Perth & District Horticultural Society
WELCOME
Perth & District Horticulture Society, now 25 years old, represents and provides for the needs of our many serious and devoted gardeners in this community who beautify our land and lend a helping hand to nature’s masterpiece.
Our emblem is the Showy Lady Slipper Orchid, which is indigenous to Lanark County and blooms in profusion at the Purdon Conservation Area in early spring.
History
The Society was first formed in April of 1901 with the first speaker being Dr. Fletcher of the Ottawa Experimental Farm. At that time the Society had a membership of more than 80 and met up to the Second World War when it went into retirement. The first recorded President was Rev. A.H. Scott, the Minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
In 1984 several Perth residents decided to form a new Society and it has been thriving since that time. Peter McMahon, Alan Roberts and Ken Willis were early Presidents and were instrumental in encouraging gardeners to take part in the Executive or help with the community plantings as well as forming a Junior Gardeners program in several of the local schools.
About Us
We are a group of people that enjoy gardens and gardening. We meet to learn what grows best in the Perth area and share our knowledge about all aspects of gardening.
A few of our members are Master Gardeners of Lanark County. We also have several accredited Judges in our ranks. Each month we welcome knowledgeable speakers who provide slide shows, demonstrations and information on a particular topic from horticultural to food and wine.
We are involved in promoting gardening in our Community. Over the years our Society has been responsible for the planting and upkeep of the Flag Garden in the Perth Basin and the Cenotaph garden in front of the Perth Hospital, as well as Floating gardens in the Little Tay River. We also provide help to other Town gardens such as the gardens at The Old Burying Ground, and some of our members volunteer in keeping Inge Va's gardens in top shape!.
Members of our Board each head a committee that is responsible for community planting, publicity, junior gardeners program, social, public relations, plant sales, membership, flower shows, etc., as well as a secretary and treasurer. Our committed and hard working members volunteered a total of 1040 hours in 2009! The junior gardeners program is held in five area schools and instructs almost 100 students in gardening. Volunteers are always required to help with these committees for a short time commitment. Speak to a Director about volunteering.
Member benefits include: learning from expert speakers; regular informative newsletter; wholesale prices on spring bulbs; plant sales and exchanges; tours of local gardens, nurseries and other places of horticultural interest; access to our gardening library; participation in flower shows; discounts at participating garden centres; membership in the OHA; yearbook; workshops; and the opportunity to network with other gardeners.
Join us for an informative meeting and social time the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Perth and District Collegiate Institute Library. July features a dessert social and December a Christmas potluck dinner in lieu of a meeting. Come and enjoy!
|
