Horticultural clubs sowing seeds for green thumbs

The West Island has long been home to a throng of gardening enthusiasts who are fond of cultivating their green thumb. That passion has led to the creation of a number of groups where they can share their affinity for all things horticultural. “It’s a great way to meet people with a common interest and to exchange ideas,” said Mary-Jill Quinlan, president of the Pointe Claire Horticultural Society. “It’s part of our nature to nurture; that’s what gardening is,” she reflected.

The society is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, and is the oldest of its kind in these environs. Its members take part in a series of activities year-round. “We held our annual Rose and Bloom competition a few weeks ago, and July 12 is our next garden tour, when members open their homes to others. We also recently visited the Botanical Gardens. “In spring we have a plant sale, and in the fall there’s a plant exchange between members, where they can trade up or down.”

Their regular meetings feature knowledgeable guest speakers and demonstrations.

For information, call 514-695-1305 or visit ww.pteclairehort.org.

Founded in 1954, the Dorval Horticultural Society meets at the community centre from September through April to hear guest speakers share their expertise on gardening techniques and trends. “We recently had a talk on growing clematis, as well as one on ‘guerilla gardening,”’ president Linda Cutler said, adding, that practice encourages individuals take it upon themselves to transform a patch of fallow land or neglected city plot it into a mini-green space, plant by plant.

The group held its perennial plant sale on Victoria Day weekend, and will soon embark on a bus trip to the Ottawa region, “where we will visit some special gardens in that area,” Cutler said, adding, “we’re also planning our next tour of members’ gardens. “Something new we’ve introduced is a ‘wish list,’ of plants people would like to have.”

For more information, call 514-633-4000.

The Beaconsfield Garden Club also takes a summer hiatus from its monthly meetings. Their last speaker in May discussed “Green Solutions to Pest.”

Members toured one another’s properties last Sunday, and in August the club will host its eighth fundraising tour for the West Island Palliative Care Residence and NOVA.

Their first meeting of the coming season will be in September, when members will learn about saving seeds.

For information visit beaconsfieldgardenclub.ca.

With roughly 300 households, the Hudson Garden Club is one of the largest in Canada. Its history can be traced back to the years following the Second World War, when it was founded as the Lake of Two Mountain Garden Club.

Its itinerary includes a flower show July 18 at St. James United Church, and a garden tour in August. A fall sale of perennials will be held in September at Finnegan’s Market. Members meet the third Tuesday of each month from March to November.

For more information, visit hgc.fsheq.com. <@Cp>Chronicle, Jacques Pharand<@$p>