On May 24th, 2022, the North Bay Horticultural Society celebrated its 60th anniversary. As a society of the Ontario Horticultural Association, our goal is to encourage horticulture, environmentalism, and gardening topics and activities among our members and the public.
We achieve this by holding meetings to connect with fellow gardeners and inviting the North Bay Master Gardeners and guest speakers. We conduct educational presentations and organize annual plant sales, bus, and field trips. Members enjoy working in our community gardens and participating in workshops. Social media postings of our events and activities have increased our reach. Guest speakers at our meetings have included topics such as Invasive Species, Sustainable Soil Practices in the Home Garden, Northern Wildflowers, Beneficial Insects, Shrink Your Lawn, Water Wise Gardening, Healthy Trees, and more.
Over the years, our members have installed and cared for gardens in many areas of the city. One of the major projects of the first society was the installation of a fountain in front of the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption in 1923 for $290.00.
The lilac bed was installed in 1996 at the waterfront and one of the more recent projects was the installation of the gardens and memorial bench at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice with contributions from the North Bay Master Gardeners. Design and planting were completed at the Dionne Quints Home Museum & the YMCA gardens.
We continue to improve the city by planting at Canadore College and Nipissing University in time for convocation, maintaining the Heritage Waterfront Lilac Garden and the YMCA gardens which were planted this year with the help of the North Bay Explorer Scout group and leaders.
We are proud of our history and grateful for the contributions of many people that have made it possible. We will continue to share our love for gardening and make a positive impact on the environment and beauty of our community.