HILLSBURGH — The Hillsburgh Horticultural Society and Garden Club (HGC) capped off its 70th anniversary this year with a garden party for members and area residents at the Wellington County Library – Hillsburgh branch in July.
The ‘Hillsburg’ club existed as an early horticultural society until 1941, back when Hillsburgh was spelled without the ‘h’ on the end.
While it disbanded during the war, the club re-organized in 1952, fully relaunching by 1953.
Like other societies under the umbrella of the Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA), it was originally established to promote horticultural practices in the province, with a specific focus on ornamental plants.
Over the years, the Hillsburgh Garden Club’s (HGC) initiatives have evolved from planting roses and annuals at area schools, cemeteries and municipal buildings to environment-related projects, such as tree plantings at local parks.
Its membership has also ebbed and flowed following changing interests in horticulture, with membership peaking in 1971 at 239 and the flower shows at one point attracting over 1,000 entries.
Today, members still share a love of gardening, a deep enjoyment in sharing knowledge and a dedication to making communities beautiful, sustainable and livable.
There is, however, a greater emphasis on preserving and restoring the natural environment and on gardening’s contribution to mental health and wellness.
While the horticultural society continues the time-honoured tradition of hosting flower shows and workshops, its community beautification projects (maintaining the gardens at the Hillsburgh library and Victoria Park, as well as the flower boxes on the Trafalgar Road bridge) now include a variety of native, pollinator- and wildlife-friendly plants.
Similarly, our educational seminars focus on topics such as soil health and sustainability, climate change, and the removal of invasive species.
The group also recognizes that gardening has been shown to lower levels of stress and anxiety and is linked to improving mental health.
By adjusting its programs to address changing times, needs and interests, the garden club and horticultural society have maintained a strong membership base, with over 100 paid members in 2023.
They also enjoy support from the community.
The 70th Anniversary event sold out within four days of opening registration to area residents.
Wellington County, Erin Town Council and the OHA have been valuable partners, providing various resources in support of the group’s programs.
Dignitaries from all these groups attended the 70th anniversary event, including the ribbon-cutting for the Hillsburgh library garden (recently expanded, redesigned and planted by HGC members).
Many spoke of the important role that the club plays as part of the fabric of our community.
“We have certainly come a long way from our humble beginnings. Happy 70th Anniversary, Hillsburgh Garden Club! We look forward to what the next 70 years will hold,” club officials said in a media release.
For more information about the Hillsburgh Garden Club, visit our OHA Society webpage: gardenontario.org/society-listing/entry/291 or follow us on Facebook @HillsburghGardenClub.
