Gardeners, let’s begin with some housekeeping notes. The first meeting of the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society will be on Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sunshine Room at SIGN on North Street. Please note the new meeting day, Wednesday February 18.
It will be great to see everyone again, and new members are always welcome! Remember, too, that Saturday, March 14 is the date of the Prairie Sun Seed Festival, a great, informative day that you’ll really enjoy! Lots of nice events to look forward to!
The Horticultural Society has a fascinating history book, “Our History 1906-1986” compiled in 1986. I have been thumbing through it, so make some tea and I’ll tell you some interesting little factoids about the group. If you and I could go back in time to autumn, 1906, we would see the following in the newspaper: “Horticultural Exhibition to be held in the Town Hall on Friday, September 7, 1906. At a meeting of the members of the Horticultural Society held in the council chamber on Friday evening last, it was decided to have an exhibition of flowers, plans, roots and vegetables in the town hall on September 7, 1906. This exhibition should be well patronized, as this district is admirably adapted for the cultivation of roots and vegetables, and much progress has been made during the present season in cultivation of plants and flowers.” $250 was being offered as prize money — a fortune at that time! Of this $18 was being offered for potatoes. General admission was fifteen cents. With that first attempt, there were over 200 entries. A great success!
In the April 15, 1913 paper, a plan was announced: “Scheme inaugurated for improving appearance of gardens and lots. This was introduced by R.A. Patrick, President of the Board of Trade. Prizes were discussed for most improved lots, best flower and vegetable gardens and the best improved house lawns, displays of roses, sweet peas, perennials for 1914. Committee appointed R.A. Patrick, G. Bradbrooke and T. Lovell. Show planned for September.”
In 1914, the Horticultural Society was given the name “Yorkton Horticultural Society”. Expanding on Mr. Patrick’s idea of beautifying the city, the object of the society was listed as follows: “To collect and distribute information pertaining to horticultural subjects; to organize competitions for horticultural improvements; to interest children in horticulture; to make collections of flowers in the province; and generally encourage in every possible way for improvement and appearance of this city.” All this was aimed at the amateur gardener.
By 1917, potatoes and vegetables were grown by members of the society or the war aid. During this year’s show, a special prize of $5.00 worth of groceries was given to the entrant with the highest points. In 1919, prizes included sacks of flour and oatmeal, ten pounds of butter, as well as cash prizes. Practicality continued into 1920 when a ton of coal was one of the prizes; Yorkton Town Council gave $125 to the society, and on September 2, the Enterprise stated that the 1920 show was “the greatest show”. And in 1928, when the town council applied for city charter, horticultural society members decorated the platform for the official ceremony.
What vision and perseverance from these early gardeners, and what support given by the City to this fledgling group. And now, a hundred and some years later, the group still enthusiastically pursues those objectives that encourage interest in gardening. Wow.
Happy Valentine’s Day to my sweetheart, Keith, and to all of you! Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea! Have a great week!
