Horticulture is the art, science, technology and business of growing plants. It includes the cultivation of food and of non-food crops such as grasses and ornamental trees and plants. It also includes plant conservation, landscape restoration, landscape and garden design, construction and maintenance, and arboriculture.
Horticulturists apply their knowledge, skills and technologies to grow plants. Their work involves propagation and cultivation, with the aim of improving plant growth, yields, quality, nutritional value and resistance to insects, diseases and environmental stresses.
We at the Society support gardening success through education and advice and by working with horticulturists and experts in the community to help you create a masterpiece in whatever size and shape suits you. We work to provide the best and most up-to-date information. We are driven by the belief that as the gardening community grows, the city’s quality of life is enhanced, and so is the environment.
The Society’s vision is “Gardening for Life!” Gardening is an activity that touches many aspects of life: art and design, food and nutrition, health and wellness, urban forestry and the environment, family legacies, neighbourhoods, community and more.
The Stratford and District Horticultural Society was founded in 1878. Our floral emblem is the Iris, which is also the civic flower of Stratford. The Society is vibrant with over 200 members of all ages and horticultural backgrounds.
We are responsible for planting & managing selected annual beds, perennial beds and library plantings around the City of Stratford.
We hold an annual plant sale in May where we sell perennials, annuals and herbs donated by members from their gardens. Numerous design courses are offered throughout the year.
Our Annual Garden Tour – often held the first weekend in July – is a popular event showcasing beautiful local gardens.
If you love horticulture, come join us on the last Monday of the month, 7:30 pm, at the Army Navy Airforce Veterans Hall, 151 Lorne Ave. East, Stratford.
In advance of some regular meetings, at 6:30 pm, informal garden chats are hosted by Master Gardeners and cover a myriad of topics of interest. Please check the Society event calendar for meeting specifics.