Mrs. James Boldrick, 1897
STIRLING AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
HISTORY
Founded in 1897
Covered bridge garden, 2003
The Stirling and District Horticultural Society was organized in 1897 with Mrs. James Boldrick acting as President. There were 51 members and the fee was $1 with premiums of shrubs and bulbs.
For over a century, the Society has maintained its position in the community and has constantly promoted the beautification of the village. Each year, hundreds of plants have been planted at the various parks, the Cenotaph, the Cemetery, the Library, the Covered Bridge, the Nursing Home, the Soccer Field and Municipal Buildings.
Mr. JB Belshaw was President for 22 years. In 1975 the Society planted a tree at the Cenotaph in his memory.
Elsie Armstrong remained President for 35 years (1961 – 1996). Elsie dedicated a lot of time and effort towards the Society. She left the members a legacy of gardening knowledge and appreciation. In 1982 Elsie was honored at the Guelph Convention with the Silver Trillium pin. In April 1997 two new flowering crabs were planted at the Cenotaph in memory of Elsie. After Elsie’s passing, Donna Armstrong planted and maintained the Cenotaph beds for many years. Today, members work together to provide this show piece for downtown Stirling.
In 1988, three members (Elsie Armstrong, Glenn Bennett and Lois Bennett) became Certified Master Gardeners and answered many queries for fellow gardeners.
In Stirling today, evidence of tree planting can be found throughout the village.
In the year 2000, our membership was 77, the President was Lois Bennett.
Elsie Armstrong receiving Trillium Award, 1982
In 1988, three members (Elsie Armstrong, Glenn Bennett and Lois Bennett) became Certified Master Gardeners and answered many queries for fellow gardeners.
In Stirling today, evidence of tree planting can be found throughout the village.
In the year 2000, our membership was 77, the President was Lois Bennett.
Over the last several decades, members have enjoyed attending the OHA Conventions, taking horticulturally related bus trips, enjoying garden tours, potluck suppers and our Bring and Brag Auctions. They also organized and participated in the Horticultural Section of the Stirling Fall Fairs.
Lois and Glenn Bennett Life Members, 2013
Our meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at the Stirling Presbyterian Church Hall at 7 p.m.
We have monthly Mini Flower Shows with our meetings.
In 2022, our Society celebrated its 125th Anniversary with Judy Krzyzanowsky as the President. Special events included: planting a Service Berry tree at Farmtown, an Archival Night with the former history presented through drama, dialogue, pictures etc., a garden tour, special flower show, a celebration cake, and unique speakers.
At this time in 2023, we have 5 Life Members (Glenn and Lois Bennett, Donna Armstrong, Sylvia Edgar, and Barb Jones). With dignity and grace, our 2023 President (Caroline Smith) works hard to incorporate people to refine old projects and present new ones.
There is a growing interest in horticulture in Stirling. By having informative speakers each month, it is hoped that questions are answered, and curiosities are aroused. We look forward to gardening throughout the 21st Century.
Thank you to our generous local individuals, organizations and businesses. You help us to continue our efforts in beautifying our community.
PROUD MEMBER OF
