Strathroy-Caradoc Horticultural Society

 The roots of the Strathroy-Caradoc Horticultural Society (SCHS) date back to 1872.  For many decades it was a strong organization with many members. But as time went on, interest gradually declined until it was DISBANDED IN THE 1930S.  By the 1940’s, only three of the former members remained.  

On May 12, 1944, at a Town of Strathroy Council special meeting, Council members, along with members of the Parks Board Committee, made the decision to REORGANIZE THE SOCIETY.  The Society’s purpose would be “to encourage the planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers on private and public grounds”. The membership fee was set at one dollar and a call was made “for all flower lovers of Strathroy to help in the mission to “make beautiful spots and increase gardens”  (Age Dispatch, June 27, 1944).  

By July 1944, with a membership of 70 people, the Society was officially organized under the authority of “The Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act of the Province of Ontario” (the Act). This legislation provides legal status and direction for agricultural societies, horticultural societies and agricultural associations in the province of Ontario. This legal status imparts eligibility for the Society to apply for grants and benefits from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) .In addition, membership with the Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA est. 1906) was attained.  Today, the OHA represent 270 Horticultural Society’s across the Province.    

The mandate of the Society governed by both the Act:  “to encourage interest, improvement in horticulture and related environmental issues” and the commitment of OHA membership:  “to preserving and restoring Ontario’s natural environment, conservation enhancement as well as dedication to making the communities we live in beautiful, sustainable and livable”, provide the governance of the society. 

SCHS objectives: 

• To maintain community gardens in our community 
• To participate in community events 
• To make financial donations to horticultural projects in the community 
• To assist in youth activities to promote horticulture 
• To convene membership meetings with informative speakers and workshops 
• To respect the theory and practice of horticulture 

In 2019, the SCHS was recognized by the OHA for 75 consecutive years of being an active organization. Although the years of existence before 1944 are not factored in by the OHA, they are an important part of the existence, growth and development and should not be forgotten.  

In 2003, with the amalgamation of the Town of Strathroy and the Township of Caradoc to form the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, the SCHS was renamed as the Strathroy-Caradoc Horticultural Society.

In September 2022, the Society celebrated its’ 150th anniversary with an event open to the community.  Several visual displays of the Society over the years were posted.  A Certificate from the Municipality, commemorating the event, was presented by Mayor Vander Heyden.  District 10 and OHA presidents, Dianne Chute and Charles Freeman, brought their own congratulatory remarks, commending the work done by our society. Past president, Cheryl Losch, shared an insightful presentation on the history of our society, including some never-before-seen photographs associated with our Society.  Guest speaker, Paul Zammit, made an informative, fun and challenging presentation. Gifts were given to our lifetime members, Daryl Bycraft, Joanne Moore, Lyla Clark-Smith, Mary & Casey VanSteensel and Ivan & Marion Picott. Joyce Schlegel, who, earlier this year received the prestigious 2021 OHA Honour Roll Award for the work she has done for the betterment of horticulture both locally and provincially, was recognized as a member of the SCHS.  

• 1972 - On the 100th anniversary of the original Strathroy Society, two memorial trees were planted at the Strathroy Town Hall; an Alamy Crab and a Blue Spruce.  
• 1997 - Organized the replacement of the hedge which lined the sidewalk at the site at the cenotaph.  A black wrought-iron railing was installed, financed by the Strathroy Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion under the supervision of the SCHS.   
• 1997 - Initiated an annual competition to encourage beautiful gardens. Local businesses and institutions were challenged to create the most attractive and best maintained horticultural display for the SCHS “Chrysanthemum Award”. The Chrysanthemum was chosen as the Strathroy Horticultural Society’s floral emblem in 1947. This competition is no longer organized by the SCHS. 
• 1998 - MacKinlay-Paul Park was officially opened with a newly refurbished garden designed to replicate an old fashion park. The Strathroy Horticultural Society was one of the many organizations involved in the project construction and is duly recognized on a plaque in the park. 
• 1998 - Assisted with the construction of three A-frame, wheelchair accessible gardens at the Strathmere Lodge. The raised garden beds allow for ease of planting and make gardening possible for those with physical challenges.  
• 2015 - Donated $5,000 to the Municipality toward the phase 1 installation of gardens at the Strathroy train station parking lot. 
• 2019 – Donated $2,000 to the Municipality toward the rebuild of the newly named Sensory Park at High & Adelaide Streets (sometimes known as the Standpipe Park or the High Street Park).

• Strathroy District College Institute (SDCI) Bursary (given to a graduating student(s) who is enrolled in a horticultural program at a post-secondary institution)
• Community Plant Sales 
• Community Garden Tours 
• Youth Horticultural Program