The native Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed susan) is a much loved flower in local gardens and is the floral emblem of the RDHS. Courtesy Photo

RUSSELL – Since its creation in 1919, the Russell and District Horticultural Society (RDHS) has provided members with an opportunity to socialize while learning about gardening. The RDHS is a member of the Ontario Horticultural Association and to date have 110 members for 2025.

2025 RDHS President Grace Stapper explained there are several goals of the RDHS, which include holding meetings and workshops, promoting outdoor beautification, arranging horticultural competitions and field trips but in her opinion the most important ones are sharing the joy of gardening with gardeners of all ages and promoting outdoor beautification in the community.

The RDHS continues to work collaboratively with stakeholders in the community to ensure its beautification.  Stapper mentioned the society works with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School in Russell. The RDHS provides the materials needed by students in the science program who plant vegetable seeds and the seedlings are then sold at the spring plant sale. She continued how the school continues the annual Living Locally Fair which was begun by the RDHS.

Eco East is another organization which RDHS works with in a collaborative fashion.  Stapper explained the organization partners alongside them in the annual plant sale and has provided a guest speaker for their meetings. More information on Eco East is available on their social media pages or website located at www.ecoeastont.ca.

Throughout their history, RDHS has been ensuring the continued beautification of the community with Strapper mentioning the society spearheaded the building of the dry-stone bridge in Russell’s  MacDougall Park as well as the Children’s Reading Garden at Russell Library and has been involved in their maintenance.

One of the programs organized by the organization is the Russell Junior Gardeners’ program which is sponsored and promoted by the RDHS. Stapper mentioned that this year there are 18 individuals between the ages of 5 to 13 years of age. At the recent Plant Sale on the May long weekend the junior members were able to pick up seeds and plants which they will grow over the summer. At the September RDHS meeting members will be able to view the show entries results by the junior members.

In response to a question as to why people join the RDHS, she commented it is a fun and active group. Members are able to learn about gardening, share ideas as well as participating in the trips and workshops. It is because of the dedication and volunteerism of the membership that the organization is able to continue to provide individuals with the opportunity to learn about plant growing and develop the skills resulting in the beautification of not only their property but also their community.

More information is available on the Facebook page of the RDHS as well as on their website russellgardeners.ca.

 

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