Markham Garden Club Bio

Planting Seeds and Transplanting Ideas

The Markham Garden and Horticultural Society provides an opportunity through speaker meetings and events, to bring fellow lovers of gardening together. Whether you have a home, community or balcony garden, all one needs is a passion for plants and a desire to become ‘involved’.
 

This year the Markham Garden and Horticultural Society is proudly celebrating its 100th Anniversary. The Society was established in 1920 with 58 members. In its early years, a trial rose garden was sponsored with bushes from California, Ireland, Great Britain and Canada. One of the Society’s Honour Roll of Past Presidents includes Roy H. Crosby, who served in 1940. The group disbanded in 1941 due to WWII, only to reorganize 10 years later. At that time, the Society had increased its membership to 114 gardeners.
 

Meetings are held at 8:00 p.m. at the Markham Village Arena and Community Centre, 6041Highway 7 East, (near Hwy 48 and Hwy 7). Except for December, January and July, the meetings take place on the 4th Monday of the month.
 

Some of the highlights of our special Anniversary year include the following:
 

• Alice Casselman, who will be sharing her knowledge on “Climate Destabilization and Trees”. The same Monday, April 27th meeting will also feature a members’ display entitled, “Celebrating Your Inner Garden”. Curious? Join us to see what it is all about.
   

• Perhaps you are looking for a few perennials to fill a corner of your garden? Whether it is a sun or shade loving variety, you will be sure to find something at our annual Plant Sale, on Saturday, May 23, 9:00 a.m. until sell-out. Location is in the parking lot of the Markham Village Arena and Community Centre.
   

• Murray Thompson (May 25th) is sure to ‘wow’ us with his expertise on “Darling Dahlias”. The June 22nd meeting will highlight a talk entitled, “Berrylicious” by Catherine Kavassalis, a Halton Master Gardener. This talk will be accompanied by our annual Strawberry Tea.
   

• The biennial garden tour, “The Gardens of Markham”, takes place on Sunday, July 12th and is sure to be a highlight, featuring 12 beautiful and unique Markham Gardens of varied aesthetics. These could include large/small gardens, modern/traditional, hardscaping/softscaping, outdoor kitchens, ponds, espalier, water conservations, native plants, containers, vegetable, formal/cottage and a variety of unique garden decor. The gardens on the tour are designed by both professional and home gardeners. The tour is a major fundraiser for the Markham Garden and Horticultural Society.
   

• Our Anniversary Celebration meeting on September 28th has confirmed Denis Flanagan, from Landscape Ontario, who will enlighten us on “100 Years of Gardening in Markham”. Of course, cake will be part of our celebration.
   

All of the above, plus flower design and horticultural shows, refreshments at each meeting, a special Christmas floral design demonstration, and an opportunity to attend our District 5 AGM with 17 societies. During all of the meetings and events, you will gain new insights, information and knowledge. You will be able to mingle with other like-minded individuals, who share your passion for gardening.
 

So how much does all of this cost? Individual membership is $25.00 and family is $35.00 for the year. If the above is not enough of an incentive, how about receiving a 5-10% discount at specified garden retailers with your membership?

What a bargain!
 

We hope we have piqued your interest and you are now thinking about attending a Markham Garden and Horticultural Society meeting or event. We are 100 years ‘young’! Please come out to a meeting or an event, (garden tour), meet some members and help us CELEBRATE!