercial Landscaping and Beautification. One member of our Society placed 3rd in the Communities in Bloom competition for private homes. Interesting speakers spoke on topics - Daylilies, night lighting for gardens, and rhododendrons and azaleas. There are competitions for large Gardens, medium Gardens and small Gardens. Members show off their best blooms in Houseplant, Spring Bulb, June, and Harvest Shows.

Nepean 2000-2001

Nepean Society holds its flower shows in public places (a mall and city hall) where everyone can admire the superior blooms and become interested in horticultural societies. Our members co-ordinated the City of Nepean's 3rd Annual Residential Gardening Competition; it was a very successful event. The motto of Nepean Society says it all- "Where Gardeners Grow"!

Last Updated: 2008-03-14