Locals have proved that Minto is not only a place where your family belongs, but a garden as well.
The group was recently recognized for its longstanding service to Minto.
Mayor David Anderson said council is honouring the group for its milestone.
Margaret Reidt, representing the Harriston and District Horticultural Society read some passages from the organization’s history book.
“The Harriston and District Horticultural Society is one of 286 societies in all of Ontario, and the Ontario Horticulture Association is mapped into 19 districts and is a branch of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.”
She noted that on Feb. 2, 1952, Mrs. Thomas Aitken, president of the Beehive Women’s Institute, invited local people who were interested in horticulture to a meeting. William Brown, organizer of District 7 and others attended to form a slate of officers.
Reidt said of the first board membership was 125 people.
In 1953, a red maple tree was planted in the community’s park as a Coronation Tree.
At the annual meeting in 1955, it was reported that the Queen’s Oaks, sent from the Royal Botanical Gardens in London England, were planted.
One was planted at the cenotaph park, two at the community centre, two at the veteran’s plot at the cemetery, and one at the IODE park.
In 1961, a junior horticulture society was formed, which included 15 members.
Membership this year is 204.
Anderson offered his congratulations to the group.
“Every year, you see a bit more of what this group does for the municipality – all the work you do, it’s all volunteer.
“What really shows off is the flowers and gardens in the parks.
He also cited the annual garden festival which has grown.
“You’re quite an asset to this municipality. It shows when the flowers come out.”
Anderson said that he too, is is member “though not a very active one.”
He suggested that while he spends his $7 a year for membership, “I think I’d even be willing to spend $10.”
One of the group suggested, “Well, give us $10 – and your wife can be a member too.”
The certificate is acknowledgement of council for its long-standing service to the community since 1952.
Anderson said a number of the members are also involved in the local Communities in Bloom committee as well.
