About Us

Come grow with us!

Our History

The formation of the Amherstburg Horticultural Society (AHS) was sparked by Dr. Oscar Teeter on April 27, 1906 when he wrote a letter to the editor of the Amherstburg Echo expressing “there are throughout the town innumerable plots of ground which could be vastly improved by making them into nice lawns or flower gardens, and in this way gradually improve the looks of the town and make it a place of beauty which would be inviting to the stranger.” A month later, the Amherstburg Horticultural Society was formed, containing 60 memberships at the cost of $1 per family.

Over the years, the Amherstburg Horticultural Society has organized an enormous number of events and programs and is responsible for some of the many public gardens and treed landscapes enjoyed by the community. From flower shows to garden tours, from educational workshops to plant sales, from public garden beds to thousands of tree plantings, the AHS has remained consistent in the pursuit of enhancing the natural beauty of the Town of Amherstburg and Dr. Teeter’s vision: ”… we can form a live society which will do something for the town, as has been done in other towns with not one-half the natural advantages that the town of Amherstburg possesses.”

Today

Today, the Amherstburg Horticultural Society continues to operate as a non-profit membership organization. Our mission is to promote interest and involvement in all aspects of horticulture, gardening, and environmental best practices in our community. AHS provides a place where all gardening enthusiasts, from first-time gardeners to experienced horticulturists, can pursue their horticultural interests.

AHS is currently involved in a variety of events and programs including our Annual Plant Sale, the Amherstburg Garden Tour, the Trillium Awards, decorating the Town planters for the holiday season, and planting and maintaining two community gardens (one in Navy Yard Park and one in front of Amherstburg Community Services Centre at 320 Richmond St). Proceeds from the various events support AHS programs and public landscape greening projects.

Members of the Amherstburg Horticultural Society enjoy numerous benefits including meeting new people with shared interests, access to informative guest speaker presentations and social events, discounts at participating garden centers, learning and developing new skills, opportunities to exchange plants, seeds and bulbs, and opportunities to contribute to the beautification and natural preservation of our community!

AHS is a member of the Ontario Horticultural Association
https://gardenontario.org/

Join Us

Joining the Amherstburg Horticultural Society is a great way to meet fellow gardeners who share your love of plants. You can exchange tips and ideas, learn new gardening techniques, and make new friends who share your interests. You can also collaborate on community projects, beautifying local areas and contributing to the well-being of the environment. We local group of gardening enthusiasts are dedicated to promoting horticulture, conservation, and environmental responsibility in the community. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider becoming a member of this fantastic organization.

The Trillium Awards

This prestigious award recognizes residents who contribute to the beauty of our community through landscaping, gardening and maintenance of their front yards.

Nominations

Know of a front yard that should be recognized?
Send your nomination to info@aburghortsociety.ca!

(Amherstburg addresses only)

Criteria for Judging

Curb Appeal
Does this property have a good first impression?
Does it contribute to the neighbourhood?
Does it exhibit signs of extra effort?

Design
(Balance, Scale, Rhythm, Proportion, Pattern)
Do trees & shrubs conform to the size of the house &/ property? Do they highlight the house or obscure it?
Are the beds & plantings arranged to a goof affect?
Do the plants, accessories, paths etc. lead the eye around the property?
Are they all the same or do they show some contrast?
Does the design harmonize with the surroundings?
Is the texture in the plants interesting and balanced?
Do you believe this property has all season appeal?

Colour
Is the colour used in the garden pleasing to the eye?
Does the colour improve the basic design?
Does the colour reflect or harmonze with the house?
If there is floral display, is it well balanced and attractive?
Remember, green is a colour.
Maintenance
Does the garden appear to be well maintained? Observe the shrubs, trees, flowers (annual & perennial), edges etc. (Deadheading done, pruning or shaping done, weeding done)
Is the lawn or ground cover weed free? (A dormant lawn will easily show weeds). Is the grass lush and dense?
Is everything clean? Observe the drive, walks, steps, porch, fences, ground covers.

Saving the Environment (Bonus Points)
Plant choices - native or drought resistant.
Watering-eco-friendly system, rain barrel dormant lawn.
Ground Cover - using plants instead of hardscaping.
Garden Beds - use of mulch, thick plantings.
Trees/Shrubs - used for cooling.
Rain Garden - bog type plants at the base of downspouts.

FAQ's

Are you a plant lover living in Essex County, Ontario? If so, you might want to consider joining the Amherstburg Horticultural Society. We local group of gardening enthusiasts are dedicated to promoting horticulture, conservation, and environmental responsibility in the community. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider becoming a member of this fantastic organization.

Joining the Amherstburg Horticultural Society is a great way to meet fellow gardeners who share your love of plants. You can exchange tips and ideas, learn new gardening techniques, and make new friends who share your interests. You can also collaborate on community projects, beautifying local areas and contributing to the well-being of the environment.

The society hosts a range of events throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and garden tours. These events are a great opportunity to learn from gardening experts and gain valuable knowledge that can help you become a better gardener. The society has been in operation since 1906 and has a wealth of knowledge to share.

The society is dedicated to promoting environmental responsibility and conservation efforts in the community. By becoming a member, you can support these initiatives and make a difference in your local area. The society also participates in community projects, such as planting trees and maintaining public gardens.

Joining the Amherstburg Horticultural Society is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in horticulture and gardening. You’ll meet like-minded people, learn from experts, access exclusive plant sales, support conservation efforts, and enjoy fun and social activities. So why not become a member today and start enjoying all the benefits that this fantastic organization has to offer?