For almost a century, the Stouffville Horticultural Society has been a mainstay of the social calendars for the residents of Stouffville and the surrounding area.  The Society was organized in 1924 under the authority of the provincial Ministry of Agriculture. With the focus on both horticulture and gardening, the early years membership included many local farmers as well as gardeners. Gradually, interest shifted to gardening. In the 1960’s and 70’s women entered the full-time workforce in greater numbers, often in jobs far from Stouffville leaving little time to spend on the upkeep of large gardens. The focus of the Society again changed to reflect that reality.

At the present time, our mission is to educate our members and members of the public, adults and children, on the benefits of maintaining native habitats by planting native trees, shrubs, perennial grasses and flowers while avoiding the need to plant invasive species. With a view not only to attracting and providing sustenance to our native and beneficial insects, but also to create sustainable and time-saving gardens that beautify our community.

Each month, from March to November, on the third Monday of each month, we invite experts to speak on topics of interest to our members.  We also offer various “how-to” workshops, flower show and design competitions, a photography competition, a yearly plant sale, bus trips to visit gardens around southern Ontario, and hold our occasional “Happy Place” event to honor gardeners who have created outstanding gardens, large or small.

We invite you to come and join us. Annual membership is $25 Single, $30 Family and $5 Guests. Join us for one evening and give the club a try, no guest fee for the first meeting. New members must register. To register send an email to June O’Donnell, StouffvilleHortSoc@gmail.com. Membership is payable by cheque or e-transfer to StouffHortSoc1924@gmail.com and must include 2022 membership fee and your name on the message line.

Benefits of membership – some vendors offer our members a discount.  Join us and make new friends. Every month, we offer an array of different speakers and topics about all areas of horticulture from how to raise bees and Monarchs at home, to raising awareness of the importance of migratory birds. Always something new to learn at our meetings!

Show off your horticultural skills with our monthly flower shows! We offer categories on fruits and vegetables, roses, flowering shrubs, and more. If you want to step out of the box a little and try your hand at designing, we offer clever and fun design categories for you to chose from as well as a novice and youth category. Winners are rewarded at the Annual General Meeting in November.

We love to get out and explore gardens and shops all around Southern Ontario. Each year we come up with great bus trips that include shopping, meals, and beautiful sights to see!