By Tina Brajic
CALEDONIA — Haldimand Horticultural Society (HHS) proudly commemorated its 40th anniversary by planting two native tulip trees in the Caledonia area on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
The first of the tulip trees was planted at the Caledonia Fairgrounds and the second tree, planted by the Green Gardians – the youth arm of HHS – was planted at the Caledonia Old Mill grounds. Throughout the years, other commemorative trees have been planted at the Hagersville and Selkirk parks, the Caledonia Fairgrounds, and Kinsmen Park in Caledonia.
Since HHS was incorporated in 1984 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, it has become an increasingly active community group in the Haldimand area. Bruce Edwards was the inaugural president from 1985-1986, with meetings initially held at Oneida Public School.
Longstanding member Dawn Suter shared the history of the HHS dahlia logo: “The original dahlia selected to represent HHS was called the ‘Hamilton Lillia’, developed by Glen Hamilton, a dahlia grower from Greensville who named it after his wife, Lillian.”
There are currently about 115 members of HHS, with the monthly meetings held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and including a guest speaker.
“We have a great society – lots of friendly, dedicated members who work together to promote the society,” said current HHS President Barb Wilson, adding there are many benefits to joining. “Volunteering to help with the community gardens each spring and summer is a great opportunity to meet new friends, learn about plants/trees, and to help beautify the community at the same time.”
There are currently about eight members in the Green Gardians youth group, which meets regularly under the leadership of Directors Doreen Scott and Erica Belio for various workshops and to maintain the garden at the Old Mill in Caledonia. Scott states that the youth are a “part of our environmental conscious…. They are enthusiastic, talented, and curious about all things that grow.” Wilson encourages anyone between the ages of 6-16 to join as ”they are the future of HHS.”
When asked what she feels are the biggest changes since HHS’s inception 40 years ago, Wilson notes that “more annual fundraisers are held … and more gardens in the community are maintained by HHS.”
This additional work for HHS also includes two pollinator gardens they created and now maintain, with one at Burke Estates Park and one at LaFortune Park in Caledonia. Considering the costs of such endeavours, Wilson adds, “We are very thankful to Haldimand County for the grants received to beautify our community.”
From its humble beginnings in 1986, with its first annual Flower & Vegetable Show, HHS now boasts a long list of annual events for the community. The events include activities such as the popular Seedy Saturday, Public Garden Plantings, Garden of the Month, Canada Day and Christmas parades, and Wilson’s favourite, the Blooming on the Grand Garden Tour. This year the Garden Tour will be held on June 29 and 30 and will be celebrating Selkirk. For more information on this and other events, or how to become a member, visithaldimandhorticulture.com
Congratulations to HHS on celebrating its 40th Ruby Anniversary!
