Who we are

  • Our Goals

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

  • Our History

          The Bobcaygeon and District Horticultural Society established in 1922, continues to be one of the oldest organizations existing in Bobcaygeon. The founding members met originally to help one another plan and establish their own personal gardens. They exchanged perennial plants and shared their horticultural knowledge of the area.

          As a member of the Ontario Horticultural Association we embrace the following objectives:

    • to encourage an interest in horticulture,
    • to learn about gardening from informed sources,
    • to beautify our community,
    • to promote the protection of the environment, and
    • to enjoy the fellowship of members with the same interests.

         Over the years, the Bobcaygeon & District Society has become increasingly involved in community gardening and public education initiatives.

          Approximately 30 public gardens in the village are planted and maintained by scores of volunteers every year. Hanging flower baskets, bridge containers and street planters are purchased and tended annually. Winter decorations and seasonal wreaths are created and installed in the late autumn.

          We offer advice, judge private gardens and write a garden column on a regular basis.

          BHS is proud of its Children?s Pioneer Garden program. This is a joint venture between the BHS, Kawartha Settlers' Village, Bobcaygeon Public School and the local Food Bank. Each year local Grade 3 students learn how to revitalize soil, plant seeds and maintain a pioneer garden until the end of June. At that point, BHS volunteers maintain and harvest the produce, donating it to the local food bank.

          In addition to these Village activities, our Society holds regular information meetings at the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall on Joseph Street every third Thursday of the month excluding December, January, July and August. The meetings start at 7:00 pm with a Meet and Greet session followed by our meeting and guest speaker. An informative newsletter is always provided. The meetings may also include flower shows and photography competitions.

         Our fundraising initiatives are an important part of our organization. We host Plant Sales, a Summer Tea, Educational Workshops, and a Garden Tour to raise the funds needed to maintain our Village Beautification projects.

          We are strong supporters of the local Environmental Action Coalition, The Bobcaygeon Farmers' Market started in 2010 and The Beautify Our Bobcaygeon Citizens? Committee which formed in 2009.

          Whether you live permanently in Bobcaygeon or reside here seasonally, we welcome new members. Our annual membership fee is $15.00 per person. We want BHS to remain a strong and vital component of our community.

          Please join our organization, enjoy the camaraderie and learn about Bobcaygeon and District gardening and the beautification of the community in which we love to live and play.