By Tina Brajic
CALEDONIA — A rainy spring day was the perfect backdrop for the eighth annual Haldimand Horticultural Society (HHS) Seed and Garden Show held at the Riverside Exhibition Centre on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The popular garden show was a hive of activity with close to 375 people attending to enjoy the over 60 local vendors, free seed exchange, community groups, native plants and workshops. A discounted entry fee was offered with a donation to the Caledonia and District Food Bank.
HHS President Barb Wilson was quick to thank the current chair of the Seed and Garden Show, Elsie Eubank, for the success of the event.
CALEDONIA—These HHS volunteers welcomed guests: (standing, l-r) Brenda Taylor, Elsie Eubank, Chair of the event, (seated) Amanda Wagner and Janet Hoerdt. 
CALEDONIA—Lynne Stevenson and Muriel Currie were excited to swap seeds. 
CALEDONIA—Blayke W. (7) had fun “rocking out “ 
CALEDONIA—HHS members Annika Griffin and Barbara Jean Garvie sold tickets for the moss art painting. —Haldimand Press photo by Tina Brajic.
“I am fortunate to have great executive and board members who are dedicated to the HHS and work hard to ensure the continued success of the society. We appreciate the many members and secondary school students who have volunteered their time this year to help with the Seed and Garden Show,” said Wilson. “Our event really brings the community together – a spring garden show can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Many of the non-profit organizations attending were focussed on sharing knowledge of how to protect and keep our pollinators and beneficial insects thriving. Some easy things we can do are plant native species, avoid pesticides, and let nature do its thing.
Joanna Paul, Outreach and Education Volunteer for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, brought a Bald Faced Hornet’s nest to display. These hornets “make their nests high in the trees and have a job to do. They are great at eating other pests.” According to the Xerces Society website, the Society “is a trusted source for science-based information and advice and plays a leading role in promoting the conservation of pollinators and many other invertebrates. We collaborate with people and institutions at all levels and our work to protect bees, butterflies, freshwater mussels and other invertebrates encompasses all landscapes. ”
Many people enjoy inviting birds to their home feeders, and in celebration of National Wildlife Week, Paul Oliver of the Urban Nature Store, provided an informative workshop on “Attracting Wild Birds to Your Backyard.” When asked what one of his best tips was, he suggested providing a “high quality bird seed such as sunflower hearts as all birds eat it.” He also shared that the most important time to feed birds is during the March-May timeframe as the migratory birds are returning and the female birds like to stay close to their nests to protect their young. Other great tips to attract wild birds to your backyard include having a fresh water source available for them and a place for them to feel safe from predators – they love cedars and evergreens.
To round off the workshop offerings was a “Growing with Hemp” presentation by the Fancy Farmerettes.
Many guests will be looking forward to celebrating the seeds that they’ve sown in their garden and welcoming back the pollinators. Happy gardening!
For upcoming events and further information visit: haldimandhorticulture.com.
