Our history

In 1872, Strathroy’s Horticultural Society was born, and for many decades, was a strong organization with many members.

(photo of 1870-era wheelbarrow courtesy of Museum Strathroy-Caradoc)

As time went on, interest gradually declined and the Society was disbanded sometime in the 1930s. By the 1940s, only three of the former members were left. 

On Friday, May 12, 1944, a special meeting of the Strathroy Council was held to reorganize the Strathroy Horticultural Society. The membership fee was set to 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)  

Just one month later, D-Day! (photo courtesy of Museum Strathroy-Caradoc)

By July 27, 1944 (one month later), membership reached seventy people and the Society became an official organization; eligible to receive grants and benefits from the provincial department and register with the Ontario Horticultural Association.  The Society’s purpose was to encourage the planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers on private and public grounds.

In 1947, the Chrysanthemum was chosen as the Strathroy Horticultural Society’s floral emblem.  

The Strathroy Horticultural Society decorated this float, under the direction of Harry Grundy, for the Strathroy Victory in Europe (VE) parade to Alexandra Park in 1945.

The sign says, "Home Sweet Home".

In 1972, on our 100th anniversary, two memorial trees were planted at the Town Hall, an Alamy Crab and a Blue Spruce. 

We weren't recognized officially as an organization until 1944 but did exist before then. 

On July 9, 1995, we hosted our first annual garden tour. About 130 people toured 11 gardens.

In 1997, the Society put up a new feature at the cenotaph beside the Town Hall. A black wrought-iron railing was installed to replace a hedge, which lined the sidewalk at the site. The Strathroy branch of the Royal Canadian Legion financed the project and the Society supervised the erection of the railing. 

We initiated an annual event in 1997 to encourage beautiful gardens and started presenting the Chrysanthemum Award to  the business or institution with the most attractive and best maintained horticultural display. 

On June 14, 1998, MacKinlay-Paul Park was officially opened with a newly refurbished garden designed to replicate an old-fashioned park. The Strathroy Horticultural Society was one of the many organizations involved in the project. -

In 1998, the Society helped construct three A-frame wheelchair accessible gardens at Strathmere Lodge. The raised garden beds, which can be used to produce both flowers and vegetables, allow for ease of planting and make gardening possible for those with physical challenges. It has always been the Society’s philosophy that anyone should be able to garden.