The Activities of The Ottawa Horticultural Society Over Its History
The Society staged exhibits by well-known local amateur gardeners of the day such as R. B. Whyte. The Dominion Horticulturist for Canada, Dr. W. T. Macoun, was an active supporter as well as serving as President of the Society for one year. Dr. Macoun would bring new plants and display them for information to gardeners.
In 1897 Lord Aberdeen, then Governor General of Canada, took an active interest in the Society and became the first Honorary Patron. Many of Canada's Governors General have been Patrons of the OHS.
The Society began immediately to cultivate knowledge of horticulture in Ottawa. In 1893 it published a pamphlet that listed the best annuals, perennials, and vegetables for the Ottawa region. It published pamphlets describing how to grow flowers and vegetables; it distributed seeds and offered substantial prizes. By 1903 junior gardeners were receiving special attention. Geranium slips were given to the juniors with prizes for the best shaped plants and the most flowers. In 1916 the book "Ottawa, A City of Gardens" was published for the society by R.B. Whyte.
The early members also aimed at the beautification of Ottawa and, working without a city Parks and Recreation Department, undertook many projects that would now be considered the responsibility of local government. One major project undertaken with the Parks Commission before the turn of the 20th century was the planning of plantings for the west bank of the Rideau Canal. The canal was then nothing more than a ditch with a beaten tow-path alongside, as the masonry walls had not yet been built, except at the locks. Beautification of the canal banks was an important improvement for the city.
During the First World War the Society formed a Vacant Lot Association. It developed many wartime gardens, provided seeds, plants, labour (if needed), and instructional lectures to demonstrate how to "Grow Food and Help Win the War". After the war the Society re-focused on its beautification projects.
The Great Depression of the 1930s saw the Society assisting in the "Relief Gardens for the Unemployed". Fostered by necessity, home gardens and public allotments achieved great importance.
During World War II OHS members procured public lands, paid for ploughing and tools, and provided "know-how" for what were known as "Victory Gardens".
The Society presented the first official street tree policy to Ottawa city politicians and did much to promote the adoption of the trillium as the floral emblem of Ontario. Two OHS members helped found the Ontario Horticultural Association in 1906.
Today the OHS continues to present an annual series of lectures and flower shows. It also publishes a newsletter for its members and carries out community beautification projects.
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