A growing concern
This month, the Stouffville Horticultural Society celebrates its 85th anniversary.
The organization was established on April 11, 1924 and has been active ever since, with the exception of a couple of years during World War II.
In 1946, the local society adopted the chrysanthemum as its floral emblem.
“We have garden tours, bus tours; we share plants, information and stories,” said long-time member Diane Ward. “Our meetings include photo competitions and flower shows. We have speakers (and) we learn about beneficial insects, how to grow or design better gardens and planters, or how to take good pictures and how to propagate our plants.”
Some members get together on Wednesday evenings to weed the town gardens, she noted. Regular meetings are held from April to November at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the United Church in Stouffville, with the exception of the May meeting, which will take place May 11.
At the 2009 opening meeting on April 20, HGTV gardening expert Denis Flanagan, with his trademark sense of humour, will be the guest speaker. “If you are in a new or old home, want to learn about gardening, wish to meet neighbours or even show off what you do know, please join us,” said Diane.
On May 2, the society will host an 85th birthday party from 2 to 4 p.m. at Parkview Home at 123 Weldon Rd. and everyone is welcome to attend. Membership in the Stouffville Horticultural Society is $15, but non-members are welcome to attend the monthly meetings.
For more information call Carolyn Ratcliff at 905-640-3845.
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