Creemore Hort Society preps for 95th year

Congratulations are in order as the Creemore Horticultural Society enters its 95th year.

This society, totally consisting of volunteers, has provided education to the members and brought beauty to the village in the many gardens and beds that were established and maintained, since 1921. A huge thank you is due to all the former members and directors for their dedicated efforts and their time commitments, to maintain a society and do its work.

And our appreciation also, for the interest shown by the community, its residents and its officials, to support the society and its objectives.

This past year was no exception. The annual May plant sale and July flower show continue to be flagship events for the society. The plant sale is the primary fundraiser for the year, and the three flower shows exhibited the best of the members gardens.

At the monthly general meetings there were exciting and informative speakers who educated the members and guests on horticultural related topics. A bus trip was organized to Whistling Gardens in June, and members from other societies joined in the tour. A competition called Creemore Blooms, was conducted to recognize horticultural gems within the village. Members and their spouses gathered for the annual picnic in August at the Dunedin Hall property, and again at a December social/dinner in the Anglican church hall. A record number of members attended the District 16 AGM near Barrie in April, and two delegates attended the OHA conference in Ancaster. At the Farmers’ Market on Thanksgiving weekend, the Society again organized and successfully sold flower arrangements designed in pumpkin containers.

Besides the annual member fees and fundraisers, the Society was the recipient of a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and a community grant from Clearview Township. The Creemore merchants also are willing supporters and are eager to provide assistance where needed.

The Creemore society is very grateful for this support and the recognition of the work done by the volunteers, to facilitate horticultural events, enlighten the participants, and enhance our environment.

Two individuals that have provided recent leadership need mentioning; David Bruce Johnson and Sherry Wilson. David was an energetic president and accomplished several new initiatives and events, while leading the executive through two terms. David resigned in May, citing other artistic commitments and opportunities competing for his time.

Sherry, an avid gardener, lead the team that designed and cared for the Horticultural Park, and maintained other society beds. Sherry was also the prime organizer of the May plant sale, and turned it into the biggest fundraiser of the society. Sherry and her husband moved to British Columbia in August.

Looking to 2016, there is an exciting program of speakers, events and activities. The traditional annual events, plus some new ideas, are either scheduled or in planning stages.

As I said at the beginning of this report, it is the volunteers who make the society successful. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting involved and making a difference in your community.

Working together with others and seeing a successful end to a project or event, is such a satisfying feeling.

This is your society… make a difference!

Lynn Wilkinson is the chair of the Creemore Horticultural Society.