GUELPH/ERAMOSA – In March of 1922 the Guelph Township Horticultural Society held its very first meeting in the Guelph City Hall.
There were 94 members who paid membership dues of $1. At the time, Guelph Township had the distinction of being the first township society to be formed in Ontario.
The purpose of the newly formed Guelph Township Horticultural Society was to promote rural beautification and to introduce new horticultural crops and ideas.
To promote rural beautification, the society held meetings with speakers, flower shows, competitions, bus trips, garden tours, tree plantings and the creation of gardens in public spaces. One of the many speakers was the well known nature artist, Robert Bateman.
Bus trips included Cullen Gardens in Whitby and gardens in Niagara Falls.
The society also held flower shows as a way to promote horticultural knowledge. The first flower show was held in August 1922 in the pavilion at Riverside Park. Musical entertainment was provided by the Salvation Army Band at a cost of $15.
In the beginning the society had only one show a year, in August, but a spring, fall and mini-show in June were added over the years. Many shows were held in Marden Public School, but eventually the summer show moved into the township’s equipment garage. The township moved its equipment out and the horticultural society moved its entries in. The many entries from the adults and youth filled the barn.
In the early years, dances were popular after the summer shows. In 1934, a dance was held and lunch was served. Admission was 25 cents. In 1936, a dance was held and to make extra money ice cream, pop and hotdogs were sold. These are just two of the many dances that followed the summer shows.
Not only were there competitions at flower shows but there also were lawn and garden competitions. Farmers were encouraged to cut brush from around their homes and to plant peonies instead. To encourage more beautiful school yards, tulip bulbs and peony roots were given to the eight township schools.
The society also had a public planting committee which organized and planted many trees in Marden Park thus adding to the beauty of the park. Trees were often planted to commemorate special events.
In 1953, this society was given a gift of acorns, gathered from the grounds of Windsor Castle from the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth ll. Even the Queen contributed to the beautification of Guelph Township.
A Memory Lane was created in Marden Park where trees are planted to commemorate members of our horticultural society who have passed on.
Until recently our society had a strong youth program. Members entered our society’s shows as well as OHA competitions. In 1996, at the OHA convention in Hamilton, our youth won the most points in the province. Regulation and creative gardens were a popular activity. Seeds,layout and instructions were provided for the regulation gardens, but youth could use their imaginations with the creative gardens. We are grateful for the work and effort put in by the youth leaders.
Our society’s most recent project is the Marian Brennan Enabling Garden. It was made possible by a bequest from a long time member, Marian Brennan. It opened officially in 2011 behind the Marden Community Centre. The garden is a delight to all the senses and in addition to plants, contains benches, a shade structure, a gazebo, a bubbling rock, garden art and a shed with a living roof. This garden has turned a plain, nondescript area behind the Marden Community Centre into a place of beauty.
Our society celebrated the 100th Anniversary in several ways. A commemorative Tulip Tree was planted in the park. A strawberry social was held, in June, in the Enabling Garden. Entertainment was provided by The Fair Wind, a Celtic quartet. In September we celebrated with a catered dinner followed by an oral presentation on the history of our society.
We have had a busy and productive 100 years. We can be proud of the fact that from our first meeting in March 1922 we have made our homes, parks and public spaces, places of beauty. As our society moves into the future, let us continue to make our township and our world a more beautiful place.
– Submitted by the Guelph Township Horticultural Society
