The goals of our Society are to encourage interest and improvement in horticulture,

• by holding meetings respecting the theory and practice of horticulture;
• by encouraging the planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers on public and private grounds;
• by promoting balcony and community gardening and outdoor beautification;
• by arranging field trips, contests, competitions and exhibitions related to horticulture and awarding prizes;
• by distributing seeds, plants,bulbs,flowers,trees, and shrubs;
• by promoting the protection of the environment;
• by promoting the circulation of horticultural information through any media;
• by promoting the benefits of therapeutic horticulture; and
• by stimulating an interest in the study of horticulture.

      The Bobcaygeon Horticultural Society was founded in the year 1922, by a small group of gardeners who met to help each other plan and establish their gardens by exchanging perennial plants and generally sharing their knowledge of ‘what grows’ in this Zone 4 area. Bobcaygeon was a small village then, located between Pigeon Lake on the east and Sturgeon Lake on the west and noted mostly for its summer resorts and good fishing.

      We have history books going back to those days, showing members planning and planting around town much as we do today. The number of members in the Society has always been flexible, growing and declining over the years. Due to the growth of our town, membership has grown to 123 enthusiastic members who volunteer willingly for all the plantings and events throughout the year.

      A number of gardens around town are planted and maintained each year by the Society, as well as the many hanging baskets along our main streets. Our Junior Division is still in full swing. The “Children’s Pioneer Garden” located in Kawartha Settlers’ Village is a joint project between the Horticultural Society, the Kawartha Settlers’ Village, the Bobcaygeon Public School and the Food Bank was started in 2003 and is planted and maintained by the Grade 3 students. The harvest is donated to the Food Bank. This program will once again be handled by the Grade 3 students in 2006.

      In 2004 two more projects were introduced by the Horticultural Society to the students of Bobcaygeon Public School. The Grade 4 students participated in creating individual herb planters which were taken home on Mother’s Day. This project will also be done in 2006. In September of 2004, the Grade 5 students created six scarecrows, complete with profiles, for the Children’s Pioneer Garden at Settlers’ Village and these scarecrows were featured in the 2004 Haunted Village and Festival of Trees activities which took place at Settlers’ Village. The scarecrows were put in storage for the winter and in May of 2005 several reappeared in the Children’s Garden with the remaining numbers returning in the Fall of the year to once again participate in the Haunted Village and Festival of Trees activities.

      For the year 2006 we have booked exceptional speakers for our meetings which will take place at Knox Presbyterian Church on Joseph Street the third Thursday of the month from February to June and September to November, 7:00 pm. At our meeting on April 20th we are most fortunate to have obtained Dennis Flannagan of HGTB, as a guest speaker. The meeting will start at 7:30 and is open to members and the general public, admission will be $5.00 per person. In 2005 we introduced a “meet & greet” time with refreshments available between 7:00 and 7:30. Annual membership is $15.00 per person.

      In addition to our regular meetings, there is our Annual Plant Sales, Flower Shows, Annual Garden Tour and Summer Flower Show and Summer Tea listed on our Meetings & Special Events section. In 2004 we obtained office space adjacent to the OPP Office at the locks. We have turned this space into a resource centre with reference books and gardening and outdoor magazines. From May to September this space is open to the public on Saturdays and is staffed by a volunteer from the Horticultural Society with a view to assisting with any gardening questions. The public is encouraged to drop in and review the material available. Books may be taken out on loan and magazines are available.

      As in 1922, our aim is still the same, to learn about gardening from informed sources and from each other, to beautify our town and to enjoy the fellowship of members who have the same interests. We encourage everyone to come out and join us. New members are always welcome.