Horticultural society can offer tips
The Gardener's Corner
By Judith Rogers

A photo of the Jane McConkey Memorial Trophy, which was donated by Jas Goode in 1933.

Innisfil has enjoyed gardening and flower shows for quite some time. As early as February of 1925, a group of 66 interested gardeners formed the Innisfil Horticultural Society, which met in Stroud and Churchill alternately to hold flower shows. By 1927, 30 exhibitors had placed a whopping 312 entries for judging.

Beautification of the community began with ornamental trees and shrubs planted at several local schools and flower beds with shrubs and bulbs at the Innisfil Park. The Red Cross and other institutions received annual donations from the fund raising of the society. A small oak tree and one acorn were sent to each society from the Royal Forest as a memorial to the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. This small oak, and an acorn produced from it, were planted near the Township Park entrance.

As is the case today with many organizations, younger members were not available to take over the running of the board and society; sadly, with permission of the Department of Agriculture, the group dissolved in 1949.

The village of Thornton dissolved their horticultural society about eight years ago due to the same circumstances, but fortunately we have two active societies in Innisfil.

The Gilford and District Horticultural Society meets on the second Monday of the month from March to November at 7:30 p.m. at the Churchill Community Centre, 6322 Yonge St. just north of Steeples. Annual membership fees are $15 and $20 for a family of up to three living at the same address. The Iris newsletter keeps members informed of upcoming events.

Their 2008 program looks exciting, with a live garden reptile collection presentation on March 10, easy garden design and where to position plants with Lorraine Mennen from Pathways to Perennials on April 14 and the guru of annuals, Marjorie Mason of Mason-Hogue Gardens on May 12 talking about new and underused annuals. There will be annuals for sale at this meeting as well as plants at other meetings.

All are welcome to attend a meeting initially as a guest and sign up for a membership afterwards - or call president Mona Rea at 456- 0132 for more information.

The Painswick Horticultural Society meet on the third Thursday of the month as well from March to November at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church located at the corner of Mapleview Drive and Yonge Street. The annual fees are $10 for a single membership and $15 for a couple. The Daisy Doodle is the newsletter provided to members with society information and events.

March 20 will be a presentation on water wise gardening by master gardener Carol Dunk. April 17, Kathleen England, a flower show judge, will teach a session called How to Prepare Winning Entries for Flower Shows.

May 15 is a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, where all guests and members are invited to wear their wildest hats and come to hear master gardener Charlotte Vorstermans speak on container gardening.

The Painswick Society also welcomes new members. Call president John Craw for further information at 436-5292.

Data on the Innisfil Horticultural Society and photograph are courtesy of the Innisfil Historical Society.